Last year was my first year too at this location. I use a lawnmower or weed whacker to mow the paths (and I scatter clover seed on the paths (I use a modified Square Foot Gardening style but do not have raised beds - I use 25' by 4' patches. I think some call it French Intensive). I cover the beds in black plastic. I bought a roll of it at the hardware store (they call it "vapor barrier) - I lay it loose on the dirt and hold it down with some bricks. I still have half a roll left, I think the box was something like $30. The plastic holds some moisture in the ground (there is still a significant amount of ventilation, I have poked holes at the bottom of water puddles, etc., there are large (3-4") holes for the plants, plus the edges are not "tucked"., early in the season, the black plastic warms the soil, but by the time the sun is HOT, the plants are so big that the sun doesn't hit the ground. Should a weed come up through a plant hole or a vent, it can be easily dealt with. It is ALMOST weed free. I also tried doing one bed with newspaper--I had a lot of trouble with that bed(we get a lot of wind here), and it took a lot longer, and I had to do a lot more maintenance...

Hevykevy welcome to Texas! And I agree, the climate can be a real burden. But that being said, when you get lemons, make lemonade! I moved here last year and ran into much of the same stuff you're experiencing. But don't be discouraged! A ton of fantastic plants can be grown in your area. Almost any type of garden style you'd like. It's all about plant selection, making sure you have the right soil and understanding that certain things may die down to the ground in the winter or maybe even need to be brought into the garage for protection. On my end I'm a tropical guy. I grew up in Miami and need that tropical look. I grow banana, canna, elephant ear, Queen palms and crinium lily, bamboo and plenty of grasses. Almost all of that stuff dies to the groud in winter, so I'm interplanting perenial shrubs like boxwood to maintain a nice appearence in the yard during winter. But come on over to the Texas forum and say hello. Abolutely great people. 1/2 of my plants were actually given to me by Texas gardeners. Next year I'll also be trading and sharing. I don't expect to use HD for a while. Good luck with you croton. I did the exact same thing, accept mine was left in a big pot. the stems are still pretty "beefy". Maybe there is still some hope? For us crotons will not work in the yard. My favorite plant is the canna lily. But one plant I'd recomend to replace the croton in your yard is the Esperanza. It's a Texas favorite. For one, it grows like a weed with little atttention, loves the Texas climate. It's normally one of the first plants to bloom, and blooms continously till the first freeze. It has beautiful yellow flowers and bright green leaves that give it a tropical flavor "in my opinion". Good luck and happy gardening! Here is a link that might be useful:

I agree the room looks fantastic and I love what you have done. I think though, that with the photo you have shared - which is the one we are all scrutinizing to look at artwork and rugs-- the lighting is a bit strange ( I wish I knew a more descriptive term but it is sort of hazy?)... and that is making it harder to get a good idea of the rugs and artwork. I think the curtains are great, as is the paint color. Maybe can you take another photo and see if that is a better indicator of what you are looking at? 'cause I think that several of those rugs will look great.

Above image similar to mealybug activity. https://uofacesmg.wordpress.com/2015/06/17/woolly-aphids-versus-mealy-bugs -------------- No legs are visible in the above image, so legs per segment rule cannot be applied.