Design front yard

19 years ago

Hi all, it's been a while since I've visited here.

We're in the planning stages of designing our front yard landscape. It's going to be somewhat of a tropical feel. Palms, greens and vivid color is what we're shooting for.

I know what DL's I am going to order but also plan to have agapanthus out front. I want my DL's to show off but don't want the agapanthus to get lost either. Would like some suggestions of how to show off both without problems.

If you can, picture this. We have a window facing the street and on each side of the window a Queen Palm. We're designing a serpentine style area with low lying colorful flowers along the border. For the rest, we don't know all of the plants we will have in the large bed, but we know DL's, agapanthus, probably a few pigmy date palms, a couple sago palms, a plumeria, mock orange on the far side for fragrance, and a beautiful vibrant crape myrtle at the very front of the yard at the sidewalk.

So, anyway if you have suggestions for how to arrange our DLs/agapanthus to be showy and not get lost let me know! We are very open with our design plans right now.

Thanks!!! - Terra

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

firefightrsflame
Original Author
19 years ago
PS- Sorry! Forgot to mention we are hoping to put maybe 4-6 DL's maybe more if space allows.....

Probably same amount of agapanthus,too.
janepa
19 years ago
What fun to be planning a new garden.

I have found that my DLs individually get the 'most bang for the buck' if I plant at least 3 double/triple fans of the same variety within 12" (inches) of each other and then plant the next variety 4'(feet) away - if you have the space. Planting in this way gives each variety the 'spotlight' so-to-speak. My large new bed has many, many DLs planted in it and while it is a riot of color, to enjoy each one you need to walk through them and check each one out individually. The 1st planting method gives a better display from a distance of your favorites.

Where you are located you should be able to have blooms for a long time. I would look for DLs that have extended, and rebloom. Rich colors show up well, and especially if a couple whites, or light yellows are included. To be able to work (pull weeds) I would definitely allow two feet between plantings if you do not 'group' them.

I did a quick search to see what agapanthus looks like, with no luck.

Here are a couple brights that would 'shine' in your garden.

Forsyth Vivacious, Whooperee, Emerald Splendor, Samar Star Fire, Chrissy Renee, Unforgettable Fire, highland Pinched Fingers, & Stargate Portal. All of these DLs have had their photos posted on this forum so you could see a photo.

Good luck and happy hunting. Jane
Related Professionals
Jacksonville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Jackson Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Winston-Salem Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Wausau Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Missoula Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Hilton Head Island Landscape Contractors · New Braunfels Landscape Contractors · Virginia Beach Landscape Contractors · South Bend Landscape Contractors · Hackettstown Landscape Contractors · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Williamsport Landscape Contractors · Huntsville Home Builders · Waterloo Home Builders · Canton Home Builders
firefightrsflame
Original Author
19 years ago
Jane- thank you so much for the tips!

Yeah, I think we're trying to shoot for 6 DL's. 3 on one side and 3 on the other.

You couldn't find agapanthus? Try looking up African Lilies or Lily of the Nile. Sometimes they are called by those names as well.

Thanks for the recommended DL varieties. I will check them out. =)

Terra
gonegardening
19 years ago
Just a quick thought...no designer here (obviously!), but if I'm using the blue agapanthus, I'd go with a yellow or pink daylily, depending on your preference...

If you're using white, then I might go with a darker colored daylily to contrast.

I think Jane's right...depends on what look you're going for...if it's the from-the-street-looking-in or just for a general view (not a collector's type garden), then you'll probably be happier going with multiples of the same one to give you an effect or a sweep of color.

Happy planting! (I'm envious that you can overwinter agapanthus!) I would suggest buying your mock orange in bloom for the best fragrance (spoken as one who once didn't...).

(Jane, try again...maybe you just put it in wrong...google pulls it up easily)
firefightrsflame
Original Author
19 years ago
gonegardening- Thanks for the compliments! It's rough work trying to plan, design and try to make it all work! Especially when you want to be the envy of the neighbors, or the one house people talk about when they walk by to the community park!

Color wise for DL's it seems there are a lot of the Dark purples, some pinks catching my eye for the front yard. More variety of colors for my back yard. The ones I really like were from Maryott's. Very "WOW" when you see them. SO I'm guessing, depending on the other colors we put out there in front, I could go with either the blue or the white agapanthus so they'll match well w/the DL's. I am also leaning on a lavendar or fuschia crape myrtle for the very front of the yard. We have a hot pink color plumeria we acquired from my inlaw's which will blend nicely, too. Overall just going for some eye popping color!

Thanks also for the tip on the mock orange. How large does yours grow if I may ask? I love the fragrance. Very nostalgic for me. - Terra