Stories, insights, and updates from the voices of Southwest Utah.

Here in Brio, one backyard quietly breaks all the rules — and in doing so, creates its own kind of paradise. Officially dubbed “Tom and Deb’s National Recreation Area,” this nine-year-old garden proves just how much can be grown, enjoyed, and shared on a standard lot in Southern Utah’s challenging climate.

Some gardens begin with a carefully drawn plan. Frank’s garden began with curiosity. A longtime Southern Utah resident, Frank has always been fascinated by desert plants — the kinds that quietly thrive in the harsh beauty of the desert landscape. Over the years, he began experimenting with growing them himself, collecting seeds, propagating plants, and learning which varieties could adapt to the unique soils and climate of the region.

Nestled above the Tuacahn Wash on land protected by conservation easements, Lee’s garden is a masterclass in desert-wise design and thoughtful stewardship. Begun when the home was built in 1993 and nurtured over decades, the garden showcases an evolving collection of native and well-adapted plants woven among volcanic rock and sculptural metal art.

Hidden on five acres at the edge of Ivins, Kathy and Gary’s desert garden tells the story of what began as a simple wish for a minimalist landscape. Over the decades, it has evolved into a living tapestry of cactus, agave, natural pathways, and open views framed by the red rock of Red Mountain.