I use AR&M Lower desert soil for my ground cover and some Woodland Scenics fine foam for the grass. The grass tufs are Scenic Express dark green and golden grass. I apply it after putting a base of sand down on tan paint and use Matte Medium to seal it down. The pink road be is also AR&M. Thanks for the web site links, I will be sure to check them out! I am always looking for new ways of doing desert plants.