If you live in the southwestern desert states (west Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona), sometimes it’s hard to imagine that your backyard can be anything more to look at other than those rocks and all that dirt. But with a little bit of effort, you can actually give it some eye appeal. Grass and certain plant life can be pretty sparse at times, but here are a few ideas to help make it look a little better.

Even though rocks and some boulders are a part of your backyard, they don’t have to be the only part. You can add some colored rock and some desert plants to add some life to what otherwise looks dull and lifeless. When choosing plants for the landscaping, your best bet is to deal with a local nursery that grows plants indigenous to your area, rather than a department store garden department. Most of those plants are shipped in from climates that the desert will destroy due to the arid conditions. Cacti and succulents are always your best bet as they are tolerant to hot and dry conditions.

Another idea is to add some kind of a water feature such as a pond or a small pool. Even a water garden can be added. Any of these features can make that backyard into a mini-oasis and bring hours of pleasure when you are spending time on your patio. It’s a great backdrop for entertainment or just a nice place to escape the heat.

As a final touch, add some lighting for when you’re spending some time outside into the evening. That lighting will highlight the desert landscaping you worked so hard at and will bring hours of pleasure when you are spending time outdoors in the desert evening. Remember, lighting can give an area a style and beauty that is uniquely all its own.