PGSU Garden Story: Kerry

Kerry loves living in Stone Cliff—so much so that she’s now in her fifth home there. When she moved into her current home about a year ago, she turned her attention immediately to the gardens. The yard, once tended only sporadically by part-time residents, had survived mostly on its own. Towering cacti, Joshua trees, and a handful of hardy desert perennials were all that remained.

With those survivors as her starting point, Kerry and her trusted landscaper—someone she has worked with before—set out to bring both beauty and order to the property.

A Garden Renewed

The redesign began in the front yard, where a border of red-tipped Photinia now stretches across the property. In time, it will form a lush privacy hedge. Along the side yard, bursts of color come from crepe myrtles, roses, lantana, vinca, and marigolds—plants chosen for their resilience and showy blooms.

In the backyard, a pondless waterfall now serves as the focal point. Large stones frame the water feature, blending seamlessly into the desert hillside rising just behind the house. A small grassy patch provides comfort for pets, while mature shrubs and palms offer privacy. Joshua trees—iconic in their sculptural form—anchor the design and continue the lush desert theme.

Attention to Detail

Kerry enjoys filling artful pots with seasonal color—heat-loving annuals, bougainvillea, and tender perennials that bring vibrancy to the patios. Everything is watered by drip irrigation, making the gardens low-maintenance and water-wise once established.

She also relies on the artistry of plant specialist Ricardo Alas, whose weekly visits keep the garden looking sharp. His careful pruning of Joshua trees and desert spoons reveals their natural elegance. Alongside his expertise, Kerry takes inspiration from friends and trusted advisors who share their gardening wisdom.

A Personal Touch

The gardens reflect Kerry’s love for art as well as plants. Sculptural metal pieces are placed throughout, creating transitions between spaces and adding a touch of elegance to the desert setting. Visitors will notice thriving cacti, a spectacular stand of Spanish lavender, and a garden full of contrasting textures—even in the heat of late summer when some flowers have faded.

Garden Wisdom from Kerry

• Blend permanence with seasonal color. Anchor your landscape with long-lived desert plants, then brighten it with pots of annuals and tender perennials.

• Choose water features wisely. A pondless waterfall offers beauty and sound while conserving water.

• Art belongs outdoors, too. Sculptural pieces—whether plant forms or metal art—can guide the eye and define transitions in a garden.