Owner
Cindy Wakefield
City
Thornton
Skill Set
Intermediate
Project Size
500 - 750 sq ft
Project Location
Front yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2020
Time Commitment
11 - 20 hours of labor
Project Cost
less than $500
Other Project Elements
Native or drought-tolerant plants, Drip irrigation system, Shrubs
Resource Central Programs
Slow the Flow, Grass to Garden, Lawn Removal Service, Garden In A Box
Advice from the Owner
A little research helped me choose plants and seeds to have color and interest in every season. The native plant selection pleases hundreds of pollinators and birds. I have learned how to control weeds without poison so the birds and other animals stay healthy after eating insects and seeds. Groups such as Colorado's People and Pollinators and the Xerces Society have specific, understandable information for every homeowner for increasing pollinators in your yard. I am amazed by the number of bumblebees and dragonflies in my yard. Find a sprinkler system professional who can understood your landscape philosophy. Mine installed emitters that can be turned off and on according to my plants' needs. My water bill is a fraction of what my sod-friendly neighbors pay.
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
Kathy
City
Thornton
Skill Set
Beginner
Project Size
250 - 500 sq ft
Project Location
Front yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2018
Time Commitment
31 - 40 hours of labor
Project Cost
Less than $500
Other Project Elements
Low water/xeric plants
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
I love watching the bees enjoying the flowers as much as I do. I like sitting on my front porch to watch the flowers, bees, dragonflies and birds. Each year there is a new surprise as to what will come up as the flowers continue to seed and spread. Additionally, I did not need to purchase items for a drip system as all I had to do was shut down an entire sprinkler zone.
Watch the interview with Kathy
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Owner
Alisa
City
Thornton
Skill Set
Beginner
Project Size
1,000+ sq ft
Project Location
Back yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2018, 2019
Time Commitment
10 hours of labor or less
Project Cost
Less than $500
Other Project Elements
Drip irrigation system, Pathways, Patio/sitting areas, Bird/Bee houses
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
It is so scary when you start and SO WORTH IT when you're done.
Watch the interview with Alisa
Back to Inspiration Hub
Design 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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