There are software programs and Web sites for landscape design. Some are free. You can do a search on it. The Garden Web has a landscape forum. Good luck!

Lorna

laspilitas.com is a native CA plant Nursery in southern CA, Inland
bewaterwise.com is a great site..tons of info..gardens to visit, landscape pics, classses you can take, plant data base.

I have a few others, but will have to look them up.

Also I have taken a couple of classes at UCR Riverside Botanical Gardens... If you are near there..worth a visit and check out the classes.

Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas is Fun and interesting.

Lake Perris State Park is a great place for DT Trees.. I really like the Strawberry Trees!

One thing I jusy realized is that "Drought Tollerant" is really differant from "Low water use" Also alot of natives like NO summer water and their life is shortened if they are watered. Mulch can make a huge differance and if you are in the Inland or Desert area...many plants that are sold at the Bg Box Stores say "Full Sun"..but that can be too much in this area... esp in the afternoon.

If you are located near San Diego, Cuyamaca College has a deomstration garden for this purpose.

www.bewaterwise.com is also a good resource for online research.

It can also be a good experience to visit some of your local nurseries. You can see what the plant looks like and what sizes they are available in. The guys at the nurseries are a great resource...