Crafting a desert-scape is a fun and unique way to capture the essence of the beautiful American Southwest. This guide will walk you through the essential elements and techniques to create your own serene desert oasis. Join us as we delve into the art of desert-scaping, where arid charm meets mindful design.
desert-scape inspiration
My husband was born and raised in the Scottsdale, Arizona area. It’s absolutely gorgeous in a way that it so different from what I’m used to in the Pacific Northwest.
Red rolling hills, rock, sand, cacti…blending simplicity with an unmistakable allure that resonates with both minimalists and nature enthusiasts alike. I’m going to guide you through the process of crafting your own serene and striking desert oasis.
Gather up all that desert inspiration and let’s get started!
desert-scaping supplies
- Pot or vessel – I recommend a pot with drainage holes and a lower profile. Cacti & succulents have smaller root systems that need to dry out so the lower the pot, the better. This set HERE has a variety of sizes and comes with drainage holes. But, I love THIS POT because it’s so decorative. And THIS ONE is super sweet and simple.
- Cactus potting mix – You can use any mix you want as long as it’s meant for desert plants. I like THIS MIX but I also use this ROCK BLEND as an additive to the potting mix, or even as a top coat.
- Tools – Cactus can be hard to work with. Trust me! I recommend at minimum, having these large horticulture TWEEZERS to pick up cacti, and then if you want to be extra careful, the GLOVES are also a great idea.
- Cacti & succulents – I recommend going to your local plant shop and picking out a variety that you think will work well in your pot. If you don’t have local access to cacti, you can get them online. I would check out plant shops first, or you can find sets on Amazon like THIS.
- Decorative rock – I like to use LAVA ROCK as the color mimics similar colors found in the desert. Using a variety of sizes and colors of rock can really create interest and depth in your desert-scape. I also like THIS ROCK a lot!
WATch the video
I have the honor and privilege of being a regular guest on KATU2 Afternoon Live. In this segment I shared how to create desert-scapes for your home. It’s a 6 minute video that walks you through the steps. Have a watch and have fun!
steps to desert-scaping
- Fill bottom of pot with an inch or two of potting mix.
- Remove cactus from pot and shake off excess dirt.
- Arrange plants as you see fit. I suggest placing in groups of odd numbers (3 or 5) with larger plants in the back, and smaller plants in the front and around the sides. Keeping room for decorative rock.
- Fill in empty spots with potting mix to hold plants in place.
- Add top dressing of rock in a decorative way
care
Care for this project just like you would any other potted cactus. Bright light, water thoroughly (but
The beauty of this project is that there is no right or wrong way to create. It’s all about taking time to get inspired and make something that you’ll love to have in your home.
If you like this project, you may also like this project where I teach you how to make an Open Terrarium.
SAVE for later!
