Color in the Desert
1 Sep, 2008 By: Bridget White LivescapesPaul Connolly, APLD, specializes in bringing color to the dry, monochromatic landscapes of clients in and around Tucson ... and for the most part, he does it without relying on the showy blooms of annuals. Dominated by a harsh environment of searing heat, below-freezing cold and occasional monsoon-like rains, only the toughest plants can survive in Tucson. But Connolly doesn't let this limit his designs. For the Strell project, he combined a mix of native plants and colorful objects in a design that addressed some pretty tough issues while creating a festive retreat.
 1 Connolly's design matched the home's traditional style with modern conveniences. |
Breaking the Mold
The Strells wanted to highlight the features of their traditional Arizona territorial-style house while adding fun and functional features. On top of the client's wish list were a spa, outdoor kitchen, dining and entertainment areas, and a water feature — most of which are not typically part of this very traditional home style.
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"One of the things the clients really wanted," explained Connolly, "was something fun in the landscape. And even though we did follow the rules of the Arizona territorial style, we did find some fun ways to link together traditional items with high-impact features. For example, we introduced some spiral columns to kind of break the traditional rules but in a way that will blend together nicely with other features in the landscape. We also included tiki torches to create light in a fun way that didn't deviate too far from the territorial style."
 2 The client's yard was a blank slate with a directive to add fun and color. |
This blending of styles is apparent throughout the design: Traditional Mexican tiles border a new stainless steel grill, stucco walls are broken by grid fence sections to allow views of the surrounding desert, and a traditional three-tiered fountain faces a brand-new spa.
 3 Inserting grates into the traditional stucco wall allowed great views of the desert while still blocking obstructions such as the neighbor's house. |
The key to bringing together the two disparate influences is a design dominated by large traditional pieces. Both the colorful portal doors and the fountain draw attention away from items that don't really fit the style. Additionally a background of bright colors on everything from plants to chairs to flower pots ties together the entire patio.
Using Natives
Probably the most unique aspect of the Strell project is Connolly's choice of plant material. When most people think of xeriscaping or desert landscapes, they think of cacti, but not Connolly. While he does incorporate some traditional desert varieties such as agave and yucca, the landscape is full of many varieties of blooming plants that attract both birds and butterflies.
 4 Instead of relying solely on plants for color, Connolly added color throughout the landscape with tiling, furniture and even the entry gate. |
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