By Sharon Cohoon, Sunset senior garden writer

Having been to Las Vegas to scout during the tail end of summer and having just returned from Phoenix, I've shifted my position on lawns.  Slightly.  When you're drinking what feels like several gallons of water a day and you're still always thirsty, that turf starts looking pretty seductive.  Very cool, very wet, very tempting.  I wanted to go roll in it. 

So I can understand why homeowners in the driest parts of the country are the most reluctant to get rid of their lawns.  Those patches of concentrated green are a psychological comfort.  But, please, let's restrict these symbolic oases to the backyard where we get the most benefit from them.  And let's keep eliminating those wasteful, boring front lawns.

What do you put in their place?  See this story for one idea.  And this one for more.

Los Angeles garden designer and tv host Shirley Bovshow also has three examples on the Sustainable Gardening blog.  This one is my favorite.

Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano, California is offering a three-part class on replacing your lawn.  The next class, Step I -- Kill Your Grass -- is offered on November 8.  Go here to see the full schedule.  Many water district are now offering classes like this, too.  Check with yours to see if there's one coming up.