When the Hernandez family reached out to us last November, their front yard was an embarrassment. Three years of drought restrictions had turned their once-green lawn into a patchwork of dead grass, weeds, and bare soil. They'd received notices from their HOA and were dreading the summer. Sound familiar?
We completed their transformation in 5 working days and the results exceeded everyone's expectations — including ours.
The Starting Point
The property at 4th and Magnolia in central Riverside had a 1,200 sq ft front yard — all failing Bermuda turf. The irrigation system was outdated with multiple broken heads. There was minimal curb appeal, no defined planting beds, and a cracked concrete border along the driveway. Their water bill for just irrigation was running $280/month in summer.
The Design Process
We met with Maria and Roberto Hernandez for an hour-long consultation. Their goals: dramatically reduce water use, satisfy the HOA, low maintenance, and a budget under $18,000. We designed a drought-tolerant plan anchored by decomposed granite pathways, accent boulders, and a mix of California natives plus low-water Mediterranean plants for year-round color.
- 3D rendering presented within 5 business days
- HOA approval obtained before work began
- Phased plan created so they could add the front walk in Year 2
- IEUA turf rebate paperwork handled by our team ($1,800 rebate)
The Work: Day by Day
Day 1-2: Turf removal and disposal (1,200 sq ft of dead Bermuda), soil amendment with compost and gypsum to break up clay, and rough grading. Day 3: New drip irrigation system installation with Rachio smart controller, weed barrier fabric installation. Day 4: Decomposed granite installation (3 inch depth throughout), boulder placement (six boulders ranging 200-400 lbs), and rock edging along sidewalk. Day 5: Plant installation (47 plants total), pathway stepping stones, and final cleanup. Outdoor lighting was added by our lighting crew on Day 5 afternoon.
The Result
Total cost: $16,400 (after $1,800 IEUA rebate, net cost was $14,600). The HOA sent a letter of commendation within two weeks. Their irrigation water bill dropped from $280/month to under $60/month — a savings of $220/month, meaning the project pays for itself in just over 5 years. But the Hernandezes got something more valuable than the ROI: a yard they're proud of.
"We genuinely love our front yard now. Every morning when I pull out of the driveway, I smile. We went from the embarrassment of the street to the showpiece. Carlos and his team were amazing." — Maria Hernandez, Riverside
Plants Used in This Project
- Salvia 'Hot Lips' (12) — red and white blooms, hummingbird magnet
- Agave attenuata (4) — soft agave, architectural focal point
- Lavender 'Phenomenal' (8) — fragrant, deer-resistant
- Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst' (3) — trained along fence
- Penstemon heterophyllus (10) — California native, blue flowers
- Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' (10) — blue fescue grass mounds
Could Your Yard Be Our Next Transformation?
If your front or backyard has seen better days, we'd love to come take a look. Our consultations are free, low-pressure, and often eye-opening. We'll give you a clear picture of what's possible at your budget — and you can decide from there. The Hernandezes came in skeptical; they'll be the first to tell you now that they wish they'd called sooner.
Based in Riverside, CA. Passionate about creating sustainable, beautiful outdoor spaces throughout the Inland Empire since 2015.