Landscaping: New need help!

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falcon3045 Mulberry, FL August 10, 2008 02:25 PM	We recently had a major problem with termites. Rebuilding front of house. Have a small 4' 15' section of dirt between driveway, porch and house. Looking for landscape ideas. Had shrubs that overgrew. Wife wants to pave it over. I have several ideas, none of which I like. Looking for something low growing somewhat contained, low maintenance, would like some color. Thinking rocks a few feet out from the house. Rain drains off of roof into this area. Can get very wet, morning and midday sun, West Central Florida. Please help before it becomes paved over.
NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS (Zone 8a) August 10, 2008 08:34 PM	If it gets real wet after rain, maybe you should build a raised planter so you can have better drainage. That would also give you a greater selection of plants that could survive there. You could go with a creeping type plant and let it grow over the edge of your planter.
DaleTheGardener Tampa, FL (Zone 10a) August 13, 2008 12:37 AM	Growing plants that get big, but, not too big> View Larger
DaleTheGardener Tampa, FL (Zone 10a) August 13, 2008 12:39 AM	You may be a bit too chilly for Adondia, maybe a different small palm? View Larger
DaleTheGardener Tampa, FL (Zone 10a) August 13, 2008 12:40 AM	I am always taking digital photos of landscapes that I like> View Larger
DaleTheGardener Tampa, FL (Zone 10a) August 13, 2008 12:42 AM	Looking around the neighborhood and then copy what you see that you like> View Larger
falcon3045 Mulberry, FL August 13, 2008 09:34 AM	Thanks for the ideas. Like the small palm idea, maybe a couple of sago's?
JulieQ Cullman, AL (Zone 7b) August 13, 2008 12:58 PM	Whatever you do, keep in mind your drainage so the problem does not get worse. River rock pebbles (the large-ish ones) will take a good beating off the roof and not wash away. They will also not draw termites like mulch would.
missingrosie Hillsborough, NC August 17, 2008 11:39 PM	Does your wife want to pave it because of the termite issue? If your roof drains off into this area - she may not like the paving during a hard rain when walking into the house from the drive -- it will bounce everywhere. If you want to meet her halfway --paving vs planting---- what about some river rock as Julie suggested....natural color - and along with that a disappearing fountain/Urn for landscape appeal and for pleasing sound from inside the house and the porch. Not a difficult do it yourself project and shouldn't be too expensive if you hire.. then you can grow a few things in pots on the gravel. Might be a good solution.
DaleTheGardener Tampa, FL (Zone 10a) August 17, 2008 11:51 PM	Falcon, In Florida Sago is now plagued by an Asian insect. It can be controlled, but, never defeated. I have stopped using them on my jobs. There is the Chinese Fan palm http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57887/ ,but I think it would be too big for you after about 8-10 yrs. There are other 'palms' like Sago, usually in the genus Zamia and others http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/adv_search.php?searcher[com... most of them have no pests. Some species can be hard to find, but, Cardboard and Coontie are commonly sold. View Larger

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