Backyard Designs

We live in Vegas and our yard is entirely xeroscaping with rocks and desert plants. We have irrigation for the small plants. Lately we’ve noticed that the rocks near the fence walls remain wet. We’ve also noticed that a white scale is forming on the top of the rocks. What is this? How can I get rid of it? Is it serious?

I got a lot of space, no fence, i dont even have grass yet. So what software should i do to design a backyard?

Any ideas on how to spice it up. Does anyone know any sites with good pictures. I have 3 foot beds all the way around he pool that hug a fence.

We have an in ground pool a the top of a small rise. It is in a flat area, with a crappy wire and post fence around it. Very shabby (not chic) looking. The surrounding area inside the fence, outside the pool is currently dug up of all it’s grass. Just made a mess when mowed. We have one small area/corner which we added some decking where we place our bistro table and chairs. The rest of the area which on two sides is about 2′ wide, and the third side which is 3′ wide is blah. We have a shabby chic/recycle type decor around the yard, pool house and house. We are on a very tight budget so recycling and re-purposing works best for us. I need help with ideas to make this area look interesting. I had an idea of perhaps small squares edged with some sort of timbers and then with plants in them spaced around the area here and there (I can transplant some plants from my garden to fill these). I don’t know what we could do with the in between areas though. We don’t want to use mulch, or too much rock due to trying to keep the cost down. I thought maybe something with old pallets? This is not an area we walk in either, it is purely for show. I can’t find any pics for ideas on line. I am open to all suggestions and nothing will sound too outlandish for me. We live in the northeast so this area is greatly used during the months of May-September. Then the brutal weather sets in.