So I came across an article on a company in Los Angeles that is ripping up lawns and replacing them with drought tolerant plants.

Exterior Gutters/Soffit/Fascia - Clean Gutters - Repair damaged columns on porch - Remove decorative wood work above columns - Remove Shutters Siding - Remove and replace damaged siding to match existing Exterior Paint - Prep all exterior areas for paint - Paint entire exterior (except brick), all siding, trim, and doors in 3 color paint scheme Interior Demo - Removal of damaged sheetrock and insulation - Removal of all light fixtures, fans - Removal of all tile in kitchen - Removal of existing countertops - Removal of sinks/countertops and faucets (from both sink and tub) in both bathrooms - Removal of existing toilets - Removal of tile surrounding both bathtubs - **Dumpster to be provided by homeowner Sheetrock - Patch sheetrock on walls and ceiling, including garage - Sheetrock over skylights - Remove all popcorn texture on ceiling - Texture to match walls and ceiling Paint - Prep and paint all walls and ceilings - Prep and paint all trim and doors Electrical - Install 4 recessed can lights with white trim in kitchen, cover fan block - Install 5 fans in living room, dining room, and 3 bedrooms (**fans provided by homeowner) - Install light fixtures in entry, hallway, bathrooms, closets (**provided by homeowner) Plumbing - Connect and install sink and bathtub faucets in each bathroom (4 total) - **Faucets to be provided by homeowner - Tile 2 bathtub surrounds, to include appropriate backing material - **Tile to be provided by homeowner Flooring - Install tile in kitchen and 2 bathrooms - Install laminate/vinyl wood plank flooring everywhere else - **Tile and laminate provided by homeowner Cabinetry/Countertops - Repair and Refinish existing kitchen and bath cabinets - Install new hardware provided by homeowner - Install 2 new white cultured marble sinks in bathroom - Install new laminate countertops in kitchen Air Conditioning -Inspect and perform maintenance on interior unit -Install new exterior unit (suggest size in estimate) Insulation -Install new batt insulation above kitchen where skylights were -Replace any exposed, water damaged insulation **All Labor and Materials to be provided by contractor, unless otherwise noted

I have learned this through my husband's multiple rants about flower boxes and plants up against the side of a home.  

Then one last thing, I would throw a textural blanket on the couch with a few pillows.

The front and sides of the house were landscaped with mulch and plants just to give the place some curb appeal to potential rentersThe work on the first floor is progressing nicely and should be done this week. 

We can address the soil erosion up top with plants, but the wall erosion, that I guess I'll need to have addressed.  

You can go to the local home improvement store and pick up some mulch and colorful plants that will go a long way when they drive up.

The only thing I know about it is the same owner has owned it for many years and the plants are all over grown in the yard. 

Don't get into it for the money per say, just know you are planting seeds... focus on learning and building your credibility and brand first.  

I personally come from a construction background, so "physical plant" issues don't bother me, and I consider it an advantage.