dry creek
Design ideas for a traditional full sun hillside landscaping in DC Metro.

Mediterranean exterior home idea in San Luis Obispo

Stacked stone implies rapidly moving, churning water in the dry creek bed. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Photo of a large asian full sun front yard stone garden path in Charlotte.

Design ideas for a shabby-chic style landscaping in Toronto.

Inspiration for a shabby-chic style landscaping in Toronto.

Courtyard landscaping utilizing container gardens, pergola with planter, re-purposed gate as a trellis for vines, dry creek bed for gutter water running off of rain chains. Seasonal color, unique textures, low maintenance, relaxing.

Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Denver.

Inspiration for a southwestern home design remodel in Denver

dry creek, custom made bridge, Avocado

Transitional home design photo in Atlanta

Photo of a shabby-chic style landscaping in Toronto.

Design ideas for a shabby-chic style landscaping in Toronto.

Grafted Crew
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun front yard landscaping in Austin.

MJ Martin, Landscape Designer
Inspiration for a large southwestern backyard landscaping in San Diego.

Design ideas for a modern landscaping in San Diego.

This Highlands Ranch xeriscape transformation replaced struggling front-yard sod with a water-wise landscape designed for the property’s challenging Colorado conditions. Located on a highly exposed corner lot near open space, the yard faced intense sun, strong winds and recurring bare areas where traditional turf was difficult to maintain. Griffith Designs created a more resilient solution that improves curb appeal while reducing dependence on water-intensive grass. The mature ash tree was carefully preserved and incorporated as an established focal point. After removing the failing sod, new landscape edging was installed to define the redesigned beds. A decorative dry stream built with specialty rock, a defined stone border and large landscape boulders adds natural structure, visual movement and year-round interest. Native and drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses provide seasonal color, texture and movement, while architectural yucca gives the landscape a distinctive Colorado character. The irrigation system was adjusted to support the new water-wise plantings and protect the long-term health of the existing ash tree. Griffith Designs also prepared the landscape design and HOA submittal package, helping guide the project through review and approval. Although the expanded scope exceeded the original target budget, the options and costs were discussed in advance and approved by the homeowner. The completed front-yard renovation delivers a polished, HOA-compliant xeriscape that is better suited to the site and easier to maintain.

This Highlands Ranch xeriscape transformation replaced struggling front-yard sod with a water-wise landscape designed for the property’s challenging Colorado conditions. Located on a highly exposed corner lot near open space, the yard faced intense sun, strong winds and recurring bare areas where traditional turf was difficult to maintain. Griffith Designs created a more resilient solution that improves curb appeal while reducing dependence on water-intensive grass. The mature ash tree was carefully preserved and incorporated as an established focal point. After removing the failing sod, new landscape edging was installed to define the redesigned beds. A decorative dry stream built with specialty rock, a defined stone border and large landscape boulders adds natural structure, visual movement and year-round interest. Native and drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses provide seasonal color, texture and movement, while architectural yucca gives the landscape a distinctive Colorado character. The irrigation system was adjusted to support the new water-wise plantings and protect the long-term health of the existing ash tree. Griffith Designs also prepared the landscape design and HOA submittal package, helping guide the project through review and approval. Although the expanded scope exceeded the original target budget, the options and costs were discussed in advance and approved by the homeowner. The completed front-yard renovation delivers a polished, HOA-compliant xeriscape that is better suited to the site and easier to maintain.