Mediterranean Garden...

Native boulders and grand sweeps of colorful, water-conserving plants fill the front yard in this side view of the hilltop landscape.

Bare dirt, rocks and weeds gave way to masses of Mediterranean plants.

Bold swaths of purple lantana, blue ceanothus, brilliant red bougainvillea, silvery artemisia, vibrant purple Mexican sage and spiky New Zealand flax sweep down the slope, while native boulders and a dry creek bed provide stunning accents.

Once appearing deserted, the front entrance now presents a welcoming vision, with an elegant sweep of lawn, fairy fan flower tumbling from the planter box and yellow daisies complementing the yellow stripes of New Zealand flax in the foreground.