Lush Garden in the Las Vegas Desert

"Most of the front yard used to be dominated by driveway," says Spears. He reconfigured the driveway into a semicircle and matched it to the rocks he used in the front yard by using Scofield Mesa Base Colorant. "Less driveway equals more curb appeal," he says.

The tree to the left is a Palo Verde (you also have a good view of it in the first photograph on the left side of the house). Its leaves are small and have a feathery look from a distance, and it blooms profusely with yellow blossoms. "The Palo Verde has a green trunk and branches and a wonderful structure that looks beautiful all year," says Spears.

Plantings in between the new driveway and the sidewalk include yucca and agave.

The backyard has a very different microclimate than the front yard, thanks to the canopy provided by the shade trees. "Due to their microclimates, there can be up to a 30-degree difference between the temperature between the front and backyards," says Spears. "Cacti would not live in this much shade; the desired effect was to make the backyard look lush without requiring a lot of water. I also like to keep things organic and chose hardy plants that won't require the use of pesticides."

Upright boxwoods and purple cordyline add color and contrast to the garden. "I count on foliage to add texture and color to the garden," says Spears. "The true test of a plant palette is how it looks in September, after surviving the harshest months in the desert."

The spa on the left was existing; Spears brought in dry-set quartzite pavers to connect it to the rest of the backyard and create more of a grotto feel. "The star jasmine gives the area a beautiful fragrance for three to four weeks," says Spears.

Other plants in this area include crepe myrtle trees and lilyturf.