From what photos I have seen, the ground appears tan/earth, similar to North-West Frontier. I did not see that it was red, though it is called "the red planet". I went with the same NWF drop cloth, and then scatter just a hint of red sand. Works!
With regard to foliage, I go with non-green types; orange, yellow, etc., and maybe add one very yellow-green type. Again, stick to NWF, and add to that for weird foliage, and I think you will be fine. I use Space 1889 canon.
That said, if your games are around the canals, then you would have more foliage, and you can mix in greens.