Landscaping design

[Aggie_Ama]

We took the suggestions here and kind of let our runaway thoughts take over. We looked at a lot of beds that have been landscaped at new shopping centers, read up on plants (thanks A&M Extension) and are kind of doing a trial and error on the shape. The bed is about 1/2 done and I am really pleased. Don't know how a real landscape designer would view it but it was fun doing it this way. We think it looks better than what the builder left but probably not like we paid someone. It is unique in plants for our neighborhood since we don't have to shop at big box stores and DH spends all day looking at different plants.

The plants we have planted so far are: Japanese Barberry and Society Garlic. Plus added a bird bath which I have not seen in the light of day yet. Originally we were going to put a pot where the bath is but couldn't find the right pot. The bird bath will be good because phase two is all butterfly and bird attracting plants. I had hoped for a fountain for running water but DH didn't want to run electricity to it. We are not committed to the bath, it may be replaced. There is this busy look with the tree, I keep going back and forth on the bird bath. I wanted one for the back yard if nothing else!

The agave is still looking for its home amongst the new plants. We didn't want to plant it because it will get so huge and I don't want to leave it if we sell down the road (the plan).

One thing I learned is Society Garlic STINKS! But we picked it because it is supposed to turn dogs away and we have 3 that poop or dig in the bed. It is driving us nuts to see muddy paw prints all over the side walk. We have several neighbors that do not think the leash is a worth while invention. But I don't know when my car will be pleasant to ride an again!

I will take some pictures tonight (if it stops raining). There is still a lot to be done with the existing bed, so far we have only moved parts of the wall to make it less square:

• Dig out yaupons and boxwoods
• Replant those in back yard
• Weed out Bermuda grass
• Raise some sections
• Plant Red Yucca, Katie's Dwark Ruellia and Pink Skullcap
• Mulch