I'm probably asking a lot here. Recently, we have had a few snake issues and these have been the catalyst for a desire for major yard redesign. Mind you, the snakes were just the straw that broke the camel's back, not the entire reason. We have A LOT of large trees (oak and magnolia mainly) and therefore LOTS of yard debris, lots of shade and a chopped up yard. The goal here will be to open up the lawn for more "play space" for the kids, reduce the shade in hopes of encouraging grass growth in currently heavy shade areas, minimize amount of debris to clean up and minimize snake and critter habitat. To those ends, we have identified at least four trees to remove, possibly a few more. Will remove plantings along the back porch and replace mulch with rock and are considering removal of the row of azaleas along the back. They do collect debris and create a lot of work and are probably a snake habitat.... But they also provide a nice barrier at the property line. On the other side is a sidewalk from the old golf course (now closed), but the walk is still used be walkers/joggers so some sort of barrier is nice for privacy. But I don't really want a fence. Any thoughts on what we could do there that would be low maintenance, provide some sort of division along the property line and not be an inevitable habitat for critters? It will still be a somewhat shady area, even the azaleas struggle a bit there. Maybe some evenly spaced large rocks/ boulders or something? You can see the azaleas in the back of this picture, I can try and get better pics later.
Impossible question
- Thread starter vette-kid
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Additional question; we are going to do a few planters by the patio. Looking for something that will add a bit of color in a part shade areas year round. Something that stays low/small. Caladium does well in part shade, but if prefer something that will give year round color. Pansies would need replaced probably twice a year to keep looking good. What other options are there? Large pots, probably 10 gal at a minimum. But want the plant to be on the small side.
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I notice @Sean Regan uses the idea of moveable pots where once a plant is done blooming it cam be "relegated" to another area because it does not look good in decline. This means more plants with a calendered bloom sequence but its a great way to go about it.
MaryMary
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Coleus comes in many, many varieties, does well in the shade, and doesn't get too tall. If it gets too tall for you, it really isn't hurt much by pruning.
I'm not sure if it would be perennial in your zone...but it starts incredibly well from cuttings that you could keep in a small vase of water over what little winter you do get.
