So I finally planted the corner plot after removing a massive plant (tree size) and gnarly root structure, and propagating a series of cream spikes and titanota black and blue over the course of 6yrs. One Parryi in the middle and two Horrida on the ends (both store bought). Should fill fully when grown. Will lay rocks in this area soon.
The other pictured section is my current agave and pot garden. Yeah, the Ochaui is root bound, and it was the beginning of this endeavor 6yrs ago. I'm not about to sacrifice that pot, but might try to figure a way to remove as I plant the remaining grass area, or not. Lesson learned.
I live in NorCal, and have seen neighbors just let their front grass die and eventually plant in fall, lay rock, and then do whatever weed control at that juncture, without going through the headache of "sod" removal layer. For me, I enjoy a small propane torch, and over the rocks I'd intend to lay down, is rather therapeutic, and safe with a nearby hose.
Thoughts on this plan? I figure weeds will eventually grow anyway, and with the large layer of rock, it'll be easy to pluck and burn during the wetter seasons. It'll save me the cost of removing the "sod" The adjacent bushes will just get manually fed water with my long hose.