Pima Canyon Estate by BOXHILL & Co.

Background: A Career-Defining First Leap
In 2005, early in her landscape design career, Elizabeth Przygoda was invited to lead the landscape design for a private residence tucked against the protected edges of Pima Canyon in Tucson, Arizona. The architect, Ron Robinette—one of the region’s most established names—entrusted her with the site’s design, offering both mentorship and creative freedom.

Set at the base of the  Catalina Mountain range near the Iris Dewhirst Pima Canyon trailhead, where javelina, deer, and bighorn sheep regularly pass through, the site demanded a response that felt native—visually, culturally, and ecologically. The scale and sensitivity of the project were a significant leap from Przygoda’s previous work and would become a foundational milestone in her design career.

Design Intent: A Sculpted Desert That Belongs
The goal was to create a landscape that looked as though it had always been there. Using only native plant species—including palo verde, mesquite, saguaros, ocotillo, fire barrels, and golden barrel cactus—Przygoda laid the groundwork for a lasting xeriscape plant palette. But instead of a scattered or naturalized approach, she introduced sculptural massings: golden barrels and red barrels arranged in sweeping waves that brought rhythm and movement to the landscape.
Each plant was placed on a drip irrigation system and gradually weaned off supplemental water—a forward-thinking strategy for long-term sustainability in an arid climate.

Along the rear property line, where a public trail meets the edge of the lot, the clients asked for privacy without obstructing the view of the adjacent national park. The solution was both visual and ecological: the design team “built the desert back up” around the property, blending the planted edge into the existing terrain. To define the boundary, they used clear fencing and a “cactus fence”—a legal alternative at the time to pool enclosures, using densely spaced cacti every 12 inches. A buried snake fence was also installed for added safety, protecting the pool area without interrupting views or habitat corridors.

Material and Ecological Strategy
Material choices were guided by a desire for both visual continuity and environmental sensitivity. “Desert Gold” decomposed granite was used as ground cover, mirroring the tone and texture of the native soil. Stone from the nearby Catalina Mountains anchored the naturalistic pool in the site’s geologic identity, while flagstone and slate were used throughout the hardscape to echo the home’s earthy architecture.
Even the smallest details served a purpose: a custom pot irrigation system captured overflow and channeled it into subgrade drainage, nourishing nearby plantings while preventing runoff and protecting the surrounding surfaces.

A Revisited Landscape: Evolving with Knowledge
In 2020, Przygoda returned to the site—not to redesign, but to revisit a small detail with big implications. Originally, a graceful wave of Mexican Thread Grass (Nassella tenuissima) had been planted near the patio. At the time, it was not considered invasive in Arizona. But as understanding of regional plant behavior evolved, it was later added to invasive species lists throughout the Southwest.

Wanting the landscape to reflect current ecological standards, Przygoda reached out to the homeowners. Together, they chose to replace the grasses with desert-adapted cacti that echoed the soft, linear movement of the original design while aligning more closely with today’s ecological best practices.

The update was subtle, but meaningful—proof that a well-loved landscape can adapt over time, deepening its relationship to both place and purpose.

Legacy and Impact
Nearly two decades later, the project continues to thrive as a fully native, low-water, wildlife-aware landscape. Its enduring features include:
• A natural pool and spa set within native stone
• Two outdoor beehive fireplaces
• Custom gates and sculptural desert plantings
• A passive water system using existing site hydrology
• A thoughtful blend of artistry, restraint, and long-term ecological care
Its truest legacy lies in its evolution—with continued care, humility, and an ever-deepening respect for place.

Designer Bio
Elizabeth Przygoda is the founder and principal designer of BOXHILL & Co., a Tucson-based landscape design studio and outdoor furnishings brand. With over 25 years of experience and a deep understanding of arid environments, she creates outdoor spaces that balance beauty with durability. Her early work—including this residence—reflects a commitment to artistically expressive, ecologically grounded design. Elizabeth is also the founder of Shop BOXHILL, an online outdoor furniture retailer that sources products built to withstand the elements and reduce landfill waste through enduring quality and design.

• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape: 
Elizabeth Przygoda, Landscape Architect, BOXHILL & Co. | boxhilldesign.com

• All architecture offices involved in the design: 
Ron Robinette, Architect, Robinette Architect Inc. | robinettearchitect.com

• Other credits you need or wish to write:
Cimarron Circle Construction Company, Installer | cimarroncircle.com

• Location of the project

Tucson, Arizona, USA
(Adjacent to Pima Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains)