How to transform a dead lawn into low maintenance beauty?

Yup, looks like lots of lawns here in CA. Look into xeriscaping. In my area people are spending the money on the new artificial turf and more native plantings. You have a great space! Take some time to design it to fit your lifestyle. I would certainly add a crepe myrtle or two, as they look great, non invasive root system, drought tolerent. Also check with your local water supplier. They also have resources on their websites. Some water companies are providing incentives to take out lawns and replace with native plantings. Here are a couple links to get you started. Does not have to be elaborate or expensive. Good luck! You can conquer this!

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/xeriscaping/

http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/design/xeriscape-design-ideas

What a wonderful opportunity to tap into your creative side. Think LARGE areas of mulch and river rock. You could create a fake curved 'river' spanning diagonally from one side of your lawn to the other side, bordering the river with boulders, adding a wooden walking bridge for interest. Place several large boulders to one side for additional interest, maybe a large bird bath! Fill the rest of the yard with mulch. There's a lot you can do to create a beautiful dry landscaped front yard. Have fun and enjoy your new yard.

I like Naomie's idea very much. But if you really want the grass yard look without worry about watering it, maybe artificial turf? We have an elementary school here in TZ that has that down on the playground. I am not sure when it was put in, but we've lived here for 4 years and it was here when we got here. Even with all the heat and kids playing on it, it looks & feels like grass! I had to actually bend down and feel it to make sure it wasn't real when I first saw it. Good Luck!

We turned our backyard grass portion into a rock garden. Our front yard isn't too bad, but it is smaller than yours...

Hello Marcie; If your yard were mine, I would think about what is done in yards that are located in Nevada. Most of them are rock with native plants that are heat and water tolerant.

I would plant a couple of large trees, for shade and shelter. I then would use mostly rocks, native plants and you could put together a huge area of beautiful succulent type plants that would draw the eye in and would be just stunning.

I hope that this helps you!! Take Care!

If you want grass, consider re-seeding with a drought-tolerant blend, like this one: https://www.pearlspremium.com/

It's got good reviews from people all across the desert Southwest.

Artificial turf would be a good idea and since your husband is in a wheel chair, the turf would acommodate the chair. Just think no mowing or watering! What more could you ask for? :-)

Personally, I don't like artificial grass. If I were you, I'd do what Naomi suggested. My sister lives in New Mexico and has a xeriscaped yard, front and back. It is mostly small pea gravel varied by 'dry streams' of larger rocks. She also has a few artistically placed boulders. For actual plant life, there is a desert willow and a number of flowering cacti. It's quite nice. A stray weed or so pops up and needs pulling, but it is definitely low maintenance and attractive. It's just not green! Post a photo when you complete your project. :-)