Tired of a threadbare and water-thirsty lawn dominating her front garden, this homeowner desired a garden that would reflect her sustainable beliefs, while providing a haven for wildlife and inspiring a love of nature in her young grandchildren.

Reinterpreting the concept of a traditional lawn, a new one was created using drought-tolerant dymondia. Vibrant and generous planting areas, as well as a stacked-stone vegetable bed, surround this new ‘lawn’ with an unobtrusive pathway that leads to a secret seating area.

In addition to reducing the water bill by 40%, the combination of succulents, natives, and drought tolerant plants result in a garden filled with color, scent and wildlife – perfect for afternoons spent with her grandchildren.

* This garden is featured in Sunset Magazine, October 2013, and the best selling Sunset Western Garden Book of Landscaping, 2014