Curved pool with desert landscaping in Gilbert, AZ. Photo: YardBonita
Make the Most of Your Pool Area
In Gilbert’s sunny, dry climate, the right poolside landscaping can create a relaxing oasis while keeping maintenance low. Choose plants and materials that handle desert heat and occasional splashes—then enjoy your outdoor living space all year long.
Best Desert Plants for Poolside Beauty
Agave & Yucca: Striking shapes and minimal mess, perfect for a modern look.
Desert Spoon (Dasylirion): Unique texture and drought-tolerance.
Lantana: Bright blooms that attract pollinators and handle hot weather.
Red Yucca: Spiky foliage with tall flower stalks for color and movement.
Sago Palm: Adds a touch of the tropics with tough, water-wise habits.
Smart Design Tips for Poolside Spaces
Use gravel or decomposed granite to prevent muddy feet and control weeds.
Add boulders or rock accents for a natural, resort-style feel.
Space plants away from the pool edge to reduce debris in the water.
Include shade structures—like pergolas or umbrellas—for comfort on hot afternoons.
Pathway lighting makes night swims safer and adds ambiance.
Low-Maintenance Tips
Choose non-deciduous plants to reduce leaf litter in the pool.
Install drip irrigation for water efficiency and happy plants.
Mulch beds to keep soil cool and roots healthy.
Inspired Outdoor Living
A well-designed poolside yard is perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and soaking up the Arizona sun. For more expert planting advice, check out our Best Vegetables to Plant in Gilbert This May.
Gilbert residents know that desert landscaping isn’t just practical — it can be stunning. A well-designed gravel garden can turn your yard into a drought-resistant oasis that requires very little upkeep, saves on water, and stands up beautifully to the Arizona sun. Whether you’re revamping your front yard or replacing a patchy lawn, this guide walks you through everything you need to create a gravel garden that thrives in Gilbert’s desert climate.
Gravel gardens are a perfect blend of structure, color, and desert-friendly sustainability.
Why Choose a Gravel Garden in Gilbert?
Gravel gardens are a form of xeriscaping — landscaping designed for low water use. Unlike thirsty lawns or flower beds, gravel gardens retain moisture, reflect heat away from roots, and drastically reduce the need for irrigation. They’re a perfect match for Gilbert’s arid climate and water-conscious homeowners looking to cut maintenance and utility costs while boosting curb appeal.
Choosing the Right Gravel
Not all gravel works the same way. Here are the top picks for Gilbert yards:
Decomposed Granite (DG): A compact, fine-grained surface ideal for walkways and general coverage.
River Rock: Larger, smoother stones that add color and contrast—great for dry creek beds or borders.
Crushed Stone: A classic choice that comes in various sizes and colors, useful for both pathways and plant beds.
Choose gravel colors that complement your home and surroundings — tans, rose hues, and grays tend to work well with Gilbert’s desert architecture.
Plants That Pair Perfectly with Gravel
The best gravel gardens strike a balance between structure and color. In Gilbert, these plants thrive:
Red Yucca – bold, vertical spikes and coral blooms attract pollinators and create dramatic flair
Lantana – hardy, colorful, and fast-spreading groundcover with blooms from spring through fall
Agave – sculptural focal plants available in many sizes and forms
Good drainage is critical. Here’s how to lay the foundation:
Clear the area of grass, weeds, or debris
Level the soil and install landscape fabric for weed control
Spread a 2–3 inch layer of gravel evenly, compacting lightly if needed
Use steel or stone edging to define the space and prevent gravel from spilling into unwanted areas. In low spots, consider trenching or adding a dry riverbed for stormwater redirection.
Design Tips for Stunning Layouts
Use boulders or ceramic pots as anchors or eye-catching focal points
Break up large open spaces with a gravel patio or seating area
Layer plant heights and textures for visual interest
Group plants with similar watering needs together for efficiency
Think in sections — gravel paths can separate planting zones while enhancing structure. Even in a small space, you can create depth and rhythm through color, material contrast, and light/shadow play.
Low Maintenance — Not No Maintenance
Gravel gardens are easy to care for, but not maintenance-free. Be sure to:
Rake or blow away debris to avoid weed buildup
Check drip irrigation lines (if installed) for damage or clogging
Top off gravel every few years to keep the surface fresh and uniform
Tip: Consider adding a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to block weed seeds before they sprout.
Bring Your Yard to Life — Without Using Much Water
A gravel garden is a smart upgrade for Gilbert homeowners. It delivers beauty, structure, and sustainability in one package. By combining drought-resistant plants with the right materials and design, you can transform your outdoor space into a striking desert landscape that’s easy to love and even easier to maintain.
Written by Tina Delgado, a desert horticulturist and Mesa Community College instructor. Tina specializes in native xeriscaping and sustainable landscaping for Arizona’s desert communities.
Spring Maintenance for Gilbert’s Low-Water Desert Landscapes
Spring is a short but powerful season in Gilbert, AZ — a narrow window between chilly winter nights and blazing summer afternoons. While we don’t deal with traditional lawns in most neighborhoods, our gravel beds, native plants, and xeriscapes still benefit from a seasonal refresh. With a few smart actions in March and April, you can keep your low-water yard thriving well into the hotter months while preserving water and cutting maintenance costs.
Typical Gilbert front yard in spring — low water, high impact.
1. 🌱 Control Spring Weeds Before They Spread
Spring weeds love Gilbert’s post-winter soil. If your yard has decomposed granite or gravel areas, it’s not unusual to spot a burst of green — but don’t let that fool you. Most of that growth is made up of invasive weeds like spurge, London rocket, or pigweed. These take root fast and can multiply within days.
Pull weeds while the soil is still soft from recent rain or irrigation. For tougher infestations, consider using a post-emergent herbicide safe for desert plants. Be sure to check labels to avoid harming nearby native species or drought-tolerant ground covers. Regular raking and hand-pulling early in the season will prevent massive seed dispersal and reduce labor later.
2. 🪨 Refresh Gravel Beds & DG Pathways
Winter winds, rain, and foot traffic often shift or compact gravel and decomposed granite (DG). Rake materials evenly, remove leaf litter and debris, and top off any sparse areas. A fresh half-inch of gravel not only restores the appearance of your landscape but also aids in drainage and weed suppression.
Consider pressure-washing or sweeping any bordering concrete, pavers, or steps to give the whole yard a clean, finished look. Gravel is the “mulch” of the desert — keeping it tidy makes the entire space feel maintained and intentional.
3. ✂️ Prune Frost-Damaged Growth
Gilbert’s January and early February nights often dip into the 30s, causing frost damage on soft-stemmed plants like lantana, bougainvillea, yellow bells, and sage. While many plants survive these brief cold snaps, they may develop brown or blackened stems.
Cut these back in early spring before the new growth begins in earnest. Pruning damaged areas improves the appearance of your plants and allows energy to flow into new shoots. Be cautious not to over-prune — always trim to healthy green tissue and avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once.
4. đź’§ Deep Water Desert Plants Strategically
One of the biggest spring mistakes homeowners make is overwatering. While the urge to “wake up” your plants with a good soak is understandable, most desert-adapted species require far less water than you’d think. Water deeply but infrequently — usually every 10–14 days is ideal in spring, depending on rainfall and soil composition.
Install or adjust a drip irrigation system to target root zones efficiently. Avoid overhead sprinklers that waste water through evaporation and runoff. Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning) and set your timer accordingly — high-use areas like containers or citrus trees may need separate attention compared to agave beds or native shrubs.
5. 🌿 Fertilize Only When Needed
Most drought-tolerant plants don’t need regular fertilizing — overfeeding can even harm them. That said, a light application of organic fertilizer or compost in mid-spring can give blooming perennials a helpful boost. Use a slow-release product and apply in the early morning before watering.
Always read your plant tags or research species first. Agaves and cacti rarely benefit from fertilizer, while certain flowering shrubs or vines might respond well to a once-per-year spring feed. For turf alternatives like Kurapia or native ground covers, a nitrogen-light lawn blend can be used sparingly.
6. 🧼 Clean Up Hardscape, Borders & Containers
Don’t overlook your pavers, patios, and walkways during your spring cleanup. Sweep away dirt and fallen seed pods, power wash where needed, and trim back overgrown groundcovers or vines creeping into walkways. Check containers for signs of frost damage or cracking, and consider repotting or replacing any stressed plants.
This is also a good time to inspect drip emitters, irrigation valves, and yard lighting systems. Spring is short — handling small maintenance tasks now avoids repairs in June’s 100°F heat.
7. 🌵 Gilbert Yard Style: Tidy, Resilient, and Efficient
Spring landscaping in Gilbert is all about efficiency. You’re not just prepping for aesthetic appeal — you’re setting your yard up to thrive with minimal effort and water. Each weed pulled, gravel bed raked, or drip line adjusted contributes to a landscape that will remain healthy even in peak summer.
Take advantage of the cooler mornings now to enjoy your yard while you work. With the right care, your low-water landscape will reward you with color, texture, and durability from now through fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water desert plants in spring?
Most established desert plants in Gilbert should be watered deeply once every 10 to 14 days in spring. Always check soil moisture first.
When should I prune frost-damaged plants?
Late February to early April is ideal. Look for signs of new growth and trim back only the dead or damaged areas above healthy green tissue.
Should I fertilize my gravel landscape in spring?
Not usually. Most native and drought-tolerant plants don’t require fertilizer, but light spring feeding can benefit flowering shrubs or vines.
