Looking for inexpensive desert landscaping ideas? Read on for some of the top landscaping ideas on a budget.
Is your backyard lush, green, and healthy? If so, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. For those who live in arid locations, establishing a healthy green lawn is a bit of a long shot – to say the least.
While this is true, it doesn’t mean it is impossible to create a beautiful, aesthetic outdoor area. Even better, there are plenty of inexpensive desert landscaping ideas to try.
Are you interested in learning more? If so, read on to find some of the best modern desert landscaping ideas available.
Use White Gravel and Tapestry
White gravel and tapestry are an excellent combination. It can help to transform your outside space into something pretty and appealing.
By combining these two elements, you can create a space that is more conducive to using, as well. Remember, if you have a desert landscape, the goal is to use materials together that help highlight the beauty of the outdoor space you have.
Choose Local Plants
When you choose plants that grow in your area already, you can make the most of the soil you have rather than purchasing expensive fertilizers. For desert landscaping, try to find plants that don’t require much water. Also, plant them together in bunches, which can help create a lush look and feel.
While the specific plants you use will depend on where you live, some of the most common desert plants to consider include:
- Agave
- Sage
- Aloe
- Bottlebrush
- Yucca
If you need more local recommendations, speak to someone at a local nursery. They can provide more insight into what you should and should not plant while designing your outdoor area.
Add Rocks and Stones To the Space
Desert rock landscaping is a popular option for arid yards. Even better, these are incredibly low-maintenance and cost virtually nothing since you can easily find all types of stones and rocks lying around. Try mixing colors, shapes, and sizes to create a unique aesthetic that works with the space you have.
If you decide that finding rocks on your own isn’t a good idea, you can purchase them online or at your local nursery.
Add Decorative Pots To the Space
When designing your outdoor area, whether around the front door or creating desert pool landscaping, pots can go a long way in improving the aesthetics.
The truth is, decorative pots are an affordable way to revamp your outside space, making it more enjoyable and comfortable. You can find all types and sizes of decorative pots, which allow you to add dimension and texture to the area.
Create a Cactus Bed
If you live in the desert, why not embrace a classic desert element – cacti. You can start with sand-colored pebbles, which are the ideal base, and then plant several different types of cacti throughout your yard.
To add a bit of that old-West style, consider getting a fake cow skull. Other options to help enhance your desert scene include dried-out tree trunks and petrified wood. All these elements will work well together to create more visual appeal for the space.
Use Artificial Turf
Even if you live in an area where it is possible to grow a natural lawn, maintaining it comes at a price. It also requires ongoing maintenance, including fertilizing, filling in empty areas, weeding, and mowing.
If you want to save money and time, you should consider having artificial turf installed. This surface is made of synthetic fibers that look like actual grass. Artificial turf helps you save water, is considered an eco-friendly option, and is easy to maintain.
While artificial turf does require an initial investment of between $5 and $20 per square foot with installation, once it is installed, it will last for 15 to 25 years if you maintain it properly.
Add Edible Plants To Your Landscape
Improving the desert setting of your yard can take time, but you have a lot of options. Another option to consider is adding edible plants to the yard.
Not only are these plants nice to look at, but most of them are also affordable.
Create a Dry Stream Bed
A dry stream bed is a great way to modify your arid yard. Take some time to mark a spot in the yard to add a small, twisting stream and give it starting and ending points to create the dry bed look.
Once your stream is marked out, you can fill in the area with river rocks. If you don’t have the budget for river rocks, you can do the same thing with almost any medium-sized rock.
Another great way to highlight this dry stream is by placing two large boulders on the banks. You can add a native bush next to each one to add a bit more pizazz. These can be complemented with various forms of outdoor lighting such as fence lighting and gazebo lighting.
Create a Relaxing Oasis
Choose a spot in the backyard where everyone can sit down, relax, and enjoy all the time and effort you have put into your desert landscape. You will find all types of ideas and inspiration to create seating areas and to layout a pergola, gazebo, or patio. You can even add shade over a patio or pergola, making it even more like a desert oasis.
Usually, what you add to the space depends on how much room you have and your budget.
If you want to create that oasis feel, add a few palm trees. Even if you live in an area where it gets colder, you can do this because many species of palms are incredibly hardy.
Creating the Perfect Desert Landscape
As you can see from the information here, you can use more than a few elements and tips to create the perfect desert landscape. Be sure to keep this information in mind, which will help you get the look and feel you want for your outdoor space. While the desert can seem bleak and dull, with the inexpensive desert landscaping ideas above, you can create an upscale look for your property that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
In Closing
We hope these inexpensive desert landscaping ideas help you with your next yard project.