Whats would be the cheapest way to landscape this yard?

[asufan]

If you just want a dust free surface, use Decomposed Granite. It's the same material you see in new home sales parking lots to control dust. They even put in on the lots occasionally to avoid the $50,000 fine for dust complaints.

If you want a screen from the freeway wall, consider buying a half dozen oleanders and line them against the wall.

[BillyBaroo]

You could try growing some wildflowers. I get the seed at Home Depot, it comes in little bags that cost between 3 and 10 dollars. You would need to do it soon though if you want flowers in the Spring. But it's really not hard to grow them. You would need to water every day for 7 to 10 days until the seed germinates. Then hope for rain and water occasionally if it gets real warm.

I had a similiar yard at one time. I created about 7 or 8 islands of wildflowers and then had dirt paths winding around and between the islands. Everybody enjoyed strolling along the path looking at the flowers.

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

jeez, sounds like the plot of a 1950s horror movie.....

Oops, meant "Ground Clear" by Ortho. Here's one site among many that talks about it.
Ortho Ground Clear, 1 Gal # 0430510 by Scotts Lawn Care

[KarmaPhx]

You can find free rock on craigslist easily, but usually only a few tons, not enough for the whoe backyard.

Since you're up against the frontage road, maybe put up some tall trees along that back wall. Looks like you are near the Guadalupe exit, based on that picture I could find your house lol on google maps haha.