Hello Lynn, we may be able to help you spruce up your yard.

Looks like you live in the desert southwest, so do we! It looks like a very nice back yard to me but you could use a little color. A wonderful desert bush/tree that doesn't

get too big but can give some height and flower power is desert willow. This one bloomed from spring to late fall for us last year and has lovely fresh green leaves.

Lantanas are great for adding color and the purple trailing blooms almost year round for us. Nice pool!

Good morning Lynn, from your photos I see the outdoor kitchen and pool but I don't see a dining or lounging area. Do you need a pergola/shade structure?

Did you recently buy this house and you're an avid gardener ready to design the garden oasis of your dreams or are you looking for low maintenance basics and colorful pots? Will your color come from plants or tiles, textiles, ceramics, art along the wall...

And your favorite color is?

Lantanas are a good sugestion. I also like Mexican Bird of Paradise for color & a few others at my desert home. ill try to get their names for you.

Look up “Desert Flora Palette” , online by the city of Palm Desert. Good suggestions there. I have “Red Firecracker” plants. Just avoid bougainvilleas since you have a pool.

Thank you everyone for the great comments. Yes a pergola and dining area is what the yard is lacking. I think enhancing the outdoor kitchen is a great idea. Also, will check out the plants suggested.

Put all grass

Here are some ideas:

All grass?? In a desert?? Yeah, that's a smart move!