If this is a home that you plan to stay in for awhile, plan your sunny spots and shady spots now. Then plant your trees and fruit trees FIRST. Decide the layout and get those in the ground as the growing season (March - October) is well under way and you don't want to miss out on getting them established this year. Then plant vines, shrubs etc. Get your trees and citrus (if you want any) in the ground ASAP. They determine everything else.

Have fun!!
Carol

Hi Mami!

What part of FL do you live? Does the low area hold water? How much sun do these areas get? What type of trees are around the fence? What do you envision other than a gazebo on the right? Are there types of gardens you prefer(butterfly, annuals, shade, tropical, cottage, veggie, etc)? Is that a deck with a seating area to be?

I agree with Carol about the hardscape, gazebo, and the trees first. Things won't grow well on that slope, but what a great opportunity for a little terrace garden filled with good dirt for anything flowering/veggie you'd like to grow. You could even make the deck by the house your place for pretty potted plants/flowers if there is a hose bib nearby, and you will be inclined to water them. It would be nice to have color there you can view from inside the house.

Vines I find carefree (I imagine with 3 kids this is a requirement) are coral honeysuckle, and depending on your zone, queen's wreath. Again, confederate jasmine depending on your zone. Other than that, vines can be a lot of work. Don't know about climbing roses- rose enthusiasts will have to chime in on ones that will do well in your zone and don't need spraying. Maybe ones with few thorns (?lady banks rose?).

Please give us more info so we can give you better suggestions!

Anna

Hi Mami!

How exciting! Lots of fun ahead. With 3 kiddos, a contained play area might be your first priority. Someplace to keep the kids occupied while you all work in the gardens.

I loved the rubber ground surface at Legoland, but here in wet FL the ADA playground mulch might work as well if not better.

Where are you in NE FL and can you link to a bigger photo?

Thx

~dianne

There are lots of Garden Designers looking for work. Try the Yellow Pages.

What lovely responses already! Thank you for all the great tips. I will look into the tips given and see how we want to proceed. I can't wait. I have heard avocado trees can do well in my area. I LOVE avocados, and fruits, so looking into those would be wonderful. Definitely looking for pretty low maintenance. I know a nice garden requires some care, but I don't want something I have to constantly work on for it to look nice. We already have the set up from the swings from a previous home, Just have to put it in the ground. Waiting to get a full set up on paper to find out where to lay it.

I'm only 23 and this is my first home, I will be living in it for at least the next 8 years, if not more.

I will get a better picture uploaded. There actually isn't a slant, it's just the way the panoramic picture turned out. I usually get on these board during my work breaks. Once I'm home, there is no break until bed time aside weekends.

I am in Jax btw.

And for the Garden Designer reply, I appreciate it, but I am looking for a self do type of project. I just get so confused in the different type of plants and trees and vies etc that it's overwhelming for someone who has never played in dirt with flowers.