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From Bland to Beautiful: 5 Real-Life Yard Makeovers with On-Site Design

Transforming your yard doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With our On-Site Design package, there's no need for a formal paper plan. Instead, we work closely with you to approve a custom plant and materials palette, and then you trust our designer’s expertise to lay everything out on install day.


Whether you're reworking a planter bed or giving your front yard a fresh look, this flexible, budget-friendly option gets you on our schedule faster, while allowing us to make adjustments in real-time for the best results.


Read on to see some of our favorite yards that have benefited from our On-Site Design service.


1- South O Project

This client wanted to replace their high-maintenance grass with a low-maintenance coastal garden and chose our on-site design package to make it happen.


Before: Bye-bye high maintenance grass!

We created the perfect coastal plant palette, filled with textures and movement, for them to approve. Given the large space, we proposed adding an elevation change with a cobble retaining wall to enhance the design.


White beach cottage with green plants and rocks.

Since this was an on-site design, we were able to layout the plants and materials organically on the day of installation, allowing for real-time adjustments and a dynamic, natural feel.


White modern beach house with tall cacti and grass plants.

2- Town and Cacti Project

The homeowners wanted to showcase their existing cactus specimens, and by choosing our on-site design package, they entrusted us to source and place additional interesting plants, boulders, and rocks.

An empty front yard with two landscapers cleaning it up.
Before: The crew starting this much needed yard transformation.

This creative freedom allowed us to curate a unique and low-maintenance space that highlights their original collection while adding a cohesive touch. We also added a flagstone pathway and a seating area, transforming the yard into a laid-back retreat that's as functional as it is eye-catching.


A cool collection of cacti in a front yard with a flagstone pathway.

3- Rio Sueno Project

For this dry stream bed transformation, we collaborated with the client to approve a plant and materials palette.


An empty front yard with two landscapers beginning their work.
Before: A large space with so much potential!

Since our dry stream bed designs are best formed organically on-site, I worked closely with our team to shape the mounds and place the rocks. This process is hard to capture on traditional paper plans, which is why on-site design is the ideal approach. As a designer, I need to be present to ensure the curves and rock placement flow naturally.


A dry stream bed in a front yard with colorful succulents and rock.

Anchored by a striking Palo Verde tree, the result is a stunning, low-water, low-maintenance yard.


A dry stream bed in a front yard with colorful succulents and rock.

4- Aloe Project

This neglected corner came to life through our on-site design process. Small planter bed upgrades like refreshing plant material and adding lighting are perfect for this service—no need for a detailed plan.


The before of a side yard with dirt and sad looking plants.
Before: An awkward space in need of a refresh.
A large aloe tree with succulents and artificial turf to the right of a front driveway.
After

We focused on easy updates, like incorporating that striking tree aloe, to boost curb appeal. On-site design allows us to get you on our install schedule right after you approve the plant and materials palette, so you don’t have to wait months for a full landscape plan!


A large aloe tree with succulents and artificial turf to the right of a front driveway.

5- O’side Modern Project

This homeowner wanted a sleek, minimalist yard that would fit right into their cool beachside neighborhood. With no need for hardscape changes, our on-site design approach allowed us to focus on transforming the two large planter beds.


An dirt front yard in front of a horizontal fence.
Before: This home was begging for some curb appeal.

We created a clean, modern look using agaves, succulents, and DG (decomposed granite). On-site design gave us the flexibility to make real-time decisions with the client, ensuring the plants and layout were perfectly tailored to their space without the need for a formal landscape plan.


A large aloe tree and succulents in front of a modern horizontal fence.

Bromeliads and succulents against a house next to a modern horizontal fence.

Is On-Site Design Right For Your Yard Project?


Our On-Site Design package is ideal for homeowners seeking a quicker, more budget-friendly transformation without waiting months for a formal landscape plan. Plant Palettes start at $300, and we can begin planning right after our first meeting with you. While we’re often booked for months for formal plans, on-site designs can be completed within weeks.


Not sure if you qualify for this package? Check out this guide to compare options and see what’s best for your yard!


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