Is this for the same project with the vinyl windows? Maybe plastic plants fit the bill. I recently saw some very realistic plastic grass. It has some tan colored strands mixed in to look realistic.

there were a cluster of nurseries over in Sawtelle in W.LA, up in Van Nuys (where they seem to be clustered in the power line R.O.W.), and down in O.C.

Cheap plants are not a bargain if you want them to survive more then a few days. You can save $$$ by buying smaller specimens (plugs versus pots, cuttings versus plugs, seeds versus cuttings). Most of the cost in landscaping is the installation labor - not the plants. Or you can just see what opportunistic weeds show up and germinate - that would be the cheapest upfront option.

Just don't skimp on the quantity of mulch. You don't need the expensive organic coco shells or the red painted bark - just 3 to 4 inches of something to keep the soil cool and moist.

Look up Norman's Nursery......not sure on the prices but they are one of the major suppliers in the LA area.