A landscaping makeover awarded to a lucky Taylorsville couple is now complete, providing ideas on how other homeowners can care for their own yards in ways that save time, money and water.

Greg Snodgrass and Lindsey Taylor were selected from 117 applicants to receive a front yard transformation through the Waterwise Landscape Demonstration Project, a joint effort by Utah Water Ways, Slow the Flow, Taylorsville City and Salt Lake County.

Their once-typical lawn has been transformed into a vibrant, low-maintenance example of waterwise landscaping that is designed to thrive in Utah’s arid climate. It's also expected to significantly reduce outdoor water use spent on their yard, which usually accounts for about 60% of residential consumption.

City and county leaders, along with project partners, visited the couple in June to unveil the completed makeover. As reported by KSL News, the winning couple's yard now features:

• A park strip makeover: Traditional grass was removed and replaced with wood chips and low-water-use plants, cutting maintenance and water usage. Wood chip upgrades along the road make a big visual and ecological impact.

• A lawn upgrade: Most of the old turf was pulled up and substituted with hybrid Bermuda grass, which thrives with significantly less water resulting in up to 2,000 gallons saved per irrigation cycle.

• Waterwise plants and design: The revamped landscape includes drought-tolerant flair and textures. It’s a makeover that can be maintained in just 20 minutes a week.

“We were really looking for that generic Utah yard that everyone relates to, so that when people look at this they say, ‘That looks like my yard,’” said Cynthia Bee, community engagement director for Utah Water Ways. “We want to show what’s possible and give ideas to other homeowners.”

The couple said they applied after hearing about the project from a neighbor and were surprised to learn they had been chosen. They joked that Greg’s Scottish surname — Snodgrass, meaning “dwellers of the smooth grass” — may have given them an edge.

Mayor Kristie Overson praised the project for both its environmental benefits and its inspiration for the community.

“This project shows that with just a few thoughtful changes, we can create beautiful yards that are easier to maintain and better for our environment,” she said. “It’s a great example of a waterwise landscape that gives some smart, useful ideas to draw from."

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Utah Water Ways CEO Tage Flint also attended the unveiling, calling the project a model for how residents, schools and cities can reduce outdoor water use.

This project is the first of several planned in Salt Lake County. Taylorsville was chosen to launch the effort first due to strong community interest. Similar demonstration yards are scheduled next in Millcreek, Herriman and Sandy.