A hardscaped drive leads to the front entrance of HGTV Dream Home 2010, where beds of yucca and native pine greet guests. Arizona cyprus flank the front door and create a canopy over beds of arbavitae.

A golden ground-cover, formed from crushed stone sourced at a local quarry, complements the color of the home's stucco exterior and creates an attractive surface that allows native vegetation to easily reseed in the yard.

A handcrafted bench is nestled between two pinon pine in the front yard and provides a cozy and secluded spot for one to enjoy Sandia Park sunsets or commune with nature while reading a favorite book.

A monolith, placed in the side yard, adds a sculptural element to the landscape. The color complements the trim of the home and takes on a salmon hue during sunset and early twilight hours.

Landscape designer Tom Holmes grouped plants and boulders in vignettes that would lead the eye through the yard. Flowering crabapple trees and an assortment of conifer, including pinon, Bosnian, Austrian and Vanderwolf pine and arbivitate add color and structure to the landscape.

Hardscaped pillars stand guard at the entrance to HGTV Dream Home 2010. The front walk is protected by a metal canopy that serves as a foil against the stucco and creates shadows and visual interest.