We finally have a plan for the garden in the front yard!! I have been debating what to put into our new bed, but I really wasn’t sure how to put it all together. I love to buy plants, and sometimes I can get a little carried away buying random ones at the garden center when they are blooming and beautiful. Our wonderful neighbor is a landscape architect, and I was really happy when he offered to put together a professional plan that maps everything out for me- including what to buy and exactly where to put it. I am feeling relieved that I don’t have to wonder if I’m picking the right things for Oklahoma City and for the amount of sun/shade on that side of the house. Our neighbor’s yard looks fabulous all year, and he tries to only use plants that thrive in the OKC climate. In other words, you don’t have to work 24 hours a day to keep them alive, which is great news for me since I am more of the lazy gardener type.
So here is the plan from far away:
I love the way it represents the plants and puts the colors in to match the blooms. I wish I had a program like this! He did such a great job!
Just in case you’re curious, here are some of the plants that are included in the plan. I’ll put photos in of the highlights of the plan…
Red Rocket Crepe Myrtle on the left corner
Different types of Nandina surround the foundation.
Lots of Daylilies (the type is called Stella de Oro)
Four Hostas – Patriot is the type. I love these plants because they get such pretty patterns on the leaves, and they like shade which we have an abundance of at our house.
We’re looking forward to planting after I get rid of all the weeds that have crept in the last couple of weeks. They take over so quickly! I’m hoping to stagger the planting since it will benefit my back and my wallet, but when it’s all in place, I’ll post the final look. Until then, check back for updates about the kitchen and office renovations….
xo anne
A Date with Design 
I LOVE landscape design. Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful and colorful end result. I was going to get red rocket crepe myrtles because of the amazing color and the fact that they grow fast so you don’t have to spend a lot on a taller one to feel like you’ve got a real ‘tree’ on your hands. I can’t wait to have a yard again and landscape away. I don’t mind not worrying about watering the lawn though ;o)
I do too, Barbie! After I talked to our neighbor, I almost wished I had done it for a career. It seems so fun! I also love crepe myrtles- they bloom for forever and grow quickly. I definitely agree about watering the yard and all the extra work that comes with a landscape…. sometimes it can be a pain.
Wow! That is so nice of your neighbor to help you out by making a plan for you – I wish one of our neighbors was in landscaping, we could use all the help we can get! :) Your yard is going to be beautiful! I can’t wait for some updates.
~Chelsea
He is a really nice guy and is really knowledgeable! I was so happy when he said he was willing to help us, and I’m hoping he can get some enjoyment from it too. He won’t have to look at weeds everyday. :)
Looks like your neighbor has drawn up a super plan for your yard! Using the right plants for an area saves you a lot of grief. Those are great selections and it’s good to take your time in getting them planted – that way you can enjoy it and not get stressed out. Landscaping makes such a difference in a house.
I completely agree. :) We’re going to do some now and then wait until it cools down a little bit to put in the rest. He added a Shumard Oak to the front, too so we’ll plant that in the fall as well. Hopefully we’ll have more shade in the front in the next couple of years.