In the beginning, I thought this thread was about making use of what could be made into something good, and getting rid of the rest. I didn't understand that the focus was on using pieces of a landscape somewhere, somehow. It seems to me that many existing "pieces" of the puzzle, if used, will only guaranty an undesirable outcome. There are many smallish, highly ornamental, cute pairs of plants (bougainvillia, topiary, pompoms, etc.) that beg to be used to flank a passageway. But there are not that many passageways that need flanking. There are plants in bad positions that need to be moved, but they are too big to move without a great deal of trouble or expense. Though there are many pictures attached to the thread, they are isolated shots that don't link areas. It's hard to develop a fluid concept of the site. Truth is, trying to make sense of the existing puzzle pieces would be an unpleasant job if I could be there doing it on site. And that would be much easier than trying to do it by remote. I think it was mentioned that it would be a good idea to return some items. I understand the difficulty and unpleasantness with that, but honestly, I think that is the best suggestion. What this situation really needs is a good designer who can make a personal visit, and a willingness of the owner to find another way to dispose of all the things that don't fit or that can't be made to fit without too much sacrifice. I believe the owner does want a finished product that's actually nice. But there only so much a person can squeeze in before the objects begin to work against him. It doesn't need more "objects" as much as it needs continuity and linking. This is not an attempt to say "I'm out." I'm just saying that the project is frustrating and I wish I could help you more, Relleum, but other than offering piecemeal advice, don't know if I can.

Partly it depends on what kind of pruning you are planning to do. Take the hibiscus, for instance. If you are going to snip out some small side branches that are raking a window, that could be done any time. If, on the other hand you are planning to cut all of it down low to start it over or maintain it as a shorter shrub then you would do that at end of winter.

Please, help. We have two lovely weeping hibiscus that haven't bloomed lately. My husband yanked one out and proceeded to slice and dice the roots, stuck it back in the ground and has probably drowned it by overwatering. It is trying to tell us something, but what? The leaves are so thin and wilted with inner leaves turned yellow. The poor thing is sick. Can it be saved? Thank you.

You definately need to read the last paragraph. It's regarding pruning to encourage flowering. The many names of (Hibiscus schizopetalus) Japanese Hibiscus, Coral Hibiscus, Skeleton Hibiscus.Chinese Lanterns, Japanese Lanterns, Fringed Rosemallow, Waltzing Ladies The following is some data I just gathered off of the internet here and there, which explains the contradiction in how high this plant will grow. Just copying and pasteing anything relavent to Window's Notepad. 6' to 10' prefers partial shade or partial sun to full sun; soil should be moist Z 9B - 11 Grows rapidly and blooms freely. Bearing finely dissected petals on three-inch-wide pendulous flowers, this slender evergreen shrub can grow up to ten feet tall. Flowers are pink or red or orange with long slender staminal columns that extend well beyond the petals. A weeping tree hibiscus, rare and hard to find. Flowers look like parachutes and can be recognized by the fringed and lacy petals which are bent backward. It has slender and gracefully curved stems. It will reach about 6 to 8 feet with a spread of 5 to 6 feet. It is a very fast grower. It gets very large in pots, so one needs to prune it often to keep a desired form. ***Pruning also helps to keep a abundance of flowers, since flower are formed on new wood. Blooms sporadically all year long. Happy Gardening - Sandy