This large backyard backs up to a golf course and was previously over 3000sqft of Kentucky bluegrass. Since the backyard received little use, the high water-using bluegrass was converted to Colorado's state grass, Blue grama, and saves about 60% of the water. Many of the plants in this landscape are xeric plants that compliment this native turf well and fit right into the surrounding Colorado backdrop.

Blue grama was a great solution to a tough problem in this landscape. This yard had too much square footage for the homeowner to easily maintain a traditional landscape while committing to lower water use. Since the grass area had infrequent traffic, and full sun, it was an excellent candidate for seeding a blue grama turf that requires less water and maintenance after establishment. Temporary irrigation was installed in order to establish the seed, and will then be removed and the blue grama lawn will receive natural precipitation and watering from a sprinkler only when needed. However, if a dense blue grama lawn is desired, a sprinkler system is recommended. On the far end of the yard is the DIY patio complete with a berm for planting colorful perennials and creating privacy.