For most of the afternoon yesterday, the Las Vegas valley was under a flash flood watch. Eight hours later we had seen just a few drops of rain - just enough to get the windshield dirty, but leaving the desert landscape thirsting for more. This is a perfect example of how scarce water can be in the southwestern desert.

Even though the Henderson Nevada area only receives 4 1/2 inches of rainfall per year (with most of that coming in the first three months), there are still plenty of options for homeowners to add color to their surroundings. The Southern Nevada Water Authority offers several ideas for landscape designs on their website, including child-friendly, pool-friendly, and low maintenance. Here are just a few examples of color:

Upper left: Lantana is a popular groundcover in southern Nevada. It blooms in gold, orange, purple and read from early spring to late fall.

Upper right: Red Yucca is an evergreen that's native to Texas. Its blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies in the spring and summer.

Lower left: The Mexican Bird of Paradise offers a vibrant mix of red, yellow and orange.

Lower right: Texas Sage or Texas Ranger is a fast-growing shrub that bursts with purple flowers a couple of times a year.

When planning your landscape, keep in mind that southern Nevada is currently under a drought alert and there are watering restrictions. Additionally, no new turf is allowed in front yards while we are in an alert. Still, there are plenty of colorful, water-smart choices to help you make the most of your outdoor spaces.

For more information on desert landscapes, visit the Acacia Demonstration Gardens at 50 Casa Del Fuego Street in Henderson. The three-acre site offers several different themes, plus kiosks and walking trails, all aimed to help southern Nevada residents enjoy the colors of the desert while staying water smart.