Landscaping help needed:

[speeder]

Small time job but thought I’d pick the brains of you guys on what I should plant in these spaces. Southern California climate but irrigation is present already, just not being used. I might have to repair some piping.

I’m including some photos of the rest of the property to show what is present there in terms of vegetation. It’s a mix of grass, small trees and planted cactus. I’m open to all suggestions including drought/low water plants but I hate gravel or stones in place of gardens. This needs to be beautiful, about to rent this place out for good $$ and it’s in the nice part of town.

The barren garden:




Some of these areas are in the shade either part or all of the time. Here is a shot of another part of the property:

[craigster59]

Maybe try some drought tolerant native plants. This place is a good start... Theodore Payne Foundation | Native California Plants

[Crowbob]

I cover everything up with snow.

Easy!

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

I cover everything up with snow.

Easy!

Great idea but wouldn’t work here.

One of my questions involved removing a stump or two that are inside of the property. There is no possibility of backing a truck in w one of those big stump-chewer deals. Can I rent a small one somewhere? Does it matter if I leave some stump underground or do I need to remove every last bit of it?

I want to DIY as much of this as possible after seeing the first estimate from a pro.

[pete3799]

Paging Baz.......Mr. Baz to the off topic forum please.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by speeder

Great idea but wouldn’t work here.

One of my questions involved removing a stump or two that are inside of the property. There is no possibility of backing a truck in w one of those big stump-chewer deals. Can I rent a small one somewhere? Does it matter if I leave some stump underground or do I need to remove every last bit of it?

I want to DIY as much of this as possible after seeing the first estimate from a pro.

In many cases you can leave the remnants of a stump behind. But assuming you don't want it to re-sprout with new shoots you may need to treat it with something to 'discourage' any new growth. I use a product called Tordon RTU available in Qts. from Amazon for $20 some dollars. You spray it right on the freshly cut top of the stump(s).

I just did a job where we had some trees cut down and after getting quotes on pulling them with an excavator I decided to just cut them down flush with the ground. One ended up where we sodded and the other 3 are in the mulch bed. All 4 covered up. But if I wanted to re-plant in those spots of course we'd have to bite the bullet and pay the excavator man.

Your site looks like it has nice potential for a facelift.

Best approach is 'less is more'.

Need more pics... and a better idea of overall position of beds in relation to home, drive, walks, patio(s), etc.

Maybe go back further when you take the pics so we get a better idea of overall context?

Are the stepping stones needed?

I wonder if a few bromeliads placed in strategic spots would do what is needed.....

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by speeder

Great idea but wouldn’t work here.

One of my questions involved removing a stump or two that are inside of the property. There is no possibility of backing a truck in w one of those big stump-chewer deals. Can I rent a small one somewhere? Does it matter if I leave some stump underground or do I need to remove every last bit of it?

I want to DIY as much of this as possible after seeing the first estimate from a pro.

Check with a local tool rental place. They have a stand behind stump grinder that does a decent job. My brother and I used one on a maple that was pretty decent size and it did the job.

[Baz]

Here is one option that might be a good candidate considering you have bright light, some shade, and no full sun all day.

'Black Magic' Cordyline.

They hold up very well in the landscape and have a very interesting topical appearance.

[Baz]

Put some of these Neoregelia 'Bossa Nova' with those Black Magics.....note the contrast you've just created = wow factor.....

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Check with a local tool rental place. They have a stand behind stump grinder that does a decent job. My brother and I used one on a maple that was pretty decent size and it did the job.

After an ice storm many years ago, a guy came through my hood with one of those....lots of dumbazzes had beautiful Bradford Pears before the storm. He wasn't messing with the trees, just stumps....he just went down the streets, virtually every other house....he make a killing .

[Baz]

You can also add a little color with 'Blue Daze' - a very tough little perennial - choose areas with the brightest light for best color and flowering....this blue color also really adds "visual excitement"...

[Arizona_928]

Where's tabs to tell you to plant fruit trees for ww3

[Baz]

Here's another possible candidate that could add interest to your garden. It's called Farfugium japonicum aka Leopard Plant. They have a regular size version and a jumbo version (called 'Gigantium'). You want the regular size version for your smaller sized beds. Tolerates low light!

[speeder]

I was hoping you’d see this, (as well as anyone else w some expertise). Keep ‘em coming! I’ll try to get some better pics tomorrow, it’s a beautiful place. There is one part of the dirt that will get basically zero sun because it’s under a solid portico but otherwise it all gets decent sunlight.

[speeder]

Not sure about the stepping stones, I’ll have to consult the boss on that. I was thinking some mulch w flowers and nice plants like you have pictured but completely open to suggestions.

We can grow lilac and jasmine here, just about anything.

Thanks again.

[Baz]

You're welcome, Denis....happy to make suggestions.

It's always hard to give advice just from photos but I'll pass along any ideas that come to mind.

My biggest concern is spacing of material. It's always been a huge factor for me when I plant - how far apart to plant things and how many of these to use and how many of those to use.

Like I said earlier...best philosophy is 'less is more'.

Couple more thoughts......would like to know more about the irrigation. If you can pull it off, a drip system would be the most practical. I use Rainbird drip tubing but Netafim was the company that got the first big foothold in the drip application so you could look at using them as well.

Can share more on that later.

Also, I wonder if you could use any Orange Bird of Paradise, as they seem to be very popular out there. They do need some space though. Probably easy to source too, which is always an important factor.

Do you have any thoughts on who is a decent vendor for plants in your area? That info is always crucial to the success of any project.

Also, you mentioned getting a quote...I wonder if they gave you a sketch or plant list?

Orange Bird of Paradise:

[Crowbob]

How come you guys are advising he put house plants outside?

Sheesh!

[john70t]

I'm intrigued by whatever system is holding that perfectly flat custom walkway suspended and floating in midair.

And why those slick pavers are full gloss and angled.

And why there is a one foot dropoff to a broken ankle on either side of that door.
(just waiting for a lawsuit)

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

How come you guys are advising he put house plants outside?

Sheesh!

You cold weather guys,

[speeder]

Originally Posted by john70t

I'm intrigued by whatever system is holding that perfectly flat custom walkway suspended and floating in midair.

And why those slick pavers are full gloss and angled.

And why there is a one foot dropoff to a broken ankle on either side of that door.
(just waiting for a lawsuit)

The drop on either side of the walkway by front door is a koi pond w waterfall. The walk is a bridge over it. Feng Shui, I guess.