Xeriscape Front Yard in Las Vegas: Rock Garden with Native Plants and Water Harvesting

Liz and John Hartley applied Denver-honed xeriscape techniques to their 20×20-foot Las Vegas front yard.

No thirsty lawn—instead, a rock garden with Apache plumes, mesquites, yuccas, and other natives. These survive almost entirely on rainfall; occasional watering only in extreme drought.
Thirstier perennials (gazanias, verbenas) used sparingly, watered by drip irrigation.
Mini-washes sculpted into terrain to capture rainwater and let it percolate (also adds interest to flat yard).
Thick mulch retains moisture; mesquite tree provides shade.

Won first prize in Southern Nevada Water Authority Landscape Awards (homeowner-designed/installed category).

Landscaping: Orchid Society and Nurseries in Las Vegas for Visiting Belgian; Low-Maintenance Perennials for Zone 5: Shade and Sun Lists; Budget-Friendly Garden Landscaping: Planning, Design, and Maintenance Tips; Creative Garden Landscaping: Transforming Unused Spaces into Unique Features; Designing a Charming Country-Style Garden for Small Spaces; Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas: Transform Your Compact Outdoor Space; Edible Landscaping Ideas: Beautiful Gardens That Feed You; Landscaping Stones: Rock Garden Design Ideas & Materials; A Small Backyard Landscape Plan: Functional Outdoor Living; Lush Desert Garden in Las Vegas: A Water-Wise Backyard Retreat

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