Desert look in NJ?

Current lawn is 90% zoysia 10% weeds and other grass, soil is 90% sand no theres too much drainage fort anything to grow other than ugly stuff

Rather than replace trash lawn I was thinking what if I went with a desert look with bushes

I saw this parch of the dog park near the entrance where nothing grows.

I'm thinking of using the same sand stone mix they have in the dog park to replace the lawn. Thoughts?