The magic of the desert in full bloom is incomparable. Sure, we may not have the lush, verdant landscapes of our neighbors farther north, but what we have is a spare, resilient beauty that nurtures us even through the unforgiving heat of summer. And there’s no better way to cultivate this magic than in your own backyard.

The key is working with the unique conditions of our climate rather than fighting against them, according to Paul Noe, horticulture advisor and staff horticulturist at Star Nursery. With this in mind, think small when choosing your plants.

“Desert-adaptive plants are usually plants with small leaves. They do not sunburn as badly as plants with larger leaves, which absorb much more of the sun’s heat and burn easier,” Noe says.

When it comes to hardy desert plants, cacti and succulents are your new best friends. These water-wise wonders come in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes and colors, making it easy to craft a visually striking landscape. Fun fact: All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Cacti have those unmistakable spines, while succulents like aloe, echeveria and sedum, won’t poke.

“The biggest difference between cacti and succulents and normal shrubs or trees is that cacti and succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so they absorb that water and hold it there. That’s what they use to keep themselves cooled off during the hot weather,” Noe explains.

Flowers in Bloom

A low-maintenance backyard doesn’t mean all gray rocks and no color. There are plenty of flowering plants that can handle the heat, including those prickly desert natives.

“There’s a lot of cacti that have beautiful flowers,” says Noe. “But if you want continuous flowers, you have to find plants that, especially during the summertime, flower in the heat. Some examples of those are plants are in the Tecoma family. That would be things like the yellow bells and orange Jubilee bells.”

Other heat-loving options include bougainvillea and Lantana. Just keep in mind that some flowering plants may go dormant or lose their leaves during the harshest months. Be sure to research the specific care needs of any desert plants you’re considering—some thrive in full sun while others prefer a bit of afternoon shade.

Hardscaping and Accents

Because water is a precious resource in the desert, reducing the size of the area where actual plants grow is paramount. In order to compensate for that, hardscaping elements play a crucial role. Try creating a rock garden using stones of various colors, textures and sizes for a visually appealing feature that doesn’t require a drop of water.

“Use things like large and small boulders,” Noe suggests. “People are using a lot of fountains, statues, yard art that moves such as windmills, or plaques that are hung on the wall rather than covering them with vines. If you’ve got a large enough yard, plant trees that will shade the areas that you’re removing plants from, because that will cut down on the heat.”

If you love the look of green grass, consider artificial turf. This is a great solution for people with pets. And you can get creative with container gardening, too: A collection of terracotta pots adds beauty to any backyard, giving it that Southwestern flair and adding color to the overall tableau.

Water Smart All Year Long

When it comes to desert gardening, how you water matters as much as what you plant. Drip irrigation systems (on a timer) are the gold standard for water-wise landscaping, delivering moisture directly to plant roots with minimal waste from evaporation or runoff, according to Noe. For best results, water during the coolest part of the day—typically between 3 to 6 a.m. in warm months. During winter months, adjust watering to mid-morning—between 6 and 10 a .m.—to avoid freezing temperatures. (Check the Southern Nevada Water Authority website for your watering schedule and find more tips on efficient water usage.)

There’s no better way to celebrate the unique beauty of the Southwest, in all its glorious colors and textures, than a thoughtfully designed backyard. With the right mix of smart plant choices and creative hardscaping, you can create an outdoor space that’ll make you appreciate the magic of the desert all year round.

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