Warm days, refreshing nights, and weightlessly dry air: for most of the year, these pleasant conditions characterize the Arizona climate. Residents of the sun-soaked state often invest heavily in developing comfortable, functional outdoor living spaces. Phoenix area landscape architects consider the Sonoran Desert ecosystem to maximize the use of these spaces with the following landscape design trends.

Sustainability

According to the 2016 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), sustainability is one of the leading design trends of 2016.  Homeowners across the country are seeking “green” upgrades that yield savings on utility costs while minimizing impact on the environment.

Sustainability is particularly relevant for the water-starved western states.  In Arizona, we typically utilize native plants that require less water. Landscapes that are designed with the goal of conserving water are known as xeriscapes.  For Arizonans, xeriscaping usually means replacing grass with stony areas and native or desert-adapted plants. With the right plants, a xeriscaped yard can appear lush and vibrant, overcoming concerns about blandness. Desert wildflowers, bougainvillea, and palo verde trees are popular options that add splashes of color while requiring little maintenance.  Homeowners can conserve resources by grouping plants with similar water needs in their landscape designs.  This allows thirsty plants to thrive without saturating those that require less water.

Even the most desert-friendly landscapes require some hydration.  Rainwater harvesting — the most desirable landscape feature of 2016, according to the ASLA study — offers an environmentally conscious way to meet this need.  Heavy rains, particularly during the summer monsoon season, punctuate Arizona’s arid climate. Without a harvesting system, much of that valuable rainwater is lost. Instead, homeowners can use rain barrels to capture water flowing off the roof and recycle it for irrigation. Designers may incorporate depressions, berms, or basins into landscapes to collect rainwater, allowing it to soak more effectively into the earth and nourish nearby plants.  In addition to optimizing rainwater runoff, these contours help prevent water from eroding the home’s foundation and other architectural elements on the property.

In keeping with the sustainability theme, organic, locally grown foods have surged in popularity in recent years.  For homeowners, edible gardens are a fulfilling way to source fresh, natural products.  The Arizona climate is conducive to growing a variety of herbs, vegetables, and citrus trees, although gardeners may want to consult a landscape design expert to identify which plants would flourish in their particular area.

Indoor Comforts

Homeowners have long sought to enliven the interiors of their homes by “bringing the outdoors in.”  In recent years, however, the reverse trend has swept the country: homeowners are extending the comforts of the indoors to their backyards.  Complete outdoor living spaces, which often include full kitchens that rival their indoor counterparts, are especially popular in Arizona, where agreeable weather for most of the year invites maximum use of the backyard. Not sure what to include in your outdoor kitchen? Follow this essential list of must-haves!  In addition to well-equipped kitchens, outdoor living must-haves include seating areas and fire pits or fireplaces around which to gather.  For most homeowners, the goal is to create a comfortable and convenient space for enjoying the company of friends and family, so features that draw people together are key.

As the comforts of the home extend outdoors, so does technology.  From televisions and WiFi to advanced systems that control irrigation, technology is transforming backyard living spaces.  Another popular feature is energy-efficient LED lighting, which fills the yard with an enchanting glow.  LED lighting, available in multiple colors, commonly illuminates sidewalks, seating areas, and even swimming pools.

Modern Design

Simple, clean lines within architecture define modern design. Therefore, a modern aesthetic is a natural match for desert properties. Modern landscape design trends often features minimalist planting, with geometric pools and patios defined by straight lines. This austerity highlights the natural beauty of the surroundings.