If you live in a hot or warmer climate, landscaping and using your backyard can be very tricky. On one hand, you likely want to enjoy the hot weather, but on the other hand, it can be difficult to actually do this if temperatures are uncomfortably high and there’s no relief. Here are some landscaping ideas to help you create a comfortable backyard in a very hot climate.
Install some shade.
One of the challenges with landscaping in a hot climate is that shade is essential, but many large, shady trees won’t grow in climates that are too hot, particularly if they are also dry. If this is the case for you, don’t give up – just build your own shade! There are plenty of other ways you can create a shady space in your backyard that will keep you comfortable. For example, you can add a covered patio to the back of your home, or you can install a pagoda in the middle of your yard as well. If you need, you can even hang fabric from the landscaping features you do have to create the shade you need.
Don’t be afraid of water.
If you live in a hot climate that frequently experiences draughts, you may think that you can’t incorporate water features into your yard at all. However, with some creativity, you can find a way to incorporate a small water feature into your yard without being wasteful. For example, instead of traditional sprinklers for your kids to run through, you could install a water fountain play area that you need to manually turn on, so you could only use it when there’s enough water to support it. You can also try very small fountains or ponds to get a taste of a water feature, just on a small scale. Many water features are now being designed to recycle water, so they are used in a way that isn’t wasteful.
Punctuate plants with rocks.
When creating a garden in a hot climate, it can be difficult to create the depth and drama you are looking for. Because many drought tolerant plants are compact, it can be difficult to fill a whole yard with them. However, there are many other ways to make your garden appealing. One of the best ways is to incorporate large rocks that would naturally occur in your area into your garden. If you’re going for a more refined look, you can also opt for sculptures and other pieces of art that you might find at a local garden shop.
Use native grasses and succulents.
Maintaining your landscape can be very difficult when you live in a hot climate. After all, you don’t want to have to spend too much time outside when temperatures are boiling. To lower the amount of maintenance you’ll need to do on your yard, try using grasses and succulent plants that are native to hot climates. While they will still need some maintenance, it won’t be nearly as much as leafier plants that are more natural in cooler, rainier parts of the world. When you do have to do some upkeep on these plants, try doing it early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun isn’t directly overhead, as it will be more comfortable for you.
The task of creating an attractive and comfortable yard in a hot climate can be very daunting. However, it can also be a very fun challenge when done with some creativity. Consider how you can make your yard both more exciting and more user-friendly, and the result will be an appealing space you’ll want to spend all your time in.
