Neighbors were accustomed to stopping by the Barry's home and helping with the yard work. Nowadays, they are stopping by to admire the Barry's new garden full of flowers, plants and shrubs.

Nicholas and Celeste Barry of Pacific Palisades won the Board of Water Supply's EXTREME Xeriscape Garden Makeover Contest, held in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Halawa Xeriscape Garden's open house and unthirsty plant sale. The makeover, valued at more than $20,000, was intended to highlight how homeowners can preserve water supplies through their landscaping. Incorporating xeriscape plants, for example, can save 30 to 80 percent in water consumption.

“;It turned out really nice. We absolutely love it and our kids do, too,”; said Celeste. “;They removed all of the weeds and got rid of the yucky grass.”;

Stephen Dewald of Steve's Gardening Service met with the Barry family to determine what types of plants they liked, the view plane of the windows and other factors, such as whether kids and pets would be using the yard. Rain Bird provided a sprinkler system.

“;The yard is low-maintenance and very user friendly,”; Dewald said. “;The grass is El Toro Zoysia, which is soft to sit on and very dense, to help choke out weeds.”; Akia, ti and dwarf tiare gardenia were among the low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants used. “;The main hedge is wax ficus, which is very durable. We also chose plants with no thorns because of the small kids,”; he added.

The Barrys also received a year of free maintenance for their new garden. “;Everything is growing in and it looks a whole lot better than it did before,”; said Celeste. “;It was so horrible that the neighbors would help us pull weeds. They will be happy that they don't need to come help now.”;

Dewald offered the following suggestions to homeowners considering their own garden makeover: “;Make sure you have sufficient water and good drainage. My best advice—if you are not sure, consult a professional,”; he explained. “;Slow down and start with a plan ... that way when things are done, you know you have a finished product.”;