1. Use Rocks for Interesting Landscape Grass doesn't grow on rocks. Small yards, especially in desert climates, can be completely rocked over, or you can use them as strategically placed accents. And if you've got spots that are constantly wet, they're great for keeping mud (and mosquitoes!) under control because they'll help the water run off instead of collecting.
2. Create mini-wetland using gravel or sand: mini-wetland that reduces storm-water runoff. And done right, they're almost maintenance free because they require no mowing, no watering, and little weeding.