Xeriscaped gardens use native plants that require less water. Design for leisure. Don't make decisions today which commit you to pushing a lawnmower every Saturday for the rest of your life. Plant wildflowers and xeriscape designs that require much less effort to maintain. If you want some lawn area, use buffalo grass to reduce the water consumption.
Decks also present an opportunity to use green building products.
Wood decks require maintenance over time. The intense ultraviolet radiation of Colorado summers breaks down the wood and requires coating to preserve it. Recycled content deck materials never need painting and will last 2-3 times longer than wood decking. As you prepare for your remodeling project you will likely have to remove or demolish some existing materials and products. It is an opportunity to give a second life to many of the materials removed from your home.