When purchased, this Morongo Valley home landscape had been scraped of native vegetation and the new owner, Christina, is committed to replacing the native plants. She has planted specimens such as brittlebush, penstemon, desert lavender and others and waters with a low-flow irrigation system. Christina's site shows how easy it is to get started with native plants in landscaping. Look for her tips such as rock mulching to help ensure transplanting success.

The Hayes Adobe is a significant historic location in Twentynine Palms, as it was built from adobe bricks created on site by homeowners in 1935. The landscaping today is simple with large desert-wise trees and garden beds of opuntia and other cacti plants. The site also features an old-fashioned French drain which irrigates an olive tree providing shade.

The demonstration garden at the Mojave Water Agency in Apple Valley shows what can be accomplished with native plantings in ten years' time. Not only does this site showcase desert-wise plants such as salvia, mesquite and red yucca, it also features stone fruit such as peaches, and fig trees. Many of the walking paths are made of permeable concrete which prevents water run-off.

Think it is impossible to grow food in the desert of the Morongo Basin? Eva Soltes' site -- Harrison House Music, Arts & Ecology in Joshua Tree -- demonstrates how it can be done! With permaculture principles followed throughout the site, Eva shares her story about learning how to grow food in the desert.