We just returned from a road trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, and I think I spent most of my time admiring the landscaping there, both commercial and residential. How they collectively turned a desert into my dream garden, I will never know.
Here are a few of my favorite plants and landscape design takeaways from the trip:
Ditch the lawn
So many of them replaced their lawn with plants, and even though I know that it's probably because their sloped lawns would be to much of a pain to mow, I want it for my perfectly flat Texas yard. This particular yard featured a striking display of red valerian, poppies, and lavender underneath a willow tree.
Plant en masse
I know it's tempting to go to the garden center and pick one of everything that catches your eye, but your garden will shine more if you plant 3 of the same plant rather than 1 of 3 different plants. I mean, look at this purple creeping phlox. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it caught my eye from several houses down. If they had only planted one or two, it would not have this impact. The snow in summer at the ground level is a stunner too!
Now, an exception to that rule is if you have an area in your garden dedicated to trying different plants. I have a spot like that. But if you're going for max curb appeal, higher quantities of fewer varieties will make a world of difference.
Plant more trees
It seemed as though there as nary a space too small for a tree there. They had trees of all different sizes, colors, and textures, each one adding to a beautiful composition of foliage. As pretty as it is in the spring, I can only imagine how breathtaking it is in the fall. I especially loved all the different spruce trees and the plum trees that were a rich burgandy in the midst of spring (I am a sucker for dark foliage).
Embrace ornamental grass
Ornamental grass is highly underrated in my opinion. It's drought tolerant, it grows fast, and all you have to do is chop it back once a year. Sure, it doesn't have pretty flowers, but it provides a backdrop for the pretty flowers to shine. It gives the eye a rest. It provides movement. And there's something peaceful about the sound of it rustling in the wind. Plus, there is a shape, size, and color that works for just about any garden situation.
Pictured below is a tall hedge of upright grasses like Karl Foerster alongside a lower, mounding grass like blue fescue or dwarf fountain grass.
Ornamental grass is highly underrated in my opinion. It's drought tolerant, it grows fast, and all you have to do is cut it back once a year. Sure, it doesn't have showy flowers, but it provides a beautiful backdrop for flowering plants to shine. It gives the eye a rest, adds movement to your garden, and there's something peaceful about the sound of it rustling in the wind. Plus, there's a shape, size, and color that works for just about any garden situation.
Pictured below is a tall hedge of upright grasses like Karl Foerster alongside lower, mounding varieties like blue fescue or dwarf fountain grass. When you layer ornamental grasses by height and texture, you create visual interest and depth that lasts from spring through winter.
Design Your Drought-Tolerant Garden Today
Whether you're inspired by desert landscaping or simply looking to reduce water usage and maintenance, these five design principles will transform your outdoor space. Start with one or two ideas—ditching the lawn, planting en masse, adding trees, or embracing ornamental grasses—and watch your garden evolve into something truly special.
Ready to bring these drought-tolerant design ideas to life? Saturday Gardens offers custom flower bed design packages tailored to your space, climate, and style. Request a free quote and start creating your dream garden today.
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