I planted fragrant alyssum under our orange tree. It died cause guess what? I didn't water it enough during drought. I read that alyssum can help with pollination.

https://modernfarmer.com/2017/06/plants-to-attract-pollinators-by-region/

Idk the mature sizes of boug. or olive, but I wouldn't crowd your pretty arched areas [in future years].... I saw nice boug. at entry area, but it was the only thing the front of house had going for it [a good accent]. I think yours has much more - might boug. become unruly? or does pruning really keep it tidy, again idk.

Is side the entry arch -- maybe what shopping mall containers have: a well-designed planting of tall, also medium height, and trailing around the edges.... and try in the corner [to right of entry arch] ? Alyssum smells so nice....

Was in my newspaper: "soap aloe" - Foliage color depends on light intensity; pinkish red in hot sun and bluish-green in part shade. Showy flowers atop of a tall, multi-branched stalk can range from bright red to gold. A drought tolerant selection for rock gardens or containers. Evergreen.
Partial to full sun.
Once established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat or containers.
Average Landscape Size:
Foliage reaches 18 in. tall, 24 in. wide; bloom spikes reach 36 in. tall.
Avoid planting it where it will get hot, reflected heat. In desert areas, avoid full sun, or its leaves may yellow and shrivel.

Because of its small size and ability to handle hot, reflected sun and shade, this aloe is a great choice for planting in entryways or narrow strips next to sidewalks.
Anchor the corner of the landscape, such as next to a driveway, with a group of three ‘Blue Elf’ aloes planted around a boulder.
It’s hard to find a place where ‘Blue Elf’ aloe doesn’t work — it’s perfect in courtyards and raised planters, and underneath trees that provide filtered shade. The only place it does not do well is where there is heavy, wet soil.

Blue Elf Aloe · More Info

From a houzz article: "In mild-winter climates, grow citruses like these dwarf tangerines in containers for a colorful winter accent. In summer, plant trailing flowers, such as ground morning glory and calibrachoasto cascade over the edge."

Grace Design Associates · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/plant-these-garden-favorites-for-a-taste-of-the-mediterranean-stsetivw-vs~78310826[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/plant-these-garden-favorites-for-a-taste-of-the-mediterranean-stsetivw-vs~78310826)

This is gorgeous!! Gardens by Gabriel, Inc.: Leucospermums are pretty easy given a few things: Low nutrient soil, and excellent drainage. They prefer to be in sandy soils, on a raised mound, or large container. They don't like fertilizer, and do well with infrequent watering after they get established 1-2yrs. They need strong air circulation as they are from coastal zones, so stagnant areas aren't recommended. Most gardeners kill them from overwatering, or poor drainage. After establishment they are like our California native plants in that they want to be left alone to there own devices.

Evening Glow · More Info

The only think I got is this: how can we make the perimeter wall connect design wise with the house? Right now there is a real disconnect going on.

To my eye, see how there is architectural interest going on with the body of the house: archways, cut out balcony railings, tile roof, black iron fencing. Then we have the stark angular white perimeter wall.

Maybe paint the wall the same color as the balcony or top with a small iron railing detail or cover with tile, or ???

Hey DR - lol! We all have our different strengths don't we? ;)

Yes, you did ask a lot of questions but I will take a stab at it -

You have made significant improvements and I know you struggled with selecting colors which you are happy with (I was on prior thread as well.) Now, I would encourage you to edit and simplify. Work on creating spaces that breathe.

Your curb appeal is a bit busy and overwhelming, IMHO. Try and think about what you want the focal point of your home to be from the curb appeal standpoint. Make something the STAR and then work off of that concept.

Have you considered removing the entire wall (which you call the front patio to the right of the entry) so that area is opened up? As it exists now it is physically and visually chopping up the small area and detracting from the interest of the arches around front entry. Also, the way the wall in question is cutting that window in half is not desirable - know what I mean? If that wall was gone, then you could draw the eye to the entry with a new walkway and landscaping.

Your idea to train a Bougainvillea plant to arch around the entry arches is brilliant. Way to create your focal point!

I like the idea of the water fountain in center of front yard (centered off the oval arch).

Re: rear yard - I would stain all the cinder block the rust color - then install trellises so that vines can grow along those two walls. The stark white of the garage wall to the right works so just leave that. Then plant cypress or taller trees in all your large pots and move them around as you desire. Everdebz gave awesome suggestions for plantings.

yes to covering entire back patio with Lincoln tiles and add a pergola over that raised patio or 4 post to hang a large sail canopy. Remove all the existing pavers and replace with grass. I'm craving white sails strung across your back yard to complete the look!

Hope this helps- won't be back for hours. Take care.

IMO the wall is a bit too stark and needs to be softened with a cascading bougainvillea running on the top. It can be secured with a cable line and trimmed to keep it in check.

We love the idea of adding water fountains to your landscape. We offer hundreds of different styles and options on our website.

https://www.soothingwalls.com/pages/outdoor

We also offer free shipping and color samples for our fountains.

Campania Estancia Fountain · More Info

X3 Garden Fountain · More Info

Belvedere Garden Fountain · More Info

Cortile Garden Fountain · More Info

Centered on the arch would put the fountain here.

I also think your landscape is screaming for a bit of cobalt blue, in planters, the fountain, somewhere.

Yes, groveraxale that's where I was thinking of placing the fountain as well! I love how you opened up the front patio area to the right! See how much better everything looks now?

DR: I think you have a Private patio area on your "front porch" so just let go of the closed off area to the right -

Keep this as your Mantra: Let things Breathe. Let things Breathe. Let things Breathe.

DR, those steps don't mean you have to leave the area walled off. Besides, I thought you were eliminating that gate from the street.

I would love to see the gate and the wall removed from that area - it's reminding me of a dog pen (no offense) and that is a bad thing, agree? ;) (thanks for re posting that pic DR!) Also, do you plan on actually using those side steps up to the front door? If so, you could just create a landing there all the way to the driveway using your Lincoln tiles (meaning fill in the existing area minus the wall and gate).

If you do not intend to use the side steps (since two sets of steps is a bit redundant) you could remove them and add a decorative railing to close off the arch. Do you know what I mean? Then that would leave you with an area to plant a flower garden!

You say you LOVE grass so why not do the front yard in grass?

hey DR - As groveraxle showed us, the area will be much improved if the black gate and the entire wall is removed. There will be no feeling of an area spilling out.

I think you should not introduce pea gravel. Stick with the Lincoln tile and yes, grass in between might be quite lovely! Great idea. Try and limit what materials you use so that things do not become too busy visually. Try to keep things simple. You can always add interest down the road with pots, plants, etc. should you feel the need to.

After you create a patio in the newly opened up area to the right of the entry, you can always place a little chair and tables there. Live with it a while and then take it away if you decide it is too busy or too much visually or not necessary as you don't really hang out there anyway..........

Yes, Groveralxle had pictured the water feature just where it should go.

I will leave it to others to recommend what planting would be best where............

Your welcome DR, my pleasure. Just take the process step by step and resist the urge to over do.

Best.

Houzzers! Hardscape work is underway! Question: What are your thoughts on the deck in backyard... install the Lincoln tile around the base or stucco and paint to match the house exterior color??

Just catching this now..............what did you end up doing?

Hi! I'm going to match stucco and paint same color as house. Not sure about exterior color combo -- either white w/ sage-y green trim or yellow-ish tan with sage-y green trim (see inspiration photo attached for latter combo). Also, here are a couple of pics of the hardscape in progress. Thoughts?

The other photos referenced in my last message didn't attach. Here they are... small patio area to the right of front door and inspiration photo for the tan/sage green color combo.

Sounds and looking good!

I think the green trim will make more sense for the style of your home if the body of the house is tan/sage green colors.

Finally, my project is pretty much complete but for some furniture for the deck (and possibly a dinning table that seats 6 not 4). I realized that the inspiration photos that really resonated with me were structured, symmetrical, and incorporated few colors and not a lot of varieties of plants and trees. I can only post 4 pics at a time. Here are pics of the backyard. I am having two pergolas designed — one for over the deck off the house and one over the lounge and dining area. I’ll attach pics of the front yard in a separate note.

Here's a pic of the front yard.

Wow. Your project really came out nice. Saw the threads about paint color before. Good design choices. Simple approach with less is more really made a huge impact here.

What color paint did you use for your stucco??

Sorry for the late reply. I’m just seeing your question re paint color for stucco. I don’t remember. Ugh!

Also curious about the trim color...

Artichoke

Thanks!!

Painted exterior Swiss Coffee with Oxford Brown Trim Kelly Moore. Mediterranean home with Terra Cotta tile roof.