The Hot Garden: Landscape Design for the Desert Southwest

An inspiring and witty guide to landscape design in dry climates.

"Put your desert eyes on," is Scott Calhoun's first advice to gardeners facing arid Southwestern regions with extreme climate conditions. Then he shows how to translate the natural beauty of the region—mountains, canyons, sculptural succulents, and incandescent sky—into gorgeous yet water-thrifty landscape designs that complement existing architecture as well as the environment that surrounds it. Spectacular photographs help to tell the tale, showing flowering plants that are also tough as nails, vivid purple walls, and cacti with "punk rock hairdos," along with creative touches drawn from Native American and pop culture. Gardeners at all levels will find insight, inspiration, tips, and tricks to help them create and foster beauty in the desert. 100 color photos; 20 b/w illustrations