Hello! Thanks for the additional comments -- it's nice to get some feedback. Over the weekend I had an opportunity to view several front yards that don't have grass, rather more of a xeriscape like I've been aiming for. They do have quite a few perennials, something I do not have down on the slope. The perennials are mainly in the foreground, and in nice groupings. I have a better idea of how I should use them in the fall, which is when I plan to do the rest of the planting/transplanting. Karin -- I agree, I want to keep the feel of the front, from the perspective of being in the yard, pretty close to how it is now. But I think I can improve the street views w/o affecting MY view too much :-) We can't really see what's down the slope from the house/yard, nor can we see the front of the birch tree area. But from the street I can see that the birch tree area is overgrown and weedy, and the slope is haphazard/incomplete. Taking photos has been the biggest help, when I saw them I though "Oh wow, that really DOES look bad". bahia -- yes I started that thread b/c I was curious how many people go ahead and put their plants in, even in dry hot summer, and who holds back. I'm definitely planning to hold back. If I find some plants to buy (which I have not, yet...) I will maybe put them into larger pots but keep them in an area of our yard that has afternoon shade (the rear side yard next to our garage/dryer vent/waste cans). We don't have drip irrigation on that slope, what I have is a soaker hose that is covered by mulch. It runs around the top area and works out really well (when I remember to connect the hose to it). Our front yard sprinkler system doesn't work, but maybe that is something my DH will look into. Here is an updated photo of that area in the very front of our house, where I was considering planting the mandarin and lime trees. I have taken out all the plants I wanted to keep; for now, I decided to make it VERY low maintenance since it was growing a bunch of weeds. ;-) We will make a decision in fall/winter. Hopefully it will be a relatively clean slate by then. The artemesia and the yarrow in the foreground will probably get new homes on the sloped side of our front yard. I've started waffling about whether or not we should make a patio w/interlocking pavers, or if I should go for a nice evergreen groundcover. I'm thinking a groundcover will be nicer in the hot sunny afternoon. I want to keep the path that goes around the right side, leading to the fence gate, so we may use interlocking pavers there, instead. It's been very helpful to chat about the yard and what to do with it. Thank you :-)

Yes, too much sun for a true moss. Sagina subulata (Scotch or Irish moss, depending on coloring) likes full sun but it also prefers an organically rich soil with constant moisture and good drainage. Die out usually indicates either it's not getting enough moisture or too much (i.e. poor drainage). Other possible choices include Cotula squalida (syn. Leptinella), which is about the cushiest GC I can think of for bare feet :-) or Scleranthus biflorus, Herniaria glabra or wooly thyme. Wooly thyme flowers easily and thyme flowers attract bees in abundance, so be cautious when treading with bare feet during flowering season. With any of the very mat-like spreading groundcovers - like all mentioned above - you increase the distribution and therefore a more rapid spread if you cut the pots into chunks......usually 4 parts for a 3.5" pot. It will take time to get full coverage. Like any other type of plant, goundcovers need time to establish before they start covering up a lot of real estate, generally a couple of seasons. And some varieties tend to spread better/faster than others. IMO, cotula is one of the better choices for this type of situation. You will find differing cultural info on this plant, but in my zone 8+ PNW garden, it tolerates full sun well, is quite tolerant when established, not too fussy about soils but will establish faster in a richer rather leaner soil and like good drainage. And it is fully evergreen (or everblack, depending on selection :-))

Gymmom, I am trying euphorbia cotinifolia that I found for $3.95 at my HD. It is incredibly red, loves full, hot sun, and little water. However, it may be an annual in your zone (maybe in mine, too- I'll find out), and because of that, may not be at your HD. So far I am pleased with it, but it hasnt grown a lot yet. Looks lovely against any color and really stands out. I love the above suggestions too, but, again, you may have to treat them as annuals in your climate, I'm not sure. Are you able to grow japanese maples in Ocala? Anna

Lacey's point is well made :-)) There really isn't any other type of groundcover more suited to this large expanse of real estate than turf grass nor would be as well-suited to play and traffic from kids and pets. Turf grasses - lawns - are really the ultimate in low maintenance and inexpensive GC's to cover large, mostly flat, open areas. I'd suggest you contact your local extension office as to what sort of grasses would work best for you - they could differ considerably depending on location and I am not familiar enough with your area and its climate to make specific suggestions. Most areas that tolerate or recommend cool season grasses recommend blends or mixes of various types of grasses that offer different characteristics at different times of the year. Cool season grasses - if appropriate to your area - offer the benefit of going dormant in summer so mowing frequency is reduced during that period. They also require less water during this period of dormancy as well, as long as a somewhat dried, browinsh look is tolerated. They green up again promptly with cooler temps and more rainfall in fall. But also start growing again as well :-) Sorry, but you cannot escape the need for frequent mowing unless you select some sort of meadow grass.