skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Design Dilemma
erika_kuntz

Front yard succulent and cacti landscape design

9 years ago
So I've purchased majority of my plants for my front yard landscape ideas, but I'm having trouble figuring out where to place all the plants in my design. I want everything to flow nicely with colors, sizes, textures etc. I'm on a tight budget and just need some friendly advice. All suggestions and ideas are much appreciated!

I'll post photo of what my front yard currently looks like and what I want the design to look like.

Plants I have so far:

•Octopus agave
•Blue chalk succulents
•Blue Fescue Grass
•snow pole cactus
•another tall curvy cactus
•some succulent ground cover/filler
•medium sized agaves
•fire stick
•golden barrel cactus
•echeveria afterglow
Featured Answer
  • 9 years ago

    Consider the plant size at maturity. Taller things go in the center because this garden can be viewed from all directions. I am fond of Octopus and wanted it to stand out. Lower things at the outside. Plant Fescue in groups of three. Do not group the firestick. Do not group medium Agave. I don't know what wavy cactus is so I left it out. If it gets tall put it near the snowpole. I had to stop adding plants as the area was full but there will be room when you do it. I don't know what filler you have so I gave you some red Sedum.

    Comments (20)

    • 9 years ago
      The 2nd and 3rd photo of my front yard currently. Was thinking of doing my design ideas in the center area where the river rock is.
    • 9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      You do not say how many of each plant you have. Repetition is important. You don't want to have too many singletons. Look at your inspiration photos and you'll see what I mean. Also post at the [California Forum.[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/california-gardening-dsbr0-bd~t_29844)

      You also might enjoy [this thread. [(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/summer-garden-share-your-pics-dsvw-vd~4832291?n=2)

    • Related Professionals

      Washington Interior Designers & Decorators · Wilmington Interior Designers & Decorators · Rochester Interior Designers & Decorators · North Platte Interior Designers & Decorators · Carbondale Architects & Building Designers · Fayetteville Architects & Building Designers · Barnstable Architects & Building Designers · Anchorage Architects & Building Designers · Panama City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Clarksdale Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Murfreesboro Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Newport News Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Greenfield Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Worthington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hackettstown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
    • 9 years ago
      Whoops! Sorry about that. I currently have:

      • 1 15gal Octopus Agave
      • 12 1gal Blue Chalk
      • 12 1gal Blue Fescue Grass
      • 3 5gal agave
      • 1 10gal fire stick
      • 1 10gal snowpole cacti (3 medium sized cluster)
      • 1 10gal wavy tall cactus
      • 2 5gal coral aloe
      • 1 tray full of filler/cluster succulents
      • 2 5gal golden barrel cactus
      • 1 10gal echeveria after glow
    • 9 years ago

      Are the plants to go in the rocky area or the mulched area?

    • 9 years ago
      The rock area where the river rock is.
    • 9 years ago
      You're amazing! So awesome!!! This really gives me an idea now of the placement of plants. I truly appreciate the help! Thanks a million!
    • 9 years ago
      Quick question... do I need to install a drip irrigation system for this landscape?? Do you suggest an adjustable drip system? I'm still trying to decide. Thanks in advance!
    • 9 years ago

      Erika you would get more informed advice if you posted on the California Forum that I posted earlier. In general, for these plants and California natives I am opposed to drip systems. Someone on the Cali forum has a front yard in Cacti and succulents with some Tropicals. I know you would like to see that home. It is at the other thread I linked. Please post pictures when you finish. Good luck.

    • 9 years ago
      Emmarene,

      I wanted to thank you again so much for creating the design for my front yard. For going out of your way to help a stranger out! Thanks a million! So very thoughtful of you! :-)
    • 9 years ago
      That is so crative and beautiful, really Wow, succulents can just as beautiful as flowers, thanks for the ideas
    • 8 years ago
      Emmarene,
      I'm going to buy some yellow sedum for filler. But quick question, how many should I buy to fill in areas? The yellow sedum is about 3"-4" each. If you could please give me some advice I'd greatly appreciate it so much! You've been so helpful! :-)
    • 8 years ago

      I don't know if you mean to go all the way around the outside. I would buy the plants in multiples of three and then plant sections of three plants together. When I plant annuals this way I make the three into a triangle, not too close together. Groupings are said to be more appealing that straight rows. I might try nine or twelve. You don't want to fill it all in because you will always be finding things you want to add.

    • PRO
      8 years ago
      This will be very beautiful. I would add one thought. Leave room for growth and watch color, textures and bloom cycles. Be careful not to over plant. I would also put plants with sharp spines or needles away from edges for your safety and folks walking by. This will be very interesting garden. You can use soaker hoses for getting plants established. Probably a couple months and then remove the soaker hose and let nature take over. Please post photos once complete.
    • 8 years ago

      AWSOME!!

    • PRO
      8 years ago

      Can't wait to see what it looks like! We follow Laura Eubanks of Design for Serenity to get great ideas on how to plan and design succulent gardens. She makes great, informative videos! And if you need ideas for landscape rock to pair with succulents, here's a guide we put together: https://southwestboulder.com/blog/7-best-rocks-to-pair-with-succulents

    • 8 years ago

      Glad to see emmarene placed the Octopus up front and gave it room to grow. It's by far the favorite plant in our front yard... just love them.

    • 8 years ago

      Less is more.

    • 4 years ago

      Love it! What is the name of the plant like is more "treeish"? I want one!! And need to know what the name is to look for please.

    • 4 years ago
      last modified: 4 years ago

      @Amy Price Looks like it might be an Aloe Barberae, which is a tree. I agree, they're beautiful! Aloidendron Barberae


      Photo By Abu Shawka - Own work, Public Domain


    Related Stories
    FRONT YARD IDEASMeet a Front Yard Designed for Gathering
    By Bonnie Monte
    Hanging out with neighbors comes naturally in front of a Southern California home, thanks to comfortable zones and beautiful plantings
    Full Story
    19
    LANDSCAPE DESIGNA New England Front Yard Designed for Relaxation and Resilience
    By Annie Thornton
    Bluestone paving, raised beds and ornamental plantings transform a compact yard near Boston
    Full Story
    25
    Design Dilemma: How to Fix Up My Front Yard?
    By Annie Thornton
    4 Questions From the Houzz Community. How Many Can You Answer?
    Full Story
    1
    LANDSCAPE DESIGNYard of the Week: Elegant Poolside Retreat and Front Yard Lounge
    By Wendy Helfenbaum
    A landscape design-build firm gives a family in New Jersey an outdoor oasis for swimming, eating and relaxing
    Full Story
    5
    LANDSCAPE DESIGNPatio of the Week: Designer’s Cozy Retreat in a Side Yard
    By Lauren Dunec Hoang
    Tight on space, big on style, this 15-foot-wide Boston patio has an outdoor kitchen, dining area and fireplace lounge
    Full Story
    45
    MODERN HOMESHouzz Tour: See a Landscape Designer’s Mountain Cabin
    By Becky Harris
    In North Carolina, an architect designs a dogtrot house as a backdrop for the surrounding gardens
    Full Story
    90
    GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGTake Back Your Front Yard: 8 Ways to Make It Social
    By J. Peterson Garden Design
    If only trees and squirrels gather in your front yard, you're missing out on valuable socializing space. Here's how to remedy that
    Full Story
    47
    CURB APPEAL7 Finishing Touches for a Thoughtful Front Yard
    By J. Peterson Garden Design
    Make a great first impression with artful house numbers, water features, garden art and more
    Full Story
    32
    LANDSCAPE DESIGNA Toronto Front Yard Gains Style and a Taste of the Southwest
    By Annie Thornton
    This fresh design includes gravel beds, Cor-Ten steel planters and cold-hardy plants inspired by desert landscapes
    Full Story
    11
    LANDSCAPE DESIGN6 Front Yards That Balance Privacy With Curb Appeal
    By Lauren Dunec Hoang
    Selective screens, layered plantings and low walls boost privacy but still keep yards welcoming to neighbors
    Full Story
    50
    Sponsored
    ClearLand Ohio
    Industry Leading Landscape Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio
    More Discussions
    Designing a master bedroom in my new house
    9
    How to make kitchen less bland
    28
    Need ideas for blank space
    51
    HELP! Wallpaper ideas for powder guest bath
    19
    Help with awful 90's master bed/bath layout!
    7