The drought of the late 1980s forced gardeners to completely re-think the way they designed and managed their gardens. In just a couple of years, thousands of acres of lawns and high water using plants were replaced with more appropriate species from climates similar to ours. Overhead sprinklers were replaced with efficient drip systems. Mulch was used to cover bare ground and conserve soil moisture. Owen Dell and County Landscape & Design were at the forefront of this monumental change. Occasionally miscast as "the man who hates lawns," Dell helped re-think the front yard, making a permanent change in the way Southern Californians deal with their gardens.

Since 1987 he has taught classes on front lawn alternatives and related subjects to audiences all over California and the West. The work continues with many new designs and alternatives created by Dell and County Landscape & Design. Here is a sampling of some former front lawns that have been transformed into gardens that are more interesting, easier and less costly to maintain, offer habitat to beneficial insects and wildlife, provide flowers and even food, and save lots of water.