blog

by Sejal Nagjee

 

 

If you live in an arid region where lush lawns are difficult to achieve, consider desert landscaping ideas with plant life and materials which work with your natural surroundings.

 

 

With a little help from the experts at Milestone, you can create a dynamic desert landscape design to turn your backyard into your personal oasis.

 

 

 

 

Create a Focal Point

 

 

Regardless of the size of your space, you want to create a focal point to work around. Showcase your favorite plants in a place where they are most likely to be viewed.

 

 

 

 

For example, you could position striking plants and large plant combinations to highlight your backyard entrance. You could also feature your plants around your pergola, gazebo, or outdoor dining area. Ultimately, place your plants where you’ll be able to enjoy them the most.

 

 

 

 

The key to desert landscape design is to incorporate plants that offer multi-season interest. Examples of plants that work well in a desert environment include:

 

• A patch of Opuntia, also called a prickly pear cactus, offers seasonal color with flowers that bloom through spring.
• The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, or China rose, flourishes in the sand with stunning red, or yellow flowers.  
• A stunning Adenium, commonly called a Desert Rose, will inject a bold splash of red to your landscape.
• A palm-tree like beaked yucca (Yucca rostrata) can inject a dramatic crowning touch to your outdoor space.

 

*For more plant ideas contact a Milestone landscape design expert.

 

 

 

 

Consider Scale

 

 

When it comes time to select your landscape elements, the shrubs, rocks, trees, and flowering plants in your yard should complement each other. This doesn’t necessarily mean every design element should be the exact same size. However, as you plan your desert landscape design, scale should be your guide.

 

 

 

 

For example, a ring of shrubs positioned around larger desert grasses or flowering plants will create emphasis and density. Larger rocks and boulders can serve as walls or be used to define a specific space (i.e. a path or outdoor dining area).

 

 

 

 

Using a large Olive tree as a focal point in a raised planter box could prove very interesting. The thick trunk and form of the Olive tree is absolutely amazing.

 

 

 

 

Using a large tree of height 3 – 4 meters that is mature like, Cassia Fistula, Cassia Javanica, Bauhinia, Delonix Regia will create a great ambiance over time. Lighting up the tree with hanging bulbs will certainly create a feature!

 

 

Consider Your Colors

 

 

When it comes to desert landscape design, selecting the right colors is essential to creating a harmonious space. Colors should be introduced into your landscape design strategically.

 

 

 

 

 

Warm yellow, purple, green and red succulents create excellent focal points in any backyard garden design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additionally, these versatile, drought-resistant plants can be potted or planted directly into the ground. You can even add them to a living wall for a pop of color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can also add color to your desert landscape design with natural rocks, or by incorporating colorful furniture and art into your design.

 

 

 

 

Use of crushed or polished pebbles and planting fewer plants could enhance the desert theme further.

 

 

Desert Landscape Design with a Minimalist Twist

 

 

A few well-placed drought-resistant plants can do wonders for your landscape design. Derived from the Greek xeros meaning dry the term means literally dry landscape – xeriscaping is the art of combining minimalist vegetation with a simple, yet attractive natural foundations (usually pebbles or rocks). This intriguing landscape design form is a popular way to landscape backyards in arid regions.

 

 

 

 

However, just because you’re opting for minimal plantings, does not mean you can’t get creative! Consider including some unique rock formations, eclectic pottery, or a natural sculpture, such as a skull to create a creative, artistic appeal with intrigue.

 

 

 

 

If you prefer a desert landscape design with a bit more depth, consider adding a pond or custom water feature. A lovely pond, with a waterfall feature will help the water of the pond to circulate, and the mirror-like surface will reflect the stunning sunrises and sunsets for an added experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here at Milestone, our design team wants you to love every inch of your backyard. We encourage you to visit our show villa or to contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation.

 

 

Together, we can transform your backyard into your personal oasis.

 

 

 

blog

by Sejal Nagjee

 

 

As the temperatures become more pleasant, we all look forward to enjoying more time outside. Adding the element of fire (fire pits) into your landscape design is a great way to add the finishing touch to your backyard design.

 

Not to mention, research indicates that the crackling sounds and sights of fire create a relaxation response that’s linked to an evolutionary adaptation dating back to early man!

 

Whether you are dining under the stars or simply looking to relax with family and friends, fire pit design is ideal for taking your backyard to the next level. Outdoor fire features come in many styles and sizes, and with a little help from the experts at Milestone, we can create the perfect fire pit, fire pot or fireline to light up your backyard entertaining.

 

 

 

 

Fire as a Feng Shui element is often used to enhance fame areas.

 

 

Modern Fire Pit Design

 

 

A modern outdoor firepit design works in any setting. A classic concrete or stone pit is designed to keep your fire contained safely while providing a focal point for entertaining.

 

 

 

 

A ready-made fire pit with a table is also widely used. These are available in La Veranda Home&Garden in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road. This table acts as a fire pit when in use and otherwise can be used as a coffee table.

 

 

 

 

If possible, consider placing your fire pit design in a nook or corner of your backyard. Add the right furniture and a few small tables for guests to place their drinks, and you’ve created a beautiful little space for entertaining.

 

 

 

 

Fire pits are often used in sunken seating areas or in the middle of the seating whilst you entertain.

 

 

Create a Separate Space

 

 

If you love to entertain in your backyard, creating a separate space for your firepit is a great way to keep things cozy and intimate.

 

 

 

 

For example, a fire pit on a separate patio or under you pergola creates a space designed for relaxing around the fire. This space allows your guests to connect with one another in an area designated for relaxation and entertaining.

 

 

Sunken seating Fire Pot

 

 

When it comes to your fire pot or fire line design, get creative and think outside of the box. In fact, it’s not uncommon for an outdoor fire pit or firewall to be set into the ground.

 

 

 

 

If your space allows it, consider creating a drop-down deck with a seating area around the fireplace. Here you can feature a traditional above-ground fire table, or design a unique fire pot directly in the ground.

 

 

 

 

Enhance the View with Fire Pit Design

 

 

Typically, outdoor fire pit or fire line design focuses on creating a focal point around the fire table so that everyone feels like they’re part of the group. However, you may have an amazing view in your backyard. Not to fret, you can use your fire pot design to take your view to the next level of breath talking.

 

 

 

 

 

A semi-circle outdoor fireplace is perfect for highlighting a great view or skyline at dusk. With the right seating arrangement, guests can enjoy the entrancing flicker of the flames as the temperatures begin to dip after sunset.

 

 

 

 

Fire on the Floor

 

 

Again, try to think outside of the lanes of traditional fire pits. Instead, consider a fire line design that sits right into the floor of your sunken area. Just be sure to keep your seating area a safe distance from the open flames.

 

 

 

 

Having the firepit set directly into the ground is a creative idea and a unique way to add an intimate focal point to your space.

 

 

Fire and Water

 

 

An outdoor fire feature is the perfect element to accent your pool. While most gas fire tables use gray or black rocks in their design, you can add beautiful blue rocks to balance the color of the pool water.

 

 

 

 

Our design experts can also incorporate elements of water in the space where you design your fire feature. Whether it’s a lovely pond, custom water feature, or soothing water wall, combining the elements of fire and water create an amazing aesthetic.

 

 

Add a Flaming Backdrop

 

 

An outdoor fireplace doesn’t necessarily need to be the focal point of your backyard space. Rather than gathering around your firepit, consider a firewall in the backdrop.

 

 

 

 

As the fire burns quietly, it will create a relaxing mood while simultaneously keeping the focus on family and friends.

 

 

Sophisticated Planika Fire Pots

 

 

A sleek black planika fire pit, commonly referred to as a fire table, is sure to add a level of sophistication to your backyard. Crafted to contain the fire, the surrounding area also reflects the light from the fire, creating a stunning ambiance.

 

 

 

 

A ready-made planika fire pot is a unique outdoor fire feature that is sure to lighten up your garden and landscape design. These modern fireplaces provide a unique element of fire to highlight your outdoor seating area to create the perfect space for outdoor entertaining.

 

 

Milestone Interior and Landscape Designs

 

 

Regardless of the size of your backyard, a custom fire pit, fire line, or readymade planika fire pot is guaranteed to enhance your space, improve your entertaining area, and keep the conversation going after sundown.

 

 

 

 

Here at Milestone, our design team wants you to feel comfortable in your home. We encourage you to visit our show villa or to contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation.