Phisherman wrote in message
...
[snip]
San Diego is a desert. Grass will require water. There are other
ground coverings that do not need water, and those should be
considered. Ice plant (sedums) grow well and spread fast in full sun,
colorful flowers too.

Ice plant has been blighted throughout the state for the last two (or three)
decades. I'd not recommend anyone plant it, as a ground-covering or a minor
hedge.

As Steve B said, have her visit a local nursery. A nurseryman (non-Box) will
be able to steer her towards low-maintenance, low-cost, low-resource ideas.
Watering will be the main issue but so will the soil type, light, and her
available time to keep it reasonably nice.

The Ranger