Fact: The climate in Denver is not only unpredictable. It is also "difficult" - harsh and cold with long wintners and a few mild days, in between, that never fall on the same dates. The other extreme is lack of rain - dry.

One of the best plants for landscaping in this type of weather are evergreens due to their variety both in species and color and sturdiness. Shrubs, indigenous to the region, also make for attractive fillers in your Denver landscape design.

Also, because of the dryness of the climate a water feature - or, the semblance of such, may be a good landscaping idea.

Rocks, instead of beds of soil and/or grass, may be the alternative you should opt for here, once again, your range of choice is very large.

Lighting is another option to consider when designing Denver landscaping to add dramatism and provide safety.

Dry climates are characterized has having little precipitation (rain) and high temperatures. Plants which do well in this type of climate are those that, obviously, require little watering such as evergreens and cactus.

Denver landscaping contractors design for this type of climate, including in their projects elements such as stone, gravel and natural rock. Old wood also helps in making an appealing and natural-looking composition.

For those long winter months one of your best bets, when considering Denver landscape, are evergreens. Due to the variety of species and color available you will be able to place them in different settings around your yard.

Types of evergreens include cypress, which are in your Denver Landscaping project would serve as privacy fencing; Eucalytus and Pine, of which there are approximately 115 species to choose from. The Thuya evergreen is especially resistant to droughts and pests.

Shrubs native to the area's climate are also another great choice for your Denver landscaping project. "Colorado native shrubs are naturally adapted to their specific Colorado climate, soils, and environmental conditions. When correctly sited, they can be ideal plants for a sustainable landscape that requires reduced external inputs such as watering, fertilizing, and pruning. In order to realize these benefits, the planting site must approximate the natural environmental conditions of the plant in its native habitat." (www.ext.colostate.edu)

(Photo courtesy of David GN Photography, Flickr.)

For reasons that seem obvious, people that live in dry places have a fascination with water. Therefore, including Denver water features, in your landscape design is not as wacky as it sounds. It doesn't have to be a replica of Angel Falls..but the sound of a small fountain or the trickle of a small stream is a welcoming and soothing sound.

On the other hand, a Denver landscaping design which depicts the "absence of a water feature"- i.e., a dried-up streambed, with rocks and shrubs, strategically placed, could very well add that subtle, whispered sense of the exotic abandonment to your property.

Different Denver landscaping companies will offer you different water features for your landscaping project. Choosing the right water features for your property will depend on your needs, taste, property features, and your budget.

An inexpensive alternative to any Denver landscaping project are rocks - creek rocks, gravel, pebble rocks, boulders - of all sizes, textures and color - the list is endless. Rock may be used as an alternative to soil, as a focal point, paths and in your front AND backyard.

(Photo courtesy of Jeannette's Photography, Flickr.)

An example of using rock in your Denver landscaping project is to create a Zen garden using sand and different types of rocks and gravel where there is a contained water feature such as a small stream, fountain or fall. This type of landscaping is created with mental and physical relaxation as a focal point.

"The trick to using rock in landscaping effectively, as with any form of hardscaping, is to completely incorporate them into your yard's design. Locate them in places that will add to the yard, not where it looks like you are trying to cover something up or take attention away from another part of the yard. Plan just where each landscaping rock should be placed for maximum effect and balance." (www.ezinarticles.com)

Whether it be path or accent lights, lighting has become very fashionable in Denver landscaping. The purpose of lighting in landscaping is threefold- security, aesthetics and safety.

Lighting provides a sense of drama to your yard drawing attention to any particular area you wish to highlight.

(Photo courtesy of Rick Anderson, NC, Flickr.)

Outdoor lighting is available now in all kinds of shapes, sizes and color with solar powered devices being the most popular and inexpensive.

Visualize this - the Zen garden in that quiet corner of your backyard at night with soft lights illuminating the rocks and the soothing sound of water flowing .Some people are willing to pay a lot of money to have that.

This is one job that using a professional is recommended since electricity is being used. Better let them hit the wrong cable when digging than you. That way you can blame it on them and your neighbors won't hate you THAT much for TOO long. It will also save you a lot of sweating and cussing that you may use in another project like plumbing.

By paying attention to your climate and by choosing the right plants accented by rock and other natural materials, a water feature and proper lighting, you will achieve a very natural and attractive image of your Denver landscaping project. Other benefits of such an arrangement is the low maintenance and the lowering of water consumption required from you.

Due to Colorado's erratic climate, xeriscaping as your Denver landscaping style makes a lot of sense. Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping which employs plants that require very little water. It is also referred to as "xerogardening". The obvious benefit of xeriscaping is that it saves both water and money. The types of plants most commonly used in this type of Denver landscaping are those that are drought resistant. Also, you may chose from 4 different xeriscaping patterns - i.e., the green look, the desert look, the wildflower look and the leafy look, when deciding what direction you want to take your Denver landscaping project.