Landscaping

The before and after pictures of our landscaping aren't as dramatic as I'd hoped. The differences have to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. But we know both the front and back yard are much improved from just a few days ago.

What isn't visible in this before photo is a scraggly front yard tree of undetermined origins. It simply had to go.

2012

Now, in a more prominent position is a Bismarck palm.

It's a blue-green palmetto with really large fronds - slow-growing. That suits us fine.

Flanking either end of the house are two 6-foot-plus tall Palatka holly trees. Landscaper Jamie says they'll have big red berries during winter months.

2013

2012

Compared to the day we bought the house (above), you can see that plants have now been dramatically thinned. It's generally agreed that spec houses are over-landscaped to make them look more attractive. Thinning is recommended to allow healthy growing space. All pine straw bedding was removed and replaced with pine bark. Rock was an option, but it's recommended that new plants are given a chance to develop a good root system before stressing them with the heat that rocks attract and retain.

2013

The low, bushy palm near the lamp post is a European fan palm. Around it are three allamandas which I've seen in other yards with profuse yellow blooms. 

They'll be more impressive when they're larger.

Two Hawaiian Ty plants flank the front door. The color is such an attractive contrast to the house. They'll be more impressive when they're taller.

Next to each Hawaiian Ty, along both sides of the front sidewalk, are three golden yellow ixora plants.

Behind the lamp post is a plumbago. Landscaper Jamie says they're blue! He explained that they grow so well, they're almost considered a Florida weed. The bush can be a show stopper when it has matured and is covered with blooms.

In back of the house we previously had nothing in the yard. Just the grill, sitting on a pad. The pad was extended to allow more space for opening the screen door, and two beds were created.

At the end are a purple blooming Mexican petunia, and a large, red blooming bottle brush.

Across the back of the lanai, two more holly trees - of the "oak leaf" variety - flank four more bottle brush.

Closer to the lanai are three more Mexican petunias, and two variegated ginger plants.

The yard and beds had been irrigated before, so it took only some repositioning to keep it that way. With occasional trimming, and an annual application of special palm fertilizer for the Bismarck, we'll be able to keep everything looking good. Low maintenance, and color is what we were aiming for, and I think we achieved it.

Already, three hibiscus plants in the front beds are happily blooming.

Now I have two flourishing palms in two places... in my front yard, and put to use in my sewing room! Life is beautiful. God is good. Linda