Great thing you did with your lawn- convert the ground to what grows there naturally. And using mulch is good for holding moisture, as you do. I bought my house with its grassy green lawn and began planting shrubs and fast growing, drought resistant trees and building planting beds the first year here. The flowers need very little water and soaker hoses lose almost none to evaporation and are turned on only when absolutely necessary. My goal is to eliminate the grass entirely.

I use a rain barrel for the few plants- none like to be watered other than from rain and they're all mulched, around the deck. The back has mature trees, and it will stay that way. I've never understood people who buy a home and then cut down the trees to make a lawn. And then complain about how hot it is and how much it costs to cool and heat.

And growing green lawns in the desert, Vegas, et.al.?

I don't recall seeing anything you've written, Gary, but am following now.