32 Stunning Outdoor Cactus Garden Ideas That Will Transform Your Yard

Transform your outdoor space into a stunning desert oasis with these creative cactus garden ideas. From modern minimalist designs to lush Southwest-inspired landscapes, discover how to create a drought-resistant, low-maintenance garden that showcases the unique beauty of cacti and succulents. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a compact patio, these inspiring ideas will help you design an eye-catching outdoor cactus garden that thrives in your climate.

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Desert Zen Garden

Create a peaceful retreat by combining tall saguaro cacti with smaller barrel varieties, arranged among smooth river rocks and raked sand patterns. This minimalist approach draws inspiration from Japanese zen gardens while incorporating drought-resistant plants for a serene desert meditation space.

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Terraced Cactus Display

Desert Terraced Cactus Garden - A stunning terraced cactus garden photographed during golden hour, showcasing multiple levels of natural stone retaining walls creating a dramatic southwestern desert landscape. The terraces cascade down with larger Saguaro and Barrel cacti positioned at the back, transitioning to medium-sized Golden Barrel and Organ Pipe cacti in the middle, and smaller specimens like Echeveria and Mammillaria in the front. Natural desert pebbles and crushed granite create pathways between levels, while occasional red flowering Torch cacti add vibrant accents. Captured with a wide-angle perspective that emphasizes the dimensional layers and architectural beauty of the design, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the terraces. The composition includes desert-appropriate accent boulders and weathered wooden steps connecting the levels, photographed at f/8 for optimal depth of field, creating a professional, magazine-quality image.

Utilize natural elevation changes or build raised beds to create a dramatic terraced garden. Position larger cacti species at the back, graduating to smaller specimens in front. This creates depth and allows each plant to be fully appreciated while maximizing space usage.

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Southwest Color Pop

Vibrant Southwest Desert Garden - A stunning late afternoon garden scene featuring a collection of colorful cacti and succulents arranged in hand-painted Mexican Talavera pots of blue, yellow, and red. Golden barrel cacti glow in the warm sunlight, while purple echeveria create striking contrast against orange flowering barrel cacti. A decorative pathway lined with intricate Talavera tiles leads through the garden, with various heights of prickly pear cacti creating depth. Desert mountains visible in the background, shot at f/2.8 with beautiful bokeh effect, golden hour lighting casting long shadows across the textured landscape. 16mm wide-angle perspective capturing the entire scene's vibrant Southwest charm.

Inject vibrant colors by pairing cacti with bright ceramic pots and Mexican Talavera tiles. Incorporate flowering varieties like barrel cacti and prickly pear alongside purple echeveria and golden barrel cacti for year-round visual interest.

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Stunning Ideas for Your Home

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Cactus Living Wall

Modern Vertical Cactus Garden Wall - A stunning vertical living wall mounted on a contemporary grey concrete wall in a modern backyard, photographed during golden hour. The modular wall system showcases an artfully arranged collection of drought-resistant cacti and succulents in varying sizes and textures. Echeveria rosettes, cylindrical Barrel cacti, and cascading String of Pearls create a dimensional tapestry of greens, blues, and silvers. Low-voltage LED spotlights cast dramatic shadows, highlighting the architectural forms of tall Organ Pipe cacti and spiky Agave plants. The composition is captured from a slight angle using a wide-angle lens, showing the full 8-foot height of the installation while maintaining intimate detail of the plant textures. A sleek minimalist patio setting visible in the foreground provides scale and context, with the warm sunset light creating depth and atmosphere in the scene.

Install a vertical garden structure using drought-resistant cacti and succulents. Perfect for small spaces, this living wall creates visual impact while taking up minimal ground space. Include different textures and sizes for added dimension.

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Desert Wildlife Haven

Desert Wildlife Sanctuary at Dusk - A wide-angle photograph of a desert garden oasis at golden hour, featuring tall Saguaro and barrel cacti surrounded by natural desert rock formations. The scene captures a tranquil shallow stone basin water feature with gentle ripples, where a hummingbird hovers near blooming pink and orange desert wildflowers. Cholla and prickly pear cacti with vibrant yellow and red blooms dot the landscape, while desert butterflies float among the flowering plants. Natural boulder formations create levels and depth, with a rustic wooden bench nestled among the rocks. Shot with soft, warm lighting casting long shadows across textured decomposed granite pathways, f/2.8, creating a dreamy bokeh effect on the background desert landscape.

Design a garden that attracts native wildlife by incorporating bird-friendly cacti species and natural rock formations. Include shallow water features and flowering varieties to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

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Geometric Pattern Garden

Modern Geometric Desert Garden - A stunning overhead view of a modern geometric cactus garden at golden hour, shot with a wide-angle lens. The design features a mesmerizing spiral pattern created with alternating white and rust-colored gravel, with carefully placed barrel cacti, blue agaves, and golden barrel cacti arranged in precise geometric formations. Clean-lined concrete pathways intersect the spiral, creating a contemporary architectural feel. The low-angled sunlight casts long shadows across the textured gravel, highlighting the dimensional quality of the design. Desert mountains visible in the background, slightly out of focus. Shot with a professional digital camera, 16-35mm lens, f/2.8, ISO 400, capturing the rich contrast between the sculptural cacti and the geometric hardscaping.

Create striking patterns using different colored gravel and carefully placed cacti. Arrange plants in symmetrical designs or spirals, using contrasting stone colors to define spaces and create visual movement.

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Container Cactus Collection

Rustic Terra Cotta Cactus Collection - A stunning close-up photograph of an artfully arranged collection of diverse cacti in weathered terra cotta pots on a sun-drenched patio corner. Multiple pot sizes create a dynamic stepped display, from small 4-inch pots to large 24-inch containers. The collection features barrel cacti, columnar cacti, and flowering prickly pears arranged at varying heights on a vintage wooden plant stand. Golden evening sunlight casts long shadows across the textured pots, highlighting the spines and ridges of each specimen. Shot with a digital camera, 16-35mm lens at f/2.8, ISO 400, capturing the rich terracotta colors and intricate cactus details with perfect depth of field.

Display diverse cactus species in a collection of weathered terra cotta pots. Vary pot sizes and heights to create interest, and group plants with similar water needs together for easier maintenance.

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Desert Pathway Garden

Enchanting Desert Pathway at Sunset - A winding natural flagstone pathway through a beautifully landscaped desert garden, captured at golden hour with long shadows. Low-growing barrel cacti and blue agaves line both sides of the curved path, while majestic Saguaro cacti stand as sculptural focal points at the curves. The pathway is bordered with rustic decomposed granite and dotted with golden barrel cacti. Desert wildflowers add pops of color, and decorative rocks in varying sizes create texture. Shot with a wide-angle lens at f/2.8, creating a dreamy depth of field with the setting sun casting warm orange light across the scene, highlighting the cacti's silhouettes and the pathway's natural contours.

Create winding pathways through your cactus garden using natural flagstone or decomposed granite. Line paths with lower-growing cacti and accent with larger specimens at key points.

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Night-Lighting Desert Scene

Desert Garden Night Illumination - A captivating nighttime garden scene featuring dramatic silhouettes of tall Saguaro and Barrel cacti illuminated by warm LED uplighting, photographed with a wide-angle lens. The modern desert landscape design shows multiple cacti of varying heights casting elongated shadows across a meticulously arranged gravel pathway. Golden spotlights strategically placed at the base of each cactus create a theatrical display, highlighting their sculptural forms against a deep blue twilight sky. Mexican river rocks and desert succulents add texture to the foreground, while subtle pathway lighting guides viewers through the space. Shot with shallow depth of field to capture the ethereal glow of the lighting while maintaining the architectural details of the cacti.

Install strategic uplighting to highlight dramatic cactus silhouettes after dark. Use warm LED lights to create atmospheric evening gardens and showcase the architectural shapes of larger specimens.

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Desert Rain Garden

Design a water-wise garden that captures natural rainfall while featuring drought-resistant cacti. Include subtle berms and swales to direct water flow and create natural irrigation zones.

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Sculptural Cactus Garden

Modern Desert Sculpture Garden with Dramatic Cacti - A stunning twilight scene of a contemporary desert garden featuring towering saguaro and barrel cacti arranged as natural sculptures, complemented by angular copper and weathered steel art installations. Large geometric metalwork frames echo the cacti's silhouettes against a purple-orange sky. Artistic spotlighting casts dramatic shadows across a decomposed granite path winding between the specimens. Several golden barrel cacti clusters create lower focal points, while a massive organ pipe cactus serves as a dramatic centerpiece. Modern concrete benches and minimal water features add architectural elements. Shot from a wide angle to capture the theatrical arrangement and interplay of natural and constructed forms.

Treat cacti as living sculptures by pairing them with abstract garden art and metalwork. Choose specimens with dramatic forms and arrange them to create bold focal points throughout the space.

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Mediterranean Mix

Mediterranean Cactus Garden Retreat - A sunlit Mediterranean-style garden terrace at golden hour, featuring a harmonious blend of tall saguaro cacti and barrel cacti interspersed with flowing lavender and aromatic rosemary bushes. Weathered terra cotta pots of various sizes create levels and visual interest, while rustic limestone walls provide a warm backdrop. Natural stone pathways wind through the garden, with Mediterranean cypress trees framing the scene. The composition is captured from a three-quarter angle, showcasing the interplay of spiky cactus silhouettes against the soft, purple lavender blooms. Soft evening light casts long shadows across the textured stone pavers, while copper garden lanterns add a warm glow. Professional DSLR photo with crisp detail and perfect exposure, f/8, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Blend cacti with Mediterranean plants like lavender and rosemary. Use terra cotta pots and rustic stone elements to create a warm, inviting garden that combines different drought-tolerant species.

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Poolside Desert Oasis

Luxurious Poolside Desert Garden - A stunning wide-angle twilight shot of a modern rectangular swimming pool surrounded by an artfully arranged desert garden. Golden hour sunlight casts long shadows across the water, while strategically placed golden barrel cacti (Echinocactus grusonii) and towering saguaro cacti create natural privacy screens. Mexican fence posts and organ pipe cacti stand as architectural elements along the pool's edge, complemented by smooth river rocks and desert-appropriate lighting. A sleek pool deck features contemporary lounge chairs, while careful plant placement ensures safety and aesthetics. Shot with a digital camera, 16-35mm lens at f/2.8, ISO 400, capturing the warm desert ambiance and resort-style sophistication.

Frame pool areas with carefully selected cacti varieties that won't drop spines into the water. Create a resort-like atmosphere with clusters of barrel cacti and tall specimens for privacy.

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Rock Garden Symphony

Desert Rock Garden at Sunset - A stunning desert-inspired rock garden featuring weathered granite boulders artfully arranged in a natural formation, with golden sunset light casting long shadows. Various cacti species, including barrel cacti, blue torch cacti, and silver torch cacti, are nestled between the rocks. The ground is covered in a harmonious blend of crushed desert rose quartz and earth-toned decomposed granite. Small dramatic spotlights illuminate key specimen plants. Weathered copper garden accents complement the natural elements. Photographed from a low angle to emphasize the majestic scale of the boulders, with a soft bokeh effect in the background showing a modern home's architecture. Hyperrealistic, 8K quality.

Arrange cacti among large boulder formations and crushed stone mulch. Create natural-looking rock groupings that provide backdrop and protection for delicate species while adding visual drama.

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Desert Courtyard

Transform a courtyard into an intimate desert garden with carefully placed specimen cacti. Include built-in seating and consider overhead shade structures to create a comfortable outdoor living space.

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Succulent Border Garden

Desert-Inspired Succulent Border Path - A professional DSLR photo capturing a winding garden pathway at golden hour, bordered by a stunning arrangement of low-growing succulents and mini cacti. The border features alternating waves of blue-green Echeveria, spiky Agave attenuata, round barrel cacti, and trailing String of Pearls cascading over natural stone edging. Shot with a wide-angle lens at f/8, the composition shows the dramatic interplay of textures and heights, with desert pebbles and crushed granite providing contrast against the succulent foliage. Soft evening light casts gentle shadows, highlighting the architectural forms of the plants, while a rustic wooden bench in the background adds depth and context to the garden scene. The pathway curves gracefully through the frame, leading the eye through the meticulously designed border garden.

Edge pathways or garden beds with low-growing succulents and small cacti varieties. Create waves of texture and color that define spaces while requiring minimal maintenance.

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Desert Fountain Feature

Serene Desert Oasis Fountain - A stunning twilight scene of a modern copper-tiered fountain surrounded by a thoughtfully arranged collection of cacti and succulents in a residential backyard. The fountain features smooth river rocks and weathered copper patina, with water gracefully cascading down multiple levels. Architectural cacti like Saguaro and Barrel cacti create dramatic silhouettes against the dusky sky, while clusters of smaller specimens like Golden Ball and Blue Columnar cacti add texture at varying heights. Soft landscape lighting illuminates the water feature and key plants, creating a magical desert ambiance. The entire scene is set in a bed of golden decomposed granite with strategic boulder placement, capturing the essence of a refined desert oasis.

Incorporate a water-wise fountain surrounded by carefully arranged cacti. Use recirculating water features to maintain humidity levels while creating soothing desert ambiance.

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Sunrise Garden

Golden Morning Cactus Garden - A stunning DSLR wide-angle photograph of a modern desert garden at sunrise, capturing golden morning light streaming across an artfully arranged collection of cacti. Golden-barrel cacti (Echinocactus grusonii) with luminous yellow spines take center stage, their round forms casting dramatic long shadows across a bed of copper-toned decomposed granite and white crushed quartz. Tall saguaro and organ pipe cacti create vertical interest in the background, while clustering mammillaria and echeveria provide ground texture. The east-facing garden features modern concrete pavers creating a winding path, with weathered copper garden art pieces complementing the warm morning light. Shot at f/8 with golden hour lighting emphasizing the cacti's natural textures and spines, creating an ethereal desert landscape scene.

Design an east-facing garden that captures morning light on cacti specimens. Include golden-spined varieties that glow in early sunlight and create dramatic shadows across decorative gravel.

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Desert Color Garden

Group cacti by color themes, incorporating specimens with blue, gold, and silver tones. Add flowering varieties for seasonal bursts of bright colors against the desert palette.

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Hanging Cactus Garden

Create vertical interest with hanging planters featuring trailing cacti species. Perfect for walls and pergolas, this design maximizes space while adding unique visual elements to your outdoor area.

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Desert Shade Garden

Tranquil Desert Shade Oasis - A serene desert garden scene at golden hour, showing a thoughtfully designed shaded area beneath a mature Palo Verde tree. Soft, dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, illuminating a collection of shade-tolerant cacti and succulents. Featured plants include tall Organ Pipe cacti, clustering Mammillaria, and sprawling Epiphyllum specimens. The garden floor is covered with decorative gravel in warm earth tones, interspersed with weathered desert rocks and locally sourced boulders. A rustic wooden bench provides a peaceful seating area, while copper garden lights await evening illumination. Shot from a wide angle to showcase the harmonious balance between the natural canopy and the carefully curated understory garden, with selective focus on textural plant details. Photorealistic, high detail, magical atmosphere.

Design a garden featuring shade-tolerant cacti species under tree canopies or in partially covered areas. Include plants that thrive in filtered light while maintaining the desert aesthetic.

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Prehistoric Garden

Jurassic Cactus Garden at Dawn - A wide-angle shot of a dramatic prehistoric-themed garden at dawn, captured with a 16-35mm lens at f/2.8, ISO 400. Towering Saguaro cacti and ancient cycads emerge from a misty morning landscape, their silhouettes dramatic against the warm sunrise. Large, weathered boulders and petrified wood logs are strategically placed throughout the garden. Zamia palms and Barrel cacti create mid-level interest, while golden morning light filters through the prehistoric plants, casting long shadows across the textured decomposed granite pathway. The garden is terraced with natural stone walls, creating depth and dimension. Desert-adapted ferns and horsetails add to the Mesozoic atmosphere, while a subtle water feature trickles over fossilized rocks in the background.

Create a garden featuring ancient-looking cacti species alongside cycads and other primitive plants. Use large rocks and fossilized wood to enhance the prehistoric atmosphere.

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Desert Meadow

Combine low-growing cacti with native desert grasses and wildflowers. Create a natural-looking landscape that changes with the seasons while maintaining drought resistance.

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Gravel Art Garden

Modern Geometric Gravel and Cactus Mandala Garden - An aerial view of a stunning circular garden design featuring a large-scale mandala pattern created with contrasting white, rust-red, and charcoal Mexican beach pebbles. The intricate geometric pattern incorporates various barrel cacti, agave, and golden barrel cactus positioned as living focal points within the concentric circles and triangular segments. The gravel art is meticulously arranged in sweeping curves and precise angles, creating a mesmerizing desert tapestry. Soft dawn lighting casts long shadows across the textured surface, emphasizing the dimensional quality of the design. Modern concrete pavers create a clean border around the installation, while desert mountains fade into a misty purple horizon in the background. Professional landscape photography with deep contrast and crisp details.

Design intricate patterns using different colored gravels, with cacti as living artwork within the design. Create permanent mandala patterns or geometric shapes that complement the plant arrangements.

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Desert Entry Garden

Frame your home's entrance with statement cacti specimens and architectural succulents. Create a welcoming yet low-maintenance approach that sets the tone for your property.

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Rainbow Cactus Collection

Vibrant Desert Rainbow Garden - A close-up shot at golden hour of a stunning outdoor cactus garden featuring a mesmerizing collection of colorful cacti arranged in natural tiers. The scene showcases Ferocactus with golden spines, iridescent blue Pilosocereus azureus, purple-tinged Opuntia santa-rita, and rainbow-colored Echinocereus rigidissimus. Soft sunlight filters through the spines creating a magical glow, while desert pebbles in warm tones provide a harmonious base. The background features a modern concrete retaining wall softened by trailing desert plants. Shot with a 16-35mm lens at f/2.8, ISO 400, capturing the rich textures and natural color variations of the cacti collection.

Showcase cacti with various natural colors, from deep greens to blues and purples. Include specimens that produce colorful spines or seasonal flowers for year-round interest.

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Desert Meditation Space

Create a peaceful retreat with comfortable seating surrounded by carefully arranged cacti. Include smooth stones for contemplation and arrange plants to provide privacy and tranquility.

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Sunset View Garden

Desert Sunset Cactus Garden - A stunning wide-angle photograph of a modern desert garden at golden hour, featuring towering Saguaro and Organ Pipe cacti creating dramatic silhouettes against a vibrant orange and purple sunset sky. The garden includes carefully positioned Mexican Fence Post cacti and Golden Barrel clusters at varying heights. Natural desert landscaping with decomposed granite and smooth river rocks creates texture in the foreground. A contemporary wooden deck extends into the garden space, with built-in LED ground lighting softly illuminating the base of the cacti. The composition captures long shadows stretching across the garden, with the last rays of sunlight filtering through the cacti arms, creating a magical southwestern atmosphere.

Design a west-facing garden that captures evening light through tall cacti specimens. Position plants to create dramatic silhouettes during sunset hours.

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Desert Rain Chain

Install decorative rain chains surrounded by cacti that benefit from occasional water flow. Create an attractive water feature that functions during rainy periods while maintaining drought-resistant design.

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Mini Desert Mountains

Desert Mountain Cactus Garden at Dusk - A stunning backyard landscaping scene featuring artistically sculpted earth berms creating miniature desert mountains, photographed at dusk with warm golden light. Multiple varieties of cacti, including tall Saguaro, barrel cacti, and flowering prickly pear are arranged in naturalistic groupings across the rolling terrain. Small decorative rocks and desert pebbles cover the ground, while strategic uplighting casts dramatic shadows across the undulating landscape. A rustic wooden bench in the foreground provides scale and viewing perspective. Wide-angle shot capturing the entire mini mountain range installation with a purple-orange sunset sky in the background.

Build small berms planted with various cacti to mimic desert mountain ranges. Use different heights and textures to create a naturalistic desert landscape in miniature form.

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Desert Moon Garden

Moonlit Desert Garden Sanctuary - A serene nighttime garden scene captured with a wide-angle 16-35mm lens at f/2.8, ISO 400, showcasing a dramatic desert moon garden. White-flowering Echinopsis cacti and silvery Mammillaria hahniana take center stage, their pale blooms luminescent under a full moon. Weathered silver-blue Agave attenuata create sculptural silhouettes against the dark sky. The garden is artfully arranged on white decomposed granite gravel that sparkles in strategically placed solar ground lights. Modern copper path lights cast gentle shadows, while hidden uplighting dramatically illuminates tall saguaro cacti. A curved pathway meanders through the garden, bordered by glowing orb planters containing trailing white epicactus. The composition captures the ethereal quality of desert plants at night, with the moon hanging dramatically in the background, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere in this backyard sanctuary.

Feature white-flowering and silver-toned cacti species that glow in moonlight. Include light-colored gravel and solar-powered landscape lighting for enhanced nighttime viewing.

FAQ's

How often should I water my outdoor cactus garden?

Water requirements vary by climate and season, but generally, outdoor cacti need watering only when the soil is completely dry. In hot summers, this might mean every 2-3 weeks, while in winter, you might not need to water at all. Always check soil moisture before watering.

What type of soil is best for an outdoor cactus garden?

Use well-draining cactus soil mix or create your own by combining regular potting soil with coarse sand and perlite in equal parts. The soil should drain quickly to prevent root rot, which is fatal to cacti.

Can I grow cacti in areas with high rainfall?

Yes, but proper drainage is crucial. Create raised beds or mounds to ensure excess water drains away quickly. Choose hardy species that can tolerate more moisture, and consider covering the garden during periods of extended rainfall.

How do I protect my cactus garden during winter?

In cold climates, choose cold-hardy cacti species, use frost cloth or row covers during freezing temperatures, and avoid watering before expected frosts. Consider planting near walls or structures that provide protection from harsh winter winds.