Tips to Landscaping in a High Desert: The Best Plants and Backyard Landscapes for Dry Climates

If you are looking to landscape your backyard in a high desert climate, it is important to first understand the specific conditions of your area. The high desert can be a challenging environment for plants, as the dry air and intense sun can be tough on them. However, with a little knowledge and planning, you can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that will thrive in your climate. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best plants and landscaping strategies for homeowners living in high desert climates like Northern Nevada.

What are growing zones?

Did you know that there are specific zones in the U.S. where certain plants thrive? These zones are known as growing zones, or plant hardiness zones. The zones depend on the climate and weather conditions of a particular area. So, knowing which growing zone your home is in is important for choosing the right plants to landscape your yard with. For example, the state of Nevada has growing zones ranging from 4a to 10a, and Reno and Sparks fall into the growing zones 7a and 7b.

Knowing your growing zone is important because it helps you understand the climate and weather conditions of your area. This information is essential for choosing the right plants to landscape your yard with, as different plants grow better in different climates.

For example, if you live in Reno or Sparks, Nevada (zone 7a or 7b), you will want to choose plants that are drought tolerant and can handle intense sun exposure. Nevada is the driest state in the nation! Luckily, there are many beautiful plants that fit this criteria, so there is no need to limit yourself to just a few options. Be creative and experiment with different plants to see what works best in your backyard.

Choose native plants.

Choosing native plants to your area is a great way to ensure the success of your garden. Also, native plants support the ecology of your area, as they will attract local birds and insects. There are a number of native Nevada plants that have evolved to thrive in these conditions. One such plant is the Yucca brevifolia, also known as the Joshua tree.

Other native plants for homeowners in high desert climates include:

• Sagebrush
• Poppies
• Lupines
• Cactus
• Golden currant
• Mountain mahogany
• Manzanita
• Nevada cinquefoil
• Purple sage
• Desert marigold
• White spruce
• Sticky purple geranium

What makes a plant drought tolerant?

Drought tolerant plants like the ones listed above have evolved deep root systems that allow them to access water from underground even when the surface soil is dry. This enables them to survive in environments where rainfall is sparse and water availability is limited (and can save you money on water!). Some of these plants have roots that can reach depths of up to 100 feet! This makes them well-suited for arid climates like those found in Nevada.

The layout of your yard is important.

In addition to choosing the right plants for your climate, it is also important to consider the layout of your landscape. When planning your backyard landscaping in a high desert climate, try to create a shady oasis where you can escape the harsh sun. This can be done by planting trees and shrubs along the perimeter of your yard, and using taller plants to create shade in the center. Additionally, covering your garden area with mulch and adding natural fertilizer is a great way to keep moisture in the soil. This is helpful while new plants are getting rooted. 

We hope this guide helps your Nevada garden thrive! Contact our Reno and Sparks landscaping experts for more information!