Shari Collins
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic drought-tolerant and shade backyard decomposed granite landscaping in Los Angeles.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Los Angeles.

Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan
Mid-sized transitional backyard decomposed granite patio photo in Chicago with no cover

verdancedesign
Photo of a large craftsman full sun backyard decomposed granite landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit.

Linda Oyama Bryan
Huge elegant backyard decomposed granite patio photo in Chicago with a pergola

People often find that drought tolerant landscaping can be unwelcoming, usually because of the preconceived idea that only cactus and desert plants only qualify as drought tolerant. The truth is there is a wide variety of drought tolerant planting that can be used to beautify your home without any compromise in aesthetic or personal taste. This yard features a decomposed granite pathway that connects the front yard to the side yard making a once avoided walking space now usable and inviting.

Environmentally friendly decomposed granite adds casual elegance to pathways, the driveway and parking surface. It is reminiscent of the gravel pathways lined by linear boxwood hedges in French parterre gardens. Decomposed granite is weathered rock that has been worn into smaller pieces of crushed stone. The effect is natural and inviting, and is easy to install and maintain. Decomposed granite is available in a variety of colors to suit a variety of aesthetics—for this home red and grey shades complement other hardscape used throughout the landscape. Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan

Inspiration for a timeless backyard decomposed granite and rectangular pool remodel in San Francisco

Small trendy backyard decomposed granite patio photo in Vancouver with a fire pit and no cover

In 2014, visitors on the Santa Monica Conservancy Tour were wowed by the back garden's overflowing vegetable beds. The play-ready IdealMow lawn featured here needs less than 50 percent of the water a traditional lawn needs to thrive. Because it needs no fertilizers or pesticides, it is a smart companion to the edible gardens at its edge - and a great addition to any bee-utiful garden in need of play space. Photo: Orly Olivier

Rock outcroppings make a striking background for new lounge areas in this compact Los Angeles hillside garden. Working with the attributes of the site, we added native plants to drape over the stone, and converted hollowed stone planters into a firepit and water feature. New built-in seating and a cozy hammock complete the relaxing space, and dramatic lighting makes it come alive at night. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

Patio - small craftsman backyard decomposed granite patio idea in Seattle with a fire pit and a pergola

Photo taken in the garden of David Benner. Photo by Jay Sifford
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Charlotte.

A decomposed granite (DG) patio with a fire pit overlooking Los Angeles.
Example of a transitional patio design in Los Angeles

monolithic stone slab steps with decomposed granite paving
Design ideas for a contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard decomposed granite walkway in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a contemporary drought-tolerant, desert and full sun front yard decomposed granite landscaping in San Diego.

This backyard was a jungle - tearing out the old deck, leveling with boulders adding boulder steps and a flagstone patio along with new lawn and plants made for a fantastic makeover. Doing the patio out of decomposed granite helped with the budget as well.

Decomposed granite – This paving material is popular for use as an informal path and is relatively easy to install and maintain. The benefits of decomposed granite include low installation cost, “soft” appearance and good porosity that allow water to penetrate through to the soil below. This is especially important when paving near older native trees such as oaks. https://southwestboulder.com/blog/how-to-install-a-decomposed-granite-pathway

Christopher Gilcrest
This is an example of a southwestern landscaping in Los Angeles.