One of the big misconceptions people in warmer climates have is that raspberries like full sun. This is only true in colder climates. In warmer climates, especially in dry regions like Southern California and Texas, raspberries DO NOT do well in full sun; they will wither and die, even if you give them water everyday. Raspberries still need some sun, they cannot grow in too much shade, but in hot dry climates they have a very narrow tolerance range between getting enough sun and too much sun. Getting morning sun is best, because it is usually cooler in the mornings and there is often dew, then plants can receive sunlight without as much evaporative water loss.

How about cork oak? (if you're able to find it) As far as desert trees, I think you're thinking of Palo Verde. I think it would meet all your needs. If you were willing to have fruit, a fig tree could be another option, but they can get messy if you don't harvest all the fruit before it falls to the ground (unless you got a male fig tree). Pakistan mulberry might be another option, this variety is more tolerant to heat, and mulberry trees have beautiful shade leaf foliage, but again, if you don't pick all those mulberries it can be messy. Last one to mention is a "California pepper tree" (actually originates from Peru). It's a medium-fast grower and is fairly drought tolerant. But a word of caution, if you do supply it with a lot of water for many years and it does grow big, but then it goes years without any water at all, it will suffer drought stress and become susceptible to disease. Only the bush-level trees that haven't grown to a huge size are truly fully drought tolerant. They can drop a lot of leaves and little red berries, so can be a bit messy. Pepper trees also put out a lot of surface roots, so it's unlikely you're going to plant anything below it. Before you plant one, I'd rub the leaves across the top of your hand because there are a small number of people who have a contact allergy to the leaves. They can be a beautiful medium small tree.

Excellent, very tastefully done. I went to Bali three years ago, your house depicts the essence very well.

Vampiressrn, Yes, I have a small area of my side-yard where I have a few carved Tiki Gods and a slow growing Plumeria tree (I also love Hawaii, and travel there every chance I get). Yes, ditto... I have a LOT of coffee table books I have collected for decades (most of which gave me the inspiration for my home). I will have to check out the book you mention (I have a few that are very similar). When I was a teenager, I said to myself, IF I ever can afford own a home in So. Cal, I want it to feel like once you enter, you are in some far away exotic island. Unfortunately, with all the stress that comes with affording a home here, I REALLY need to Âescape when I get home, without actually leaving home.