For the past 10 years, we have tried various grasses of sod and seed, lots of watering, and expensive irrigation system; however, due to the extreme summer heat of Woodland Hills and the full sun with very little shade, we have been unsuccessful in creating yard we so desire. Instead, we’ve spent an enormous amount of money on the water bill and irrigation system, and we have no plants or grass to show for it.

Our plan would be to create garden beds of indigenous and drought-tolerant plants. Surrounding the drought resistant garden beds would be gravel and paver walkways. This plan would keep the yard low maintenance, minimize any water run-offs, and utilize little watering which would keep the water bill costs down for our family…and be environmentally friendly…the way of the future.

We'd like to use California native plants, succulents, thyme, rosemary, and other full sun, drought resistant plants would be used in the beds. Decomposed granite, gravel and pavers would be used to surround the beds and create a xeriscaping design. The irrigation system, presently in place, would be replaced, capped, and/or changed to drips and another environmentally friendly water saving system.

Please send us ideas, references, and pictures for inspiration! Thank you!!