How to Build a Desert-Style Patio

For every person who finds comfort in a lush tropical patio setting or tranquility in a Far Eastern-inspired Zen garden there is a person drawn to the stark beauty of the desert.

Whether you are drawn to the sands of Egypt or the architecture of Turkey you can re-create an inexpensive desert feel on your own patio. So cancel that expensive trip to North Africa and head down to the home improvement store to turn your patio into a desert oasis.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pavers
• Canvas covering
• Wicker or white-washed furniture
• Succulents
• Builders sand

1. Use sandstone and muted colors whenever possible. Use sandstone or beige pavers to create a patio area. Put down plastic and add builder's sand to create areas of interest. Keep colors in the beige and white families when possible, adding blue, which mimics lapis lazuli, as an accent.

2. Add white canvas. Every patio will need some shade, and a white canvas, especially one that has a dome shape, can really keep the desert feel of the patio. Furniture should be wicker or white-washed wood with muted colored accents. For a hint of color add blue.

3. Plant succulents. If your patio is really hot and exposed, a desert-style planting scheme might be appropriate, concentrating on cacti and succulents. They will thrive in gravel beds, which can be given extra structure by the addition of rocks or pebbles. They hate damp, muggy weather, which causes rotting, so good drainage is vital.

4. Avoid green plants. Using tropical plants will not create a desert feeling so in this kind of garden you need to avoid any suspicion of lushness. If you feel the need for green then add a single potted palm.

5. Make sure walls are smooth and even. The winds and sands of the desert quickly lead to smooth-rendered walls. Using plaster to create the effect will enhance the desert feel and reflect sunlight and heat onto the plants, staying warm even as the temperature drops in the evening.

6. Leave gaps for the plants among paving stones, or make larger beds by laying a weed-suppressing membrane over the soil and planting through it before topping with gravel or cobbles. On a smaller scale, fill troughs or planters with succulents.

7. Plan for winter. It is possible to replicate this look even in a cold climate if you keep your exotic plants in pots for enjoying indoors in winter. Plunge them into their beds in the summer. Some cacti are surprisingly tolerant of cold but may need to be covered to avoid frost.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep colors muted, adding deep blue accents when necessary.
• Avoid adding tropical plants.