landscaping for the fun of kidslandscaping for the fun of kids

While most people focus on the interior of properties, you should not underestimate how much of an impact the backyard and front yard can have on your experience with owning a home. If you have recently become a homeowner in a desert climate, you should find out what you can do with your landscape to make it a comfortable place to spend time at any point throughout the year.

Opt for Cool Groundcover

If you want to incorporate greenery into your landscape, you should consider ice plants. This kind of groundcover consists of plants that do not take much water to thrive. As a result, you can skip a lawn, which is high in water demand, as well as groundcover such as rocks or pebbles, which promote heat.

Build a Wood Deck

Whether you want to build a wooden deck that is attached to your property or a floating one, you will enjoy both of them for giving you a place to stay cool and comfortable while outside. The addition of a cool groundcover will keep the surface at a neutral temperature if you decide to go with a floating deck.

Use Pots for Plants

Since dirt in the desert can be a little harsh, you may not want to try planting directly into the soil. Although you can have success with in-ground planting, using pots will help you have a higher chance of successful growth. Since pots come in so many colors, shapes, sizes, and designs, you can use them to create a highly unique and attractive look when you are able to incorporate them throughout the yard.

To avoid having to use so much water to take care of plants, you should consider cactus or succulents. These plants are highly resistant to drought, and you have plenty of options to choose from. Cactus will improve home security by making your yard more hazardous to traverse, so it is best to place them in areas where you do not intend on walking around on a regular basis, such as in front of windows.

Succulents fit in almost anywhere, mainly because they do not pose a threat to pets or children. You can grow them right next to your outdoor living areas to add color and improve the space's attractiveness.

Get Overhead Coverage

To protect yourself from the sun, you need to invest in overhead coverage. A large, thick umbrella should be enough for a small yard with a small outdoor living space. However, you are best off equipping these spaces with an extended awning or a pergola that fits over the entire deck or patio. These options provide long-term and reliable shade, even during times of heavy winds.

Investing in certain landscape features can help you avoid the cons that come with desert living.