Has transforming thirsty grass into a colorful, low-water landscape been sitting on your wish list? Resource Central’s water conservation programs are designed to help you move your project off the mood board and into your yard with step by step support along the way.
Whether you’re dreaming big or starting with one small section, the most successful yard transformations begin with a plan and progress one (sprinkler) zone at a time.
Step 1: Learn, Get Inspired, and Make a Plan
Every great yard transformation starts with understanding what’s possible and what works best in Colorado’s climate. What do you envision for your yard?
Resource Central’s Waterwise Yard Seminars are the perfect place to begin. Our free, online classes – led by local experts – cover everything from xeriscape design and native plants to lawn removal, irrigation basics, pollinator support, and seasonal care. The 2026 seminar season is live and ready to help you build confidence before planting season begins.
Need inspiration while you plan? Browse photos and real-life success stories from Colorado neighbors in the WaterwiseYards.org Inspiration Hub to see what waterwise landscapes look like at every scale.
Step 2: Make Space with Lawn Removal
Before new low-water plants go in, some water-loving lawn has to come out! Thinking about lawn removal early—especially how and when to do it—can save time, effort, and frustration later.
Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement Program offers multiple paths to remove turf and prepare your space for planting. Join the Lawn Removal Interest List to be notified when applications open and to learn about eligibility for water provider or municipality-sponsored discounts.
Program options include:
💧 Lawn Removal Service: Our team removes and hauls away your sod, composting it responsibly.
💧 DIY Lawn Removal: Remove the grass yourself and receive up to four Garden In A Box kits at no cost.
If you’re considering passive removal methods like solarization or the lasagna method, timing matters. Learn more about these approaches on our WaterwiseYards.org Resources Page.
Step 3: Replace Lawn with Garden In A Box
Once lawn is removed, it’s time to plant and Garden In A Box makes that step simple.
Each professionally designed kit is tailored for Colorado conditions and helps you replace lawn with a vibrant, waterwise garden. No matter the size or challenge of your space, there’s a kit designed to fit.
🌼 Narrow strips of grass along sidewalks, streets, or walkways? Gardens like Rainbow Lane create a buffer that reduces overspray and wasted water.
🌼 Corners near pavement or walkways? Biodiversity Nursery includes a planting map perfect for tricky urban spaces.
🌼 Planting under existing trees? Mountain Blooms and Shades of Summer are designed with shade in mind.
🌼 Expanding an existing garden? Returning favorites like Butterfly Haven or adaptable options like Pollinator Peak make it easy to grow over time.
Tackling one zone per season is a smart, manageable way to build a cohesive landscape—especially if you’re working with an existing irrigation system.
Want to tackle a larger project and knock it out in a summer? Go big by combining gardens into a cohesive plan using 9 packs to offer more plant overlap between gardens. Our team has put together a couple larger plans that combine gardens and allow you to make a larger impact in one season. Stay tuned for more information about garden bundles.
Gardens must be pre-ordered before picking up. We have two planting seasons – spring and late summer – with pre-orders beginning mid-March and late-June for these respective seasons. Join the Interest List to learn more and get sale reminders.
Step 4: Fine-Tune Watering with Slow the Flow
Not every inch of lawn disappears at once, nor does it need to! As you convert sections of your yard to waterwise, it’s important to ensure remaining turf and trees are watered efficiently.
💦 Slow the Flow sprinkler assessments help homeowners optimize irrigation settings for their evolving landscapes. You’ll receive customized recommendations for adjusting your control clock, fixing inefficiencies, and reducing water waste, while keeping remaining grass healthy.
This final step ensures your transformed yard delivers long-term water savings without sacrificing curb appeal. Sign up on the Interest List for more information.
A Yard Transformation, One Step at a Time
From learning and planning, to removing lawn, planting gardens, and dialing in irrigation, Resource Central’s water conservation programs are designed to work together in supporting you at every stage of your waterwise yard journey.
Start where you are. Take it one zone at a time. And watch your yard transform.
