A Plantaholic's Botanical Garden in Scottsdale

Agaves, Cactus, and Perennials on One Acre

Mike Platta's 1-acre Scottsdale property reads like a botanical garden, thanks to his plant-hunting skills honed in the University of Arizona Master Gardener program. He positions dramatic specimens—cholla, prickly pear, twisted Cereus, torch cactus hybrids—toward the back of poolside beds, with litter-free plants in front and messy trees (sweet acacia) near the back wall. Behind a seat wall, roses and sweet peas provide seasonal scent and color. A firepit makes the area inviting on chilly evenings.

Five Great Ideas from This Garden

1. Use stone in fresh ways: Same rock from seat walls inserted into exposed aggregate pool deck.
2. Edge the pool with textural, low-litter plants: Golden barrel cactus, Parry's agave, purple prickly pear as backdrop; yellow blackfoot daisy in front.
3. Combine hot pink and chartreuse: Parry's penstemon and gopher plant (Euphorbia lathyris) along pool decking.
4. Mix annuals with succulents: Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea) with Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'—striking and rabbit-resistant.
5. Make a rebar fence: Durable, affordable, reminiscent of ocotillo branches, suits rustic and contemporary settings.