Patio living has been a thing here since, well, the 1950s. However, it continues to evolve with smarter plantings, comfort structures like shade zones, and far fewer sweeping concrete and gravel areas, as well as fewer oleanders, than in the past.
"Yes, clients are investing in multi-functional outdoor rooms that blur the line between home and landscape," said Kate Aberle, outdoor living designer at Santa Rita Landscaping. Fire pits remain a staple, but we’re seeing growth in linear fire features that feel sleek and architectural.
Outdoor kitchens are evolving into full culinary stations with refrigeration, pizza ovens, multiple outdoor appliances, and bar seating.
Another significant trend is the integration of shade structures, such as pergolas with fans, lighting, and louvered mechanical slots, making outdoor living comfortable year-round.
Water features are also evolving: instead of large fountains, people want subtle recirculating basins that provide sound and movement without heavy water demand and a reduction in maintenance requirements.
"We’re seeing a major shift toward regionally adapted, low-water plant palettes that still deliver strong visual impact," she said.
Desert evergreens like Mastic, Ironwood (often referred to as the “Mother of the Sonoran Desert”), and Texas Mountain Laurel are in high demand because they provide shade, seasonal color, year-round greenery, and habitat value without high water use, she said.
And shrubs with multi-season interest and pollinator benefits, such as Tecoma Varieties, Damianita, and Desert Hop Bush ( great alternative to Oleanders), are increasingly popular as clients embrace biodiversity. "The priority is moving from 'ornamental for show' to resilient, climate-appropriate plantings that look good year-round and support ecosystems.
However, these changes mean that some old landscape memes are being phased out. "High-maintenance lawns and overly formal plantings are rapidly declining. Turf is being replaced with native grasses, ground covers, and permeable hardscape."
Overly lush, non-regional planting palettes, such as tropical palms or water-hungry annual beds, are seen as outdated and unsustainable.
Even decorative gravel yards with little shade are fading, as homeowners realize they don’t provide comfort or value. Instead, the emphasis is on landscapes that perform, provide shade, conserve water, reduce heat, and invite people to gather and make memories.
We live in an extraordinary habitat for humans. Anything we can do to maximize the utility and performance of each item outdoors is moving life in the right direction: outdoors!
"The emphasis is on landscapes that perform multiple functions, providing shade, conserving water, reducing heat, and inviting people to gather and create memories."
- Kate Aberle, Outdoor Lifestyle Designer at Santa Rita Landscaping