Drought-Tolerant Backyard

Natural materials soften the once desolate landscape. Drought-tolerant plantings feature California natives and Mediterranean herbs arranged in a naturalistic design. Gravel used as a mulch gives the space an arid, desert look to complement the low-water-use plan. Terra-cotta containers planted with French lavender, a copper bowl water feature, new cedar deck and benches and gravel mulch accentuate the natural earth tones of the sandstone patio pavers. Sandstone tiles laid in a checker board pattern give the concrete patio a new, organic look, while a meandering flagstone path leads to the rest of the yard.