Pretty Yet Economic SoCal Landscaping (San Diego)

[Mark Grozen-Smith]

Hey BP friends,

I'm renovating my new San Diego duplex rental and I want to know what would be best to do in the backyard. 

This is my first property, closed in October and renovated the interior already. This place has a huge backyard that is currently some grade A tráshe - I'm talking weedy dirt with some unfortunate rocks. It needs to be fixed up. I want the backyard to be inviting, beautiful, and pet friendly, but still environmental and economical (read: I don't want grass out there). 

The current plan my contractor has is ~4' of mulch on the perimeter, a clean brick outline maybe like this, and gravel for the main body of the yard. I am open to this plan if you all think it's good, but gravel sounds less than ideal to me if people are to actually use this backyard. So hit me with your suggestions. 

Of course there is the option of astroturf, but before I bust out the somewhat pricey guns, I want to hear your ideas.

Thanks community!

Mark