5 hot ideas for planting in desert conditions

There is a special joy that comes with devoting part of your arid landscape to a garden that recreates how the area might appear if nature were allowed to work its wonders with the site.

A desert is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth because of extreme temperatures and long periods of drought.

• The fact that beautiful, exotic flora can thrive in desert climates is a never-ending miracle.
• Gardeners who learn to work with desert conditions can participate in this miracle by bringing the desert into bloom.

Stick with native plants that have made the necessary adaptations to survive under desert conditions.

• Cactus, agave and deep-rooted perennials often perform best.
• There is a reason other plants didn't become native!

Plan for night viewing.

• Hot sun makes the desert inhospitable during the day, so many desert flowers open at night. Wildlife is more active then, too.
• It's important to consider all 24 hours of the day.

Alkaline desert soils often contain high concentrations of salt.

• Many desert plants tolerate these conditions, but they will grow better if you add organic matter and water heavily several times a year.
• Just because a plant was able to take root in a certain locale doesn't mean the conditions were ideal!

Well-rooted plants will become established much more quickly than seeds. When working with seeds, plant them in the fall rather than in spring.

• Include tall stones, fences, posts or other elements that cast shadows.
• The tiny microclimates where shade is present can support a richer diversity of plants.

Using these five ideas, you too can participate in the miracle of getting the desert to bloom.