First off, it would help to know your location. Many posters do this by updating their name with their zone and city. That way people can tailor their response a bit better for you.

Hi my name is Tanya and I live in miami, florida .

I brought some flax Lilly. I post a picture today.

I am the cardboard queen. I take everything out and lay my cardboard. Plant then add mulch. As was stated pull weeds early. I do not know any one that has a weed free garden 12 months a year unless it is a solid cement pad with pots on top.

So. I planted the flax Lilly should i just dig up all those rocks out cardboard or the commercial grade black weed blocker?? And if no, what should I replace them with so it's neat?

Was thinking of putting mulch around the root of the palm tres.

What should I put around the bottom of the Bougainvillea. I'm also hoping the gold mound fills up too in his area.

Hi, your questions are hard to answer as it is more about design than a technique. Design is personal and therefore there is no real answer although there are basic guidelines. For design, I would take a moment and search for Miami garden or Florida garden on the internet and then bookmark the images that "speak" to you. Then, go back and look at the bookmarked images - what do they have in common? Try to capture that feeling in your garden.

Alternatively, go for a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby one and look at the gardens. What features really stand out? Do you see other's with hedges? How do they look and how are they used most effectively?

For the new flax you planted, I would just mulch over it and it should look neat. If it has weeds that are hard to suppress, a layer of cardboard under the mulch will help. Be sure to water after applying.

For boxwood, it lends a formal feel and structure. You have structure from the fence, paths and edging. Do you want more? Only you can really can really answer that.

Thank you!! I will try the cardboard over the rocks then the mulch..

Hi Sweets, sounds good. Doesn't look like there are a lot of rocks, just a smattering, right?

I think the cardboard would be a good idea. I guess I can cut a hole in the card board and put it over the plants or just cut around and lay it down. What does the cardboard do that plastic wouldn't?

Cardboard breaks down over time and feeds the soil. You can simply renew the cardboard if needed, or if the larger weeds have been sufficiently suppressed, just mulch to discourage seedlings in the future.

Plastic has a tendency to wrinkle and become visible. I'm sure you have seen plastic peeking out of other gardens - not the best look. I'm sure some have used it and have liked the results, but the overall feedback is it is not the solution that people thought

Oh, yes, definitely cut a hole. You want to give the plants room to breathe so don't mulch right up to the stems.

Yes the plastic is visible and the mulch slides off of it..not the best look.

Very nice sweets! How do you like it?

Thanks .., It's coming along. Looks much more manicured. A. Few more areas to finish up.