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hildrelt

Tampa front yard - need advice!

9 years ago

There were once two Sylvester palms but one died. My imagination is limited to replacing it! Other suggestions? And I'm happy to replace any/everything in that bed, just did a huge chop on the arbicola and the crown of thorns is spent.

Thank you!



Comments (5)

  • 9 years ago

    I don't think you need a second palm there. Fill in with ground cover, or colorful bromeliads, or several Philodendron 'xanadu'.

    hildrelt thanked Kim in PL (SoCal zone 10/Sunset 24)
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    My first reaction matched Kim's -- -- that you don't need another palm there. As the remaining sylvester enlarges, the scene will look finer and finer.

    Two other things jump out as not looking so good:

    1. the hedge lining the driveway
    2. the lack of groundcover in the palm island.

    Instead of giving a more inviting look for the overall entrance, the hedge acts as a visual barrier. What's it hiding? The front of the house, the cars and driveway are not ugly! But what is? ... the barren and bleached mulch area! ... which almost looks as if it's being featured since it's front and center with a nice backdrop! All of the shrubs in the island are not the solution. The ideal thing would be to plant the whole island with a low groundcover and being in Tampa, the perfect GC would be perennial peanut. There are two floating around the area. I have both and prefer the one with the darker leaves and more intense yellow flowers. The lighter one is not quite as robust looking though it's still nice. I can't see that the island is a good place for any shrubs at all.

    Behind the island, it looks like the central area of your house is clustered up with odds and ends plants. Really can't see it too well for all the smothering, but I think you need to address this area. If you were to move in closer, such as to the city sidewalk, move the cars, stand on a box and re-photograph the scene, I think we might be able to see enough to make some suggestions. As it is, too much is hidden.

    Not this year, but next, find a spot for about 100 or more large caladium bulbs (not potted plants.) They come up quickly, are highly adaptable to light conditions and are the least demanding seasonal color that anyone in our area can have. While they are supposed to be annual, I had some that came up for 4 years and looked great every year. Then, suddenly, they didn't. But getting that many years out of them was a bargain. (Do not get the puny big box bulbs. Get the ones from our Florida growers/suppliers in Lakeland, Lake Placid, etc. They can be ordered through the mail.

    hildrelt thanked Yardvaark
  • 9 years ago

    I would make the hedge in front of the drive much shorter.

    hildrelt thanked emmarene9
  • 9 years ago

    Thank you all so much. Our Public parking lot has the peanut so I know what that will look like. Were you suggesting Caladium buds amongst the peanut that will grow up through it (this is to Yardvaark)? I like the idea of the Caladium, there are some at the Univ of Tampa gardens looking spectacular right now.

    The hedge is mostly to block the road from our view. We live on a busy street. So that I want to keep.

    Any other thoughts? Thanks so much!

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    No, I'm not suggesting Caladiums coming up through anything, but just giving them their own space .... a fat border or a plot. There is no color easier or foolproof in Florida!

    Not to badger you on this, but how is the hedge blocking any of the street from your view? If standing on the drive or porch, I'm sure you can still see the road and the road can see most of you. As I see it, the only thing you're blocking is a view of the island and the sidewalk. And you're making the driveway seem pinched. If you are using the hedge to "mark" your territory, I'd think you'd run it alongside the walk instead, allowing a better view of your own yard, from within your yard.