For arid zones of the Southwest, the desert landscape design is characteristically beautiful. Try planting cacti and other succulents in this landscape since they are hardy as well as diversely striking. Pick an area for your desert landscape that enjoys plenty of sunlight and is slightly elevated for the purposes of draining. Cacti drain best in gritty soil. Border off desert landscapes with natural stone and cover the ground with secure graveling. Desert theme landscapes are popular for their low maintenance nature (desert plant life does not need regular doses of water) and western ease.