Last year (exactly a year ago, actually), I went to Las Vegas with my mom. It was the first time I’d ever been further West than Indiana, and the landscape alone was a total shock for me. I live in the mid-south, and all we have are lots of trees, lots of grass, and lots of hills. I wasn’t used to the stark, dark mountains, the palm trees, rocks, and of course, sand everywhere. I thought it was beautiful, and I had so much fun in Vegas that I’d even consider moving out there. But I think I would miss all the lush foliage that I’m used to. However, I found this article by Robbi Hoy at the Garden Geeks, and it put that fear to rest. If I ever move to Vegas (or the coast, or anywhere else with sandy soil), I’ll know exactly what plants thrive in the sand:
Acacia dealbata (Mimosa, Silver Wattle)
Agonis flexuosa (Peppermint Tree, Willow Myrtle)
Juniperus
Lavandula
Yucca gloriosa
Pelargoniums
Verbena x hybrida
The entire post is divided into trees, conifers, shrubs, flowers, and rock garden plants, and is extremely extensive. Check it out!