Once in awhile, we are lucky enough to have a client that lets you just “go for it”.  This is just such a client.  The residence had just been completely rebuilt and they wanted a “no grass” solution in front and a beautiful new landscape for entertaining in back.  Although the majority of the backyard was to be tropical, they wanted one area where they could feel as though they were in a desert.  We accomplished both by building a huge walk-across pond and palapa surrounded by lush tropical plantings, but tucked a firepit in the corner with cacti and drought tolerant plants.  An unlikely pairing that works and flows beautifully.