Is there a question here somewhere??

Good for you! There are so many great drought tolerant plants to choose from and combined with rock mulch the look is as nice as a lawn and a lot less work.

When I lived out there, I had neighbors who planted drought tolerant herbs such as a spreading thyme, and rosemary for height.

The internet, like a genie in a bottle.

Not sure what your question is, but a couple of things we have done is to contact the local Master Gardeners who came out and inspected the property and made suggestions/ gave us literature/checked for leaks etc..Our county will pay you for removing your lawn, so that's another place to get info.

We have been taking it slowly because this is the first time we've had a real yard! We have always lived in the country where we could do whatever we wanted (including a 1953 convertable VW filled with flowers!), and now live in an historical neighborhood.

We started with the helstrip (the area between the street and the sidewalk) and got a mixture of garden soil and sand 50/50. Other may have better mixtures, but this has worked for us.

I have been collecting succulents for years through nextdoor, freecycle, flea markets etc.. I never take cuttings without asking, but I find succulent parents are usually willing to share!

I then made an island in the middle of my lawn in the shape of a crescent. High in the back. I filled it with the same 1/2 & 1/2 mixture.

Tall plants in the back, spreading plants spaced throughout.

And as Raee mentioned, spreading plants and herbs. You can go to stepables.com for some drought tolerent ground covers that are quite hardy.

Hope this helps and we hear back from you some time!

It would be great if you shared a photo if you want to show what you have accomplished. If you are asking for help, please state your question clearly.

Is the original post haiku?

I'm thinking the original post is search terms typed into the wrong box.

Well, I wore out my typing fingers for naught!