Next on the To-Do List in relative order of priority:

Garden Arch:
Full Sun. Would like suggestions on what to grow on this. I don't think I want a climbing rose, since it's already surrounded by roses, but I'm not completely against any good suggestion :). What i DON'T want is something that will take over the structure. I was thinking maybe some kind of Clematis? I'd love to hear your opinions on the idea and suggestions for a variety that would work in this spot! Also happy to hear any other suggestions!

Raised Planter:
Need some ideas for permanent plantings to go around this tree. The area gets FULL SUN and is too far from those tall trees in back to get much relief until very late in the day. As far as style, I prefer something more informal and don't want to plant symmetrically around the tree (Does that make sense?). I know the roses are planted in a somewhat structured and formal way, and I don't mind them since they sort of separate the patio area from the garden. But I'd like to be a bit more varied with the rest of the garden. Back to the planter...I'd like something to spill over the edge in a few areas, and other plants to be more contained. Am I correct in assuming that I should wait to plant until after the summer heat dies down, especially in this area of the yard which gets a LOT of sun? Is there anything I CAN plant now that will do well temporarily so that there is some interest in this planter until I have a more definite plan?

Planting beds surrounding lawn:
I laid down newspaper/cardboard and covered everything with a thick layer of compost and was planning to just let the worms have their way with this soil until sometime in the fall or early spring. I've had luck improving soil this way, although not such a large area, but I'm hoping it will work fine. Should I cover the compost with landscape paper to block weeds until I'm ready to plant?

Under mature trees in back:
Sine this area is basically all shade all the time, albeit bright shade, the plantings will be much different than everywhere else. I'm just not sure how closely to plant near these mature trees. I'm thinking hydrangeas will do well in this spot, and I'd love to have at least a few in the garden.

Lookin' good! You've done a lot of work, looks like you're more than halfway to a finished product.

Clematis was the first vine that came to mind when I saw your arbor, although jasmine could also be nice for something with flowers that are scented but not as showy. If you pick two restrained growers they might play nicely together for either a contrast of colors or a staggered bloom time.

Waiting until fall to plant in the raised planter would probably be best, if you can't stand having it bare you could try some heat tolerant annuals but you will have to keep them well watered. I would be inclined to plant things like lavender, salvia, and thyme around your tree. There is a good variety of size, shape, and color and they are tough and drought tolerant once established. Also, I always use bulbs for seasonal color.

I wouldn't bother with landscape fabric on top of the mulch, the only time I think landscape fabric is good is when it's going under hardscaping.

I don't know how close is too close when planting near trees, but you should definitely be careful of watering too much around your oaks because it can kill them. Oakleaf hydrangea might be a good option, not as showy as some of the other species but more drought tolerant and better suited to our climate.

Have you given any thought to attracting wildlife? I have a similar sized backyard with some large trees and every day I enjoy watching the antics of the birds who call my yard home. Native currants and gooseberries are shade/drought tolerant, attract hummingbirds with their flowers and other birds with their fruit, and are very attractive in my opinion. Don't forget about ferns, they always add a bit of magic to any garden.

Here is a link that might be useful: You might be interested in the CalFlora nursery website

Your yard is looking just dandy, Dandy! Actually, better than "dandy," very pretty. The roses look great--they really respond to even a little TLC.

I would agree with the above poster. You might check the watering requirements for your trees. Some oaks (maybe all) don't like extra water and will eventually die if they get too much. Our community has lost many parkway oaks because people run the sprinklers right under them to keep the lawn there alive. You might find the grass thinning in the shady areas under the trees, but that's ok. Lawn usually likes a lot of sun and water. If you decide to not water the oaks, you can pull back the lawn and let mulch and leaf litter accumulate under the trees.

I understand why you don't want too much bulk on the trellis arch; it will block the view of your fantastic yard. Mandevilla vine is pretty, star jasmine too, but maybe too solid for you.

Have you checked the tile on your patio for slippery-ness when wet? Be careful of that.

Although this is not the best time at all to plant, we have done it, recently with a large magnolia. I've even transplanted a rose in the dead of summer. Kept it covered and watered, and it did fine.

Easy-care plants we have and like are Indian Hawthorne (raphiolepis) and Mexican Heather. I love the idea of the Oak Leaf Hydrangea. They can be so beautiful.

Keep up the good work.

What a fun thing to be doing. Clematis would depend on the colors you like. Huldine is a lovely white with a very long bloom season here. The blooms are not the huge ones, but a nice size. anything else plays well with white, so you would have a nice selection.
Whatever you choose will be lovely, I'm sure.
kay

Your new home is lovely. Wait until September or October to plant anything. It's too hot now for the summer.

If those are native oaks, a blanket of their own fallen leaves and nothing else is the best possible thing for their long term health. It's okay to have an empty area in a garden; it gives the eyes a rest.

Hydrangeas are best on the east side of the house, they like a little direct morning sun to produce the best flowers.

Beautiful design and hardscaping. I especially love the new planter you built. The plum tree color looks wonderful with the color of the house.

I don't think your arch needs any vines, but if you really want one, you might consider a clematis on each side. I don't know if all varieties do well in Sacramento. Here the viticellas do best, I hear.

If I had your yard, I would plant some native or low-water shrubs that can take shade under your oaks up against the back fence, to disguise it. I would not plant flowers there- just large shrubs, to give the feeling of being out in the woods rather than in the suburbs. I would grow tall shrubs all down the other fence line too, and maybe two or three small trees to break up the view of the neighbor's house and roof line.
But the deep bed on the back side of the 14x14 patio I would reserve for a lovely little garden- either a potager or a flower garden. I wouldn't be in a rush to finish that- I'd be spending a lot of time looking at photos to get some fun ideas. Maybe a fountain?

Good luck, and keep us posted on your decisions and progress!
Renee

In your planter, I would use Lavenders and Rudbeckia. The combo of purple and yellow/orange would be very pretty and easy care and not fussy about water.

Elaine

Also, on your arbor, I would use Solanum jasminoides, blooms pretty and is of more open, lacy habit than Star Jasmine.

Elaine

I love lantanas. I really like the bushy kind. We have some near the pool and they bloom profusely all summer. Each bloom has multiple colors and changes colors as it matures. Irene is a good one - shades of magenta and yellow. We also have a beautiful orange, red, yellow one. Not sure about the name. I'm not too fond of the trailing solid purple ones, but that's just a personal preference. They do great in full sun, are very drought tolerant, So my vote is for lantanas in a sunny area that needs something bushy.

I love lantanas. I really like the bushy kind. We have some near the pool and they bloom profusely all summer. Each bloom has multiple colors and changes colors as it matures. Irene is a good one - shades of magenta and yellow. We also have a beautiful orange, red, yellow one. Not sure about the name. I'm not too fond of the trailing solid purple ones, but that's just a personal preference. They do great in full sun, are very drought tolerant, So my vote is for lantanas in a sunny area that needs something bushy.