Advice from the Owner

I love that this has replaced bluegrass! The only disappointment was that I wanted to use the existing sprinkler system to add drip irrigation to the garden, but the current configuration wouldn't allow it to be tapped due to pressure, and other plant watering times on the zone. I didn't have the money or the time to add another zone to the system. I can't wait to see it next year as it matures!

Advice from the Owner

I love flowers. The more color. the better. I designed each section to be functional, visually attractive and independent but in all, it's coordinated. No more dragging out the lawn mower and timing a water hose. The bees have been visiting and I can't wait for more blooms. Best part? My front yard is no longer a brown bomb. It's alive.

Advice from the Owner

I removed the sod myself by cutting it and flipping it over. Then chopping it up and letting the grass die. This provides nutrients into the soil. I found free large river rock on Craigslist to border the garden. I used free mulch from the city of Westminster. I got the Garden In A Box kits for free because I removed the sod. This project cost me nothing other than my own labor. The plants are nice healthy plants. I highly recommend the Garden In A Box kits and it's great to stop watering so much grass.

Advice from the Owner

I love that this new landscape will bring in more butterflies and bee's. Also, this created space and opportunity for me to meet more of my neighbors. People approached me with smiles, questions, hello's and water to keep me hydrated. This project has inspired others in the neighborhood to get started on their own lawn projects. I learned a lot over the last 5 months; 1: It takes time to get to where you want to be, 2: Be patient and even when you want to give up, don't give up, 3: Even though it is the pits to cut out holes in the weed block ground cover to place over the ground and around the plants, do it. It will save on weeds in the end. 4: If you don't mind keeping the grass that was removed, do it, it will feed your plants and support evening out your landscape, or creating little hills and contrast in the yard.

What worked well; allowing myself enough time to really figure out my design. Once I had it drawn up, I was able to work from that vision, and it changed, over and over again. Being able to just be creative was also fun. It was my project and I did it my way. What I would have done differently? The retainer wall, I would have probably read more about it and took more advice from people that have done it. It took me 4 try's before it was done right. I am not in a place of regret though, I am in a place of accomplishment and happiness. I cannot wait for next spring.

So grateful to this program and all of the resources that are available. Thank you Resource Central and everyone that I met along the way!

Advice from the Owner

I recommend laying out all of the plants before placing any in the ground. Pay careful attention to the planting guide, and amend the soil with squeegee, as required. Search "squeegee" on resourcecentral.org to find a soil amendment basics article.

Advice from the Owner

My garden was absolutely huge after only one season! I credit really working to loosen the soil and work squeegee into it, plus following the watering recommendations. No fertilizer or any other products were used.

Advice from the Owner

Love the water wise plants and landscape. Thanks to our landscapers, Resource Central, and Westminster for bringing this all together. Can't wait for the two or three years for it to fill up the space. Thank you all again. Doing our part to reduce unwise water use.

Advice from the Owner

When comparing July's water bill this year and last year, we saved 10,000 gallons of water! We leveled the soil and placed growth inhibiting fabric before placing the plants. The plant layout provided by Garden in a Box was great, but I did have to adjust it for our garden size and layout. I will say, we did not have all of the ground prepared by the time the plants arrived and they had to wait in their pots for 3 weeks before we got them in. Some of them were the worse for wear after that, but almost all of them survived. I would make sure everything is ready by the time the plants get here. We love the increased bee and butterfly visits, as well as the hummingbirds. We also are thrilled at how much water we have already saved. We are the first in our neighborhood to do this and have had many neighbors stop and inquire about how much effort, time and cost we incurred. Hopefully, more neighbors will follow our lead. I can't wait until spring blooming season!

Advice from the Owner

No more lawn mowing and watering!

Advice from the Owner

Our project was difficult because a 60’ maple lived in the yard prior to the xeriscape. We had to use a pick axe to break through roots, there were some areas that the roots were too large so no plants went there