Have you always dreamed of having your own backyard oasis? A combination of careful design and quality materials can give you the luxurious backyard you’ve always wanted.

Step by Step Process to Building a Backyard Oasis

As you plan your oasis, remember to factor in the various temperatures and types of weather. Design elements like courtyards, shade structures and low-water plants are durable and will give you the look you want.

Hardscape

For a classic desert look, use traditional materials like walls of adobe or dry-stacked stone. Poured concrete is a more modern option, and gravel pathways add a serene look. Natural stone such as travertine is perfect to surround your pool or jacuzzi with.

Softscape

Look to the desert landscape for color inspiration. Bring the hues of sun-bleached wood, the warm sandstone and the vibrant sunsets together with the gray-greens of sage. Plants can include all forms of cacti, which thrive in extreme temperatures. They also look stunning against fences or walls and make impressive entryway displays.

Shrubs, perennials and grasses that thrive with little water do well in desert soil. Drought-tolerant species like silvery lamb’s ears or white-petaled coneflowers add a softness to the surrounding landscape. Flowers in shades of blue, silver and purple have a cooling effect.

There are also some beautiful low-water trees that are perfect for a desert oasis, including Chitalpa, different varieties of Mesquite and Desert Willows.

Decorative Garden Elements

If you want to add one or more water features, keep in mind that artificial waterfalls are stunning, but lose a lot of water through evaporation. Try smaller elements like recirculating fountains instead. Or consider dry creek beds which can have the same calming effect in a landscape design.

Other design elements include free-standing accent walls painted with a vibrant color to create a backdrop for your plants. And dramatic lighting, metal garden art, terra cotta pots, and mosaic frescos bring an artistic touch and visual interest.

Do you have other ideas for how to create the perfect backyard desert oasis? Let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear them!