Hi, what a pretty house (and front yard). I think it might be difficult for people to respond to your letter, because most of us are NOT used to having to choose plants that can take rain for six mos., and then near-drought for the other six. You must also have a better idea what's available there and what grows well, but I was thinking that one place to start would be with a long flower box hung on the porch railing (fence), and possible a basket of hanging flowers from just in front of the center of the pillar between the door and window, which would allow you to have some control (portability) of growing conditions throughout the year. Have you considered a small tree to grow up in front of the siding between the driveway and front door? Again, you might be the best judge of what would survive the conditions there... just don't plant it too close to the house, of course. The flower bed under the railing looks like it will be very nice when it grows up a bit. What about an interesting rock or two on the lawn in front of where that tree would be? And why not have a large pot of something on the upper part of the stairway? And possibly some grassy swaying plants around the stone box planter?

Interesting, you in Vietnam want a cottage garden, while I, in the USA want a tropical garden. Isn't that the way it goes... You have a very nice start on your garden already, but need to add some items with height.

If I were so lucky to live in your climate, I would plant a clump of Cyrtostachys renda, the beautiful red-stemmed sealing wax palm, near the right corner of your house. This will add height, give softness to the corner area, and pick up the colors in your red and pink flowers. Then I might put 3 Areca catechu dwarf palms along the front curve of the grass for repeated architectural interest. They only grow to about 6-8 feet and will not overwhelm your garden. Then I would hang vanda orchids along the curved arches, creating a transparent curtain of flowers, leaves, and dangling roots. I would place potted orchids along the porch railing, with sprays of flowers trailing over the side. Fill in any empty spots with neoregelia or aechmea bromeliads, and you're done!

You would probably have to amend your clay soil to improve drainage for the palms. Adding lots of organic material such as compost would really help. The palms will need water during your dry season, but just about any plant would.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cyrtostachys renda

I am sure that most people wish that their yard was so boring. I see tons of character with your house and it looks like you have a great view. It would probably help if you posted a picture from back further. What is the half circle thing? A path or a driveway? How big will the plants that you have there now get? Especially the one in the planter.

- Brent

Having been transplanted to Canada from Asia, I suppose I could try to help out with this.

Most cottage gardens look like a wild delightful mass of blooms from a variety of plants. There's no rigid lines, simply have plants crammed into one area. So avoid straight beds, make it meandering. Look for cottage garden styles and try to notice how things are set together. Look at colour groups and also forms. I agree that you need a small tree beside your place. There's a tree which I believe is called a fire tree in asia, but I just cannot remember the correct name. That might be useful but then there's the issue that it can attract the poisonous hairy caterpillar. There's another tree that has pink orchid like flower. I think that would be suitable.

Most cottage gardens have vines and so I suggest bougainvilla's would help. I know my grandparents used to keep hydrangeas, gerber daisies, roses even in temperatures warmer than what you'd describe. You can also utilize hibiscus plants to add to your blooms. A form of cosmos will help but the kind of cosmos that live in Asia seed far too easily and therefore is a nuisance. What else can produce profuse blooms? Jasmins for one, balsams,celosias, something called vietnam rose, but it's a form of succulent, begonias, geraniums, gladiollas. Vines can include trumpet vines. Don't forget angel's trumpets which technically speaking has been used in cottage gardens here. There's also the hyacinth vine. Plumbago as well.

Bromeliads and orchids although quite tropical looking are often used in Asia.

Birds of Paradise might just be a tad too much tropical. Same for all the gingers, palm trees and bananas.
There's more.. I recall even the garlic vine but I think that although it's a very fine looking plant, it's scent can be too strong.

I wonder how close Miami, Florida is to your climate? If it is, try looking for plants which will thrive in that zone (USDA zone 11, I believe). You can find descriptions of such plants on the Floridata website.

Here is a link that might be useful: Floridata

Thank you all for your kind words. I've printed out all your ideas to read and apply.
I have some more information here regarding this front yard: the small shrub in the planter is an azalea, the plants in front of the railing is blue agapanthus, the small red plants are impatiens and a few johnny-jump-ups. So you see, I really don't know how to combine plants for impact.
I have looked at many garden books and magazines but maybe they're so general that I don't know where to start.
Now with your specific advice, coupled with other ideas from other forums on this Garden Web, I think I can have something to base. I will keep you posted of development.
Once again, you are very kind and I enjoy this Garden Web site so much.

I'm very impressed with your command of English. If I had to post on a Vietnamese web site, I would be totally lost! Good luck with your garden.

There's a bulb named Camassia Quamash that is supposed to be good in very wet areas. It has a nice cottage feel. It's 2 to 3 feet high with pretty periwinkle-colored flowers. I've been wanting this bulb myself for an english cottage look. I think Breck's (online) sells them for about ten dollars for 15 bulbs? It shouldn't be invasive where you live, but I think it may need a short cold period to force the bulb...?
Your yard is quite beautiful if I do say so myself. Very nicely landscaped!

Catkim, thanks for your comments re my English language skills. Of course you don't post on an English web site if you are not good at that language. I'm learning everyday.
We're now nearing the end of the sunshine season. I'm waiting to put your planting ideas down when the rains come. I'm so anxious to see what will become of my front yard!