Are you looking to soften this look with planting boxes? The 1st impression is hanging bullet riddled road signs on the gate. You need an large wooden arch with a decorative hanging lamp. Take a look at these: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=hacienda+gate&qpvt=hacienda+gate&FORM=IGRE

Gorgeous. I love the rusted gates + cement + desert. Looks like you have an area fenced: is this for children or dog(s)? First mark out non-plant areas. Mark the area where the auto will be coming through the gates, to the garage. Where do you want guests/other family members to park their cars? What type of material for driveway and parking? Gravel? stamped cement? etc? A path for the guests to walk to front door/courtyard after parking (type of material for path?) Then, mark off areas where dogs will be fenced in (or children) (type of fencing?). Mark off a nice spot for the patio. Do you want a BBQ type of large patio for entertaining or a small patio? Pool? (materials used for patio/ pool?) From inside you house, mentally mark off areas that you want to look nice from the inside of house, then physically mark off these areas.
The entry gate should have lighting

The more narrow auto area after entering the gates will not need too much landscaping. Yet, you want it to look good: Here are many driveway ideas and plantings some are dessert style https://www.houzz.com/photos/desert-landscape-phbr0lbl-bl~l_38253-driveway

For patios I like Arizona flagstone or similar material with a half circle wall

Here are many desert landscapes for inspiration. https://www.houzz.com/photos/desert-landscape-phbr0lbl-bl~l_38253

Here are desert plant ideas http://www.houzz.com/landscape-desert-plants

Here are ideas for suing rusted materials in landscape http://www.houzz.com/landscape-rust

Here are cement in desert ideas http://www.houzz.com/landscape-desert-cement

Here are rusted sculpture ideas http://www.houzz.com/landscape-rust-sculpture

WOW - Thanks so much. The fence was for dogs ( I used to do rescue) but it has since been removed. I actually have a whole file from Houzz - am just having a bit of a problem putting it together as am transistioning from SW to Modern. The guests will park to the right of the garage. The driveway will be mainly DG and some concrete pads - (with DG interspersed) - same thing with the walkway to the front door (can't decide on the size - dont want to be too big or too small). The walkway will be to the left of the poles. No pool, just a pad with a concrete wall/bench under the big tree with fire and water. Thanks for the tip about looking from the inside to the outside. I dont like flagstone as it is too irregular. I do like the semi-circle idea that may be good under the tree. LMK what you think of this - Thanks

here is my drawing

You have a good plan. Looks professional!

I have read have path wide enough for 2 people, but I think the less wide is more attractive. A curve can be more pleasing than a straight path

Don't forget lighting. Not safety lighting, but mood lighting that you can enjoy from the inside looking out and while relaxing on patio at night. http://www.houzz.com/modern-landscape-lighting

This property has tons of potential, especially if you are going for a desert look with a lot of charm and unique features. Here are some ideas from our projects:

Use yucca plants- they’re beautiful, drought-resistant, and easy to care for:

Clean lines for the pavers, ornamental grasses, metal fencing, and a simple overall design would look great in your space:

Adding planters in different materials can help break up the space and create a unique space and vibe. This space also shows gravel and square pavers, which could work beautifully on your property.