Hi Bill, one place I have visited for a little help in the past for arid climates is http://www.delange.org/Xeriscape/Xeriscape.htm.

A 30x30 plot in the desert has lots of possibilites. Perhaps you could elaborate a bit on your sister's specific likes and dislikes.

There are several people in southern NV that visit this site and have some good information if you visit a few of the previous topics.

My northernNevada travails are in the optional link. You might find some of that useful.

dRahme

Here is a link that might be useful: Stuff that grows in Northern Nevada

dRahme -

My sister just wants a low maintenance and drought tolerant garden. She doesn't like gardening at all. Since I plan on putting a small lawn and gas BBQ near the guest house, I'll likely put the shrubs and trees on the perimter. I'll definitely check out your site to get some ideas, though. In her neighborhood, most people have the usual rock garden with a few drought resistant shrubs and daisies. I can't imagine her running outside to water when the temps start to get over 100 degrees (when it needs it the most!). And I understand that if plants are in the ground, the automatic sprinklers can only run for a few minutes on Satuday. In containers, though, there is no restriction on length of watering.

Thanks for your thoughts

Bill