Oh Venus, you've some enviable weather. I lived is San Diego for 8 years and loved the climate. Granted, you're on the opposite coast and I'm sure you've humidity to deal with as well but you're so fortunate to have such a lovely gardening enviorment. I agree with both June and Gina. They've got great suggestions. One yard I had was rather large. Up close to the house in the shaded area, I planted my flowers and lush vegetation. Then in one area out furhter I planted a to-die-for rose garden. Then way out on the corner where it was a hassel to get my garden hose to, I used the rocks that were around and made a makeshift wall and planted a succlent wall garden in it with yuccas near-by. Then there was a sitting area with a bench and a shepherd hook with a bird feeder on it and a bird bath. The weather was so kind there, my annuals lived year round. Nothing like the weather I have to deal with now! There is so much avaiable for you to play with out there. Just depends upon the level of work you want to in-put, up-keep and the amount of watering you want to pay...I mean play with. Have fun playing in the dirt;)