After removing the lawn and deciding where the path should go, low berms were created using soil and gravel to "cradle" it in a warm, welcoming embrace. Berms also adds the possibility for staggered height to plantings - akin to the added exposure of stadium seating, as opposed to a flat plain. So...

At the end of the first summer, the space looked quite filled in!

Carpet roses, native bluebells, succulents and low-growing ornamental grasses mix nicely, nestled in between occasional rocks.

Certain taller grasses have a transparent scrim-like quality when in flower, which fits in well with the HOA max height requirements. Volume without obstruction.

When we first removed the lawn and piled up the soil, neighbors were wondering what the hell we were doing. Less than a year later, they are stopping by asking for plant identifications, and gardening advice. The best part of projects like this is that they often help softening HOA restrictions, a...

This is the 'Before' picture. The owners desired a change from the manicured, water intensive lawn and meatballed trees and shrubs. Being in a walking neighborhood, they also wanted a way to access the front door from the sidewalk, without having to enter via the driveway.