Sun is the key ingredient to an inspired Southwestern garden and landscape; if you live in shadier climes—well—you may have to improvise, but the hospitable features of a Southwestern garden can make for a warm and inviting setting anywhere. Transform your garden, patio or landscape with these ideal features and props with Southwestern style.
Southwestern design style is the result of mixing various influences—Native America, Spanish mission and Mexican. Other may have inspired certain nuances of Southwestern design, but generally speaking, these are the groups typically credited with the overall influence. Of course, nature itself plays an integral role in Southwestern style—sun and desert—the flora and fauna of the region all add to the mix of Southwestern design.
Adding Southwestern design style to your landscape will give you plenty of props and features to decide between. First of all, think big. That is, consider the largest features you would like to add. Garden walls, pools or fountains, rock and gravel beds, patios and pergolas might all be considered. Generally speaking, many usual garden props can be found with a Southwestern motif. For example, you wouldn’t think of adding a Roman statue like a goddess; instead, you might consider a quetzal or some other symbol of Aztec culture.
When constructing your patio, terracotta tiles are a good choice for Southwestern flair. Stone and even wood can be used as well. Stick to earth tones—washed out or sun-muted colors will signify a Southwestern palette. Sunny gold tones can also be considered to paint your courtyard walls for instance. When it comes to paint, consider a mural for your patio floor or garden walls depicting a village well—a typical Mexican village scene—or a Native scene showing weavers or Maize growers. Other items to incorporate in your mural might be: mountains, Aztec designs, the sun, lizards, cactuses, tumbleweeds, cave drawings, scenes of Pueblo or Navajo life, etc…
As water is scarce in the desert, it is also prized. Adding a touch of water to your landscape in the form of a pool or a simple fountain will transform your space into a Southwestern oasis. Landscape around your water feature with Spanish tiles or native plants. A wall fountain can be found with a lizard or sun face as the focal point of the design. Even something as simple as a tabletop fountain or a large bowl of sitting water with some smooth river stones inside can add that feeling of harmony that water always brings to any design plan.
Stone and rock also make wonderful additions to a Southwestern garden. Gravel beds can stretch out in rivers or pool quietly around another feature. Various shades of pebbles and stones add color and texture to the landscape and, as elements of the earth, provide that ancient appeal that is inherent in Southwestern style. Gravel and rock pools also imply the idea of water when water cannot be incorporated easily. Additionally, pebbles can be used for mulch or even applied to a design as a mosaic.
If your patio and garden is loaded with sunshine, a shady feature may be in order. Consider a pergola or even a thatched hut for protection from the sun. An overhang makes cooking and entertaining more comfortable, but it also adds visual appeal to your landscape. Even a simple awning attached from the house and covering just a portion of the patio can add to the value of your home. A roofed feature will also allow you to incorporate hanging clay pots or baskets as well as Southwestern inspired lighting features.
Finally, choose furniture and other props with Southwestern images—dishes for your patio table or plant containers can all add to your design scheme without breaking your budget. Look through Southwestern art and decorating books for more great ideas for your landscape and garden.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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