The Negev Desert of Israel is a unique desert, not least because part of it is within the borders of the Promised Land.  There are promises given to the Negev which anticipate a regeneration of its plant and animal life.  (Is 35:1-2; 51:1-3; 41:17-20)

Here is a fairly recent article (4 years ago) which extols its unique qualities and Israel’s ingenuity to even now make it “bloom and blossom”:

http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2011/04/28/hidden-water-holds-the-key-to-a-changing-desert