Creative Landscaping in the Desert
Saurabh Kouvaritakis
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Desert landscaping seems a contradictive term. After all, can a place that is dry, arid, dusty, and hot, really sprout anything more than a cactus? Strangely enough, yes, it can. As hot as the days can get in desert areas, the nights can be cold, so desert landscaping is a challenge of finding a com 
bination of plants that can survive both such extremes in climate.
Climate Challenges of Desert Landscaping
Why do you think that cacti survive so well in desert areas? Because, unknown to many, they can endure extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. Other plants similarly able to tolerate such extreme conditions are evergreens, so they are also a good choice for the desert landscaping project you are undertaking.
To ensure that you purchase the correct type of plants suitable for desert landscaping, it is advised to do so from a nursery close by to wherever the desert landscaping project is situated as ordering seeds from the Internet or by mail may result in your wasting money on unsuitable plants. Worse still, if this is not realized in time, you could end up wasting valuable time and energy on cultivating them only to discover that they die when the weather gets hotter or colder.
Water Problems Posed by Desert Landscaping
One of the greatest problems faced by desert landscaping professionals is finding plants that do not require a lot of water. Restrictions cited by local municipalities can hamper even the best efforts of a gardener or landscaper so it's important to confirm that there is a suitable water source accessible to you. When you have sorted out the water issue, there are several possibilities at hand as to how to water: with a hose yourself, using a sprinkler system on a timer, or an irrigation system. Of course, each of these has advantages and disadvantages: using a hose requires time and for you to physically be there which, in very hot weather, may be uncomfortable; a sprinkler system can be used in your absence, but may be pricier to install; and an irrigation system which drips water slowly, will not be suitable for large grassy areas as there will be places the water does not reach.
Climate Challenges of Desert Landscaping
Why do you think that cacti survive so well in desert areas? Because, unknown to many, they can endure extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. Other plants similarly able to tolerate such extreme conditions are evergreens, so they are also a good choice for the desert landscaping project you are undertaking.
To ensure that you purchase the correct type of plants suitable for desert landscaping, it is advised to do so from a nursery close by to wherever the desert landscaping project is situated as ordering seeds from the Internet or by mail may result in your wasting money on unsuitable plants. Worse still, if this is not realized in time, you could end up wasting valuable time and energy on cultivating them only to discover that they die when the weather gets hotter or colder.
Water Problems Posed by Desert Landscaping
One of the greatest problems faced by desert landscaping professionals is finding plants that do not require a lot of water. Restrictions cited by local municipalities can hamper even the best efforts of a gardener or landscaper so it's important to confirm that there is a suitable water source accessible to you. When you have sorted out the water issue, there are several possibilities at hand as to how to water: with a hose yourself, using a sprinkler system on a timer, or an irrigation system. Of course, each of these has advantages and disadvantages: using a hose requires time and for you to physically be there which, in very hot weather, may be uncomfortable; a sprinkler system can be used in your absence, but may be pricier to install; and an irrigation system which drips water slowly, will not be suitable for large grassy areas as there will be places the water does not reach.