Amazing home transformations

Get ideas for your own home or garden makeover

Lose the lawn: 21 inspiring yards

See how to ditch thirsty turf grass in favor of beautiful, easy-care gardens

Photo by Lori Brookes

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Drought-tolerant yard

A low retaining wall of stacked flagstone has the effect of setting this San Diego house and garden on a pedestal. The wide pathway, also of flagstone, adds importance, too.

Dymondia margaretae, a gray-leafed South African ground cover, has replaced the lawn, and a range of drought-tolerant plants, including New Zealand flax (Phormium), kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos), Leucadendron, and Lomandra add further interest.

More on this front yard makeover in the blogs