Owner
Yuchen
City
Boulder
Skill Set
Intermediate
Project Size
750 - 1,000 sq ft
Project Location
Front yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2020
Time Commitment
21 - 30 hours of labor
Project Cost
less than $500
Other Project Elements
Pathways, Low water/xeric plants, Boulders
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
We kept the black plastic on for 4.5 months and so far no grass has re-surfaced. Also, make sure to seal the edges as tight as possible with wood /rocks or bricks in order to keep the air and sunlight out. Once the plastic is off, we’ve spread mulch generously about 3/4” deep.
Back to Inspiration HubOwner
Heather
City
Thornton
Skill Set
Intermediate
Project Size
500 - 750 sq ft
Project Location
Front yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2018
Time Commitment
11 - 20 hours of labor
Project Cost
less than $500
Other Project Elements
Drip irrigation system, Pathways, Patio/sitting areas
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
Make a space that works for you! We still wanted an area to have our morning coffee, so we needed to incorporate a walking path and a little seating area. Overall, we love our new garden (and have way less lawn to mow)!
Back to Inspiration HubOwner
Pete
City
Greeley
Skill Set
Intermediate
Project Size
250 - 500 sq ft
Project Location
Front yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2019
Time Commitment
10 hours of labor or less
Project Cost
Less than $500
Other Project Elements
Raised/tiered beds, Drip irrigation system, Retaining walls, Pathways, Low water/xeric plants
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
I love the colorful flowers that bloom at different times during the year plus the variety of plants that come with the Garden in a Box program. I just recommend the preparation of the soil with good compost and lots of rototilling.
Back to Inspiration HubOwner
Jon
City
Boulder
Skill Set
Beginner
Project Size
250 - 500 sq ft
Project Location
Side yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2018
Time Commitment
21 - 30 hours of labor
Project Cost
less than $500
Other Project Elements
Pathways, Low water/xeric plants
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
I love the water conservation and beauty of flowering plants. Once established, the garden takes very little maintenance. Overall, I am so pleased with the results on the south side of my property. I am now planning to create a xeriscape garden in front of my home (east side) as well.
Back to Inspiration HubDesign Ideas
Struggling with coming up with yard design concepts? Check out what other Waterwise participants have done.
Join your neighbors and have your very own Waterwise Yard!
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