You might want to try the perennials and shrubs forums for specific plant suggestions. Most posters here tend toward suggesting yard lay outs and conceptual plant placement. I have an area on the SW side of some trees so it gets full sun about 3-6. I rarely water it. I grow a variety of plants, starting with my sunniest side: perennial lobelia, chocolate eupatorium, garden phlox, day lily, bearded iris, veronica, deutzia, bird nest spruce, false cypress, peony, Korean spice bush, clematis bushy bluebell, dianthus, lady's mantle, toad lily, astilbe (like it wet though), fern leaf bleeding heart, bleeding heart, digitalis, hostas, ferns, delphinium, heuchera, tiarella, salvia, monkshood, snapdragons, nigella. Some ground covers that might do well there: pachysandra, sweet woodruff, lirope.

Am I correct in making the assumption that you are referring to an HOA's common areas? I'm not going to bother trotting out a resume, but will try to help by giving you a few points to consider. The cost of the plants is a minor portion of the expense of a landscape renovation. The budget bulk is going to go to labor, materials to convert the irrigation system, the landscape maintenance the installers will be in charge of during the plant replacement period, etc. If you plan to install in-house from a designer's plan, are the persons responsible for that task sufficiently knowledgeable in all of the necessary skill areas? Who is currently contracted for your landscape maintenance? If they are a full service company, they might be the best source for installation and irrigation conversion. But check thoroughly--a verbal "Oh, yeah. We can do that." is not sufficient. Also learn if the maintenance company will be able to properly care for the drought resistant plants. What is the current style of landscape and maintenance? Drought resistant landscapes are better maintained using selective pruning techniques rather than the common practice of taking hedgers and shaping everything into balls and squares, for example. Actually all non-formal landscapes are best selectively pruned, IMO, but that is a different thread. ;) It really is impossible to judge the suitability of plants without knowing, at minimum, where you are located. Even then, an on-site evaluation is really necessary to put together a working design. There may be portions of the landscape that would be suitable for xeriscaping, without compromising the overall lush look. What is behind your association's interest in the renovation? Is it time for a plant renovation and you decided to check into converting lawn areas to reduce water requirements? Water bill sticker shock? The why is important, especially because of your budget concerns. If a full renovation is beyond your financial scope, there may be other ways to evaluate and reduce expenses (drip and micro-spray irrigation, different horticultural practices, etc.). Or the renovation can be done in phases. My husband would be my source for suitable companies that would be interested and available should you want to progress to a project consultation or bids. It does not sound as if you are at that point yet. An idea of the scope and budget would be necessary starting details.

Even so - it comes from Vietnam and southern China, neither of which are exactly desert climes. They are humid subtropical regions. Star jasmine tolerates less humidity than "true" jasmines - but it still does better where there is some actual humidity (as long as its feet don't get too wet). And at 4" average annual rainfall, LV is even drier than it is up here in Northern Nevada (where we get a whole 7" of precipitation per year). But if you can grow it there in LV, more power to you! The proof is in the pudding. I would check with the local extension agency for ideas for native plants that might do well in the yard, or check the University of Nevada ag publications - there are a bunch for LV and the Mojave region. Here is a link that might be useful: Nevada extension publications - check horticultural and agricultural both

I would like to say Thank You to everyone who has responded to my question. You have given me some things to think about. A big thank you to celerygirl for the plant suggestions and the beautiful pictures.