INGREDIENTS: One large blank slate of a yard.
8 x 10 foot raised beds of keystone, pavers, or wood.
Sandy loam planting mix, three feet deep in the beds.
Decomposed granite for paths between the raised beds.
To fill the beds:
Full sun plants:
Citrus or other fruit trees suited for your zone
Lavender
Roses ( (floribundas for abundance; hybrid teas for cutting bouquets)
Salvia
Upright Rosemary
Daylilies
Yarrow
Stachys (Lambs Ears) for edging
If you want some grass, use either artificial turf (it looks like the real thing!) or a native grass, such as Buffalo grass or Sedge.
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DIRECTIONS: Outline the raised beds and build the borders with the chosen material.
Dig up the existing soil to a depth of one foot. Add sandy loam and mix with native soil.
Add irrigation: Either drip lines or overhead sprinklers, controlled with "smart timers."
Plant a fruit tree in the corner of each bed.
Plant the beds with any mix of drought tolerant plants you prefer; either mixed, or 1-2 types of plant per bed. (Keep the roses planted together, however.)
Between the beds, lay a weed cloth barrier and 3-4 inches of decomposed granite, compacted to make a solid path.
Once the plants are established, you will only need to water them a few times a week during summer, and less often in winter if you get winter rain.
Concept mockup by Gardenwright
Concept mockup by Gardenwright
