Lush Desert Garden in Las Vegas: A Water-Wise Backyard Retreat

Las Vegas desert landscaping is challenging: water is precious, soil is poor. But this couple's property abuts conservation land providing a backyard shade canopy, and they found landscape architect Jonathan Spears of Sage Design Studios, who maximized this microclimate. "They wanted the front to reflect the regional landscape and the back to be a 'staycation' destination," says Spears. "Both are busy professionals who relax in the backyard after long workdays." Spears redesigned the front yard and driveway with desert-appropriate plants and curb appeal. Out back, he used shade to create a lush, relaxing atmosphere requiring minimal water.

Houzz at a Glance:
Location: Las Vegas
Size: Front ~4,500 sq ft; Back ~2,800 sq ft
Interesting: Water bills dropped from ~$200/month to ~$50/month after the redesign.

"Most of the front yard was dominated by driveway," says Spears. He reconfigured it into a semicircle matched to front yard rocks using Scofield Mesa Base Colorant. "Less driveway equals more curb appeal."

"The rest was sod," says Spears. "I love getting rid of sod—it wastes water in this climate." Desert-tolerant blue yucca and agave dominate this front corner.

Other front yard plants: golden barrel cacti, euphorbia, lacy red bird-of-paradise.

A full flatbed of Utah ledgestone connects the home's facade to the desert landscape.

The left tree is a Palo Verde (visible in the first photo). Small feathery leaves, profuse yellow blooms. "Green trunk and branches with wonderful structure year-round," says Spears.

Plantings between the new driveway and sidewalk include yucca and agave.

The backyard has a different microclimate thanks to the shade canopy. "Up to 30-degree temperature difference between front and back," says Spears. "Cacti wouldn't survive this shade; the goal was lushness without high water use. I keep things organic with hardy plants needing no pesticides."

Upright boxwoods and purple cordyline add color and contrast. "I count on foliage for texture and color," says Spears. "The true test is how it looks in September after the harshest desert months."

The existing spa on the left connects to the backyard via dry-set quartzite pavers, creating a grotto feel. "Star jasmine fragrances the area for 3-4 weeks," says Spears. Other plants: crepe myrtle trees and lilyturf.

Creeping fig, Oregon grape, and purple ajuga surround an existing art deco fountain and 9-foot wall. "I love playing with light and dark foliage—bright green leaves highlight against darker colors," says Spears.