Have you ever wondered how to make your backyard look great without spending much money? Well, we’re here to show you some simple and inexpensive desert landscaping ideas that you can easily do yourself.
Cacti
Cacti are a classic desert landscaping element. These plants have a natural flair and are easy to maintain. If you have a yard, or are thinking about starting a new one, cacti and succulents can transform your landscape and bring the beauty of the desert into your home.
Unlike many other landscaping ideas, cacti require little water and low maintenance. With their diverse shapes, colors, and textures, cacti and succulents can create a visually impressive and functional space.
Depending on your personal preference, you can choose to plant them in containers or just in the ground. Planting cacti together is a great way to fill in a large space and add an instant focal point. For the ultimate cactus garden, paint pots to create a unique vessel for the plant.
Another popular way to landscape with cacti is to use artificial topography. You can create this look using gravel or rocks. Gravel can be used as a wash during the rainy season and also as a base for your cacti.
A cactus is a great addition to any yard. They can be planted in various places, but a good choice would be in the center of a sand-colored pebbles.
Another low-maintenance idea is to make a man-made pond or swing with old tires. Old wheelbarrows or barrels can be converted into plant holders.
Large cacti are a great way to make a splash in a backyard or a poolside oasis. The Bunny Ear cactus, for example, is a great drought-tolerant choice that will add height and color to your space. Its prickly spines make for a cool contrast, and its small white spines give it a touch of fun.
Pergolas
A pergola can be a great way to define your outdoor living space. This small yet functional structure can serve as a focal point, a seating area, a shaded walkway, or an entertainment area.
Pergolas are generally freestanding, though they can be attached to the house or a deck. They provide a shaded outdoor area, and can be made of wood, metal, or aluminum. They can also be decorated with lights and other ornamental elements, like hanging baskets full of ferns.
Adding a pergola to your yard can be a great way to make your garden more beautiful. You can find plans for building your own, or you can buy a kit.
Pergolas are also useful for keeping your home from getting too hot during the summer. When used in combination with a gazebo, it can act as an extension of your home.
You may want to consider adding a fire pit to your pergola. This will not only heat up your patio, but it will also keep you warm during cold nights. It can also add to your privacy.
Whether you want to make a stylish addition to your yard, or you simply want to create a more comfortable place to entertain friends, a pergola is a good choice. Choosing a style that matches your home’s style is important, and the materials you use to build it will determine its appearance.
The best pergolas are designed to provide protection from sun and rain. There are many different types of wood you can choose from, such as cedar, red cedar, or teak. Make sure that you seal the wood after you build it to ensure that it will last.
Firepits
If you are looking to add a little style and color to your outdoor area, firepits are an excellent way to do so. They are not only easy to construct, but also inexpensive. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners who are looking to build an attractive outdoor space.
To start your project, you’ll want to determine the size and shape of your fire pit. This will help you determine how much material you’ll need. You’ll also need to ensure it is located near a wall or fence.
If you don’t have enough space to construct a full-scale fire pit, you can create one on a small scale. Using bricks and paver stones, you can form a basic circular fire pit.
You can also use flat paver stones for a more decorative look. These can be bought at any home improvement store. You can use cement to hold the stones together.
A round brick fire pit can be floored with pebbles, lava rocks, or even varnished wood. You can also stack concrete pavers in a circle to create a stylish firepit.
When you’re finished, you can sit back and enjoy the warmth and beauty of your new outdoor oasis. If you plan on using your fire pit for cooking, stock up on grease-cutting soap and steel wool.
Choosing a fire pit can be difficult, but once you have decided on the design you’d like, you can start construction. You may want to hire a contractor to do the work for you.
To give your pit a little extra flair, consider adding a water feature. Old tires make great man-made ponds, and antique wheelbarrows can be used as plant holders.
Dry creek beds
Dry creek beds are an excellent way to change an arid yard. The arid climate of the Southwest is harsh on traditional lawns. However, some cities offer rebates for drought-resistant plants. These include aloe, sage, mesquite, bottle brush, and yucca.
These native plants are highly adaptable to a variety of climates. They come in a variety of colors and are suitable for a desert landscape. You can find the perfect plant for your yard by checking with your local nursery.
Using a dry stream bed is a great way to save water and add visual appeal to your arid landscape. This is a low-maintenance landscaping idea.
One of the easiest ways to create a water feature is to install a small stream. You can use river rocks or pea gravel to fill your dry stream bed. To keep your design interesting, consider adding a small twisting stream to your dry creek bed.
Another low-maintenance landscaping concept is a raised bed. A raised bed is a raised area in the ground that is covered with gravel. It is a great way to create a verdant oasis and allows for vegetable gardening in the desert.
If you want to add some color to your arid landscape, consider using bark. Bark is a natural material and can be found in various colors. In addition, it can add a unique texture to your landscape.
Besides providing a great visual effect, bark also helps break up the brown color of your landscape.
In the desert, it’s important to think of all the little details when it comes to creating a landscaping masterpiece. For example, a gazing ball or an umbrella can be a fun and quirky addition to your garden. Similarly, small hills or boulders can add drama and pizazz to your arid landscape.
Succulents
Succulents are a great way to liven up any desert landscape. They add long-lasting color, drought-tolerant properties, and a variety of shapes and sizes. There are many different plants that you can choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your tastes.
If you’re looking for ways to enhance your backyard, try adding a few cactus succulent plants. Cacti and succulents come in a variety of shapes, colors, and planters. You can place them in your front yard, on a walkway, or along an alley. These garden features can tell a story, and are a great way to make your space more unique.
If you have a short wall, you can add potted plants to the top of it. This is a low-maintenance idea, as well. In addition to adding color, you’ll be able to provide a refuge for local birds.
Another low-maintenance idea is to use blown glass yard art. You can find these pieces at nurseries, and they will give your yard a luxurious feel.
Another low-maintenance idea for your backyard is to create a stepping stone using wood slices. Using gravel or other types of stones can help blend the natural look of your landscaping.
Another low-maintenance plant is the Flaming Katy, a colorful succulent that is both easy to care for and adds a vibrant pop to your landscaping.
For a striking centerpiece, consider placing a large Saguaro cactus. These giant plants add depth to your yard and surrounding buildings. The flowers are colorful, and the sturdiness of the cactus makes them stand out in the landscape.
Another inexpensive desert landscaping idea is to combine several smaller succulents. By planting them around a large cactus, you’ll be able to fill a large area without overplanting.