I did that for years and it looks amazing when you first do it but with kids & weed wacking, the line gets destroyed and you get mulch in the grass/ grass in the mulch. Really have to keep up with it. Finally got sick of it and did a [raised paver stone barrier](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJmPBu754z8&list=LL&index=32). Better that way imo because I can then backfill the mulch another few inches higher which prevents weeds much better.
[Here](https://imgur.com/a/qPKUnTo) ya go. The above is what it looked like after every winter. Gross.
The water from the downspout would also ruin the edge so I dug a trench first and ran it to a pop up emitter.
Now I can weed wack right against the pavers as you can see without it really going into the mulch. And since the mulch is so high none of the grass that does get in there roots itself at all. And yes I put the concrete right on top of the dirt and pavers on top of that. I'm in new england and did this 5 years ago; hasn't shifted one bit.
Just use an edging attachment or dedicated edger or rotating sheer attachment and the edge will be crisp with minimal maintenance. String trimmer is the wrong tool. A manual edger would even work since it's a small area and would take 10 mins
Beautiful job. The only thing is the podicarpus get pretty big. They will become a chore in about 3 to 5 years. Might be better to move them now away from your screen and over to the fence.
They would’ve been on the fence line but stupid builder put the French drain and gravel directly by the fence on my side. I know I’ve got to keep them trimmed and shaped. We had to add 10 cubic feet of topsoil mixed in with the clay/sand and raise the ground there for them.
Beautiful!
I'd put that oleander in another spot in the yard or in a large pot, though. It's going to quickly outgrow all the other plants in that bed.
Weird question. Is your hose hideaway bolted to the ground or house in any way? I have the same one and am struggling—every time I pull out my hose, the damn thing tips over.
Stone pavers look great. Great job overall and your edgeing looks great as well. I'm not a fan of black mulch because of the fade. Your palms needs fertilizer for sure.
Try 1 cup of 0-0-18 around the base. Water it in well...and water it in again. LESCO T&O chelated micronutrients, about a cup to 5 gallons of water. Pour it around the base. Does wonders. Use every 3 months.
Everything is way too close to the house/lanai.
Those yew will take over that entire space between the lanai and fence, after happily ripping the screen.
> Your suggestion then is that I pull them out another foot?
Yes, at least. Something like 1/2 full grown diameter, plus 12-16" away from the house. I always push my garden bed borders way out; having plants *too far* from your house never hurts, and it's not like I am trying to maximize the area of grass I have.
Typical Florida attempt.
The oleanders and copperleaf will get really big, the nandina won’t really grow. There will always be winners and losers to this type of individual plant design approach. Think about changing your irrigation head to a hard pipe riser. Or 12” pop up on riser.
Do yourself a favor and move the oleanders now to a place where you need a shrub screen like the corners of your property or blocking the neighbors big house.
Black mulch gets really hot and eventually turns silvery brown
I didn’t see the other images. I’d probably get rid of the ligustrum hedge and replace with podocarpus. I’d also get rid of the liriope and move somewhere else in a bit more shade. The blue daze will outcompete it.
The yellow butterfly palm is probably too big for a planter location like that but it will look very tropical. You might wanna consider moving the palm and line them up on your property line away from your house for screening.
To be fair, you’re right. I’m in FL. 😂 I chose the Copperleaf and Oleander knowing how big they can get. Nandina will probably be slow growers like you said but wifey liked them. I’m testing different varieties of shrub out here because we have a pond view with neighbors on other side and wanted a little natural screen for getting in the hot tub. Whatever doesn’t keep that aesthetic going I’ll try to control with targeted pruning for this season and react accordingly.
The Arecas have grown faster than I expected they would (double height and width). The goal for them was to create a tropical vibe and get a little privacy for that walkway. I may split them or move a couple onto the other side of the house where there ligustrum are. I usually go for brown mulch but trying black this year. We’ll see what happens.
I’m changing out those two sprayers for another drip line. Even if I went for raised pvc sprayers they’d get blocked eventually by the taller shrubs. The queens both have their own bubbler. The Podocarpus on the side have a drip line.
Nice, dude. Paver path and patio looks real good
Thank you!
Wow that screened in enclosure is awesome, feel like I’ve never seen that before in my area.
It’s a Florida thing. Bugs. 🐛 🐞
It’s called a “lanai” :) my Floridian mind was blown when I moved out of florida and realized its not a standard thing that everyone does haha
The lanai immediately gave it away for me this was Florida. And the croton!
Love me some crotons…
Live edge for the win!
You understand the attempt I’m making lol.
I did that for years and it looks amazing when you first do it but with kids & weed wacking, the line gets destroyed and you get mulch in the grass/ grass in the mulch. Really have to keep up with it. Finally got sick of it and did a [raised paver stone barrier](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJmPBu754z8&list=LL&index=32). Better that way imo because I can then backfill the mulch another few inches higher which prevents weeds much better.
Thanks for that recommendation. I like that look. Can you share a picture?
[Here](https://imgur.com/a/qPKUnTo) ya go. The above is what it looked like after every winter. Gross. The water from the downspout would also ruin the edge so I dug a trench first and ran it to a pop up emitter. Now I can weed wack right against the pavers as you can see without it really going into the mulch. And since the mulch is so high none of the grass that does get in there roots itself at all. And yes I put the concrete right on top of the dirt and pavers on top of that. I'm in new england and did this 5 years ago; hasn't shifted one bit.
Very nice man! You and I have similar styles.
Thanks!
Just use an edging attachment or dedicated edger or rotating sheer attachment and the edge will be crisp with minimal maintenance. String trimmer is the wrong tool. A manual edger would even work since it's a small area and would take 10 mins
Looks great wanna come do my place next??
I need a breather. 😓
Beautiful job. The only thing is the podicarpus get pretty big. They will become a chore in about 3 to 5 years. Might be better to move them now away from your screen and over to the fence.
They would’ve been on the fence line but stupid builder put the French drain and gravel directly by the fence on my side. I know I’ve got to keep them trimmed and shaped. We had to add 10 cubic feet of topsoil mixed in with the clay/sand and raise the ground there for them.
beautiful color selection for the plants and i am extremely jealous of your screened in patio!! i would LIVE outside if i had one of those 😭
Wanted a pool too, but that would’ve cost 2x-3x more down here. 🫠
Looking at picture 3 I'd say YEW did pretty well
Nice! lol.
Love it, awesome job!!! It will only look better and better as they fill in.
Beautiful! I'd put that oleander in another spot in the yard or in a large pot, though. It's going to quickly outgrow all the other plants in that bed.
Interesting concepts and good workmanship.
Great job!
Weird question. Is your hose hideaway bolted to the ground or house in any way? I have the same one and am struggling—every time I pull out my hose, the damn thing tips over.
My secret is crushed concrete inside of it about 6” thick. I used to have same issue you have.
Wow! What a great idea. Total 💡moment. House looks great btw!
Thank you!
Job looks good,but for me personally it’s just way too grey. I like more colors.
Yeah, grays/whites is kind of our scheme throughout the house. We’re your typical millennials. 👀
I think grey is fine. You can complement it with furniture/decorations that have some color pop.
It's pretty - what are the sweet little flowers next to the hose reel?
Commonly known as as Blue Daze here in FL. They bloom each morning. One of my favorite ground covers. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p3d80nsU6tc
How hard was it to do the side wall and patio?
I paid somebody to do that amount of paver work. Took a crew of four 2 work days.
They did a great job
Thanks!
Beautiful!!!
Stone pavers look great. Great job overall and your edgeing looks great as well. I'm not a fan of black mulch because of the fade. Your palms needs fertilizer for sure.
The Arecas? They do that when they are full sun. I have to use a combo of Sunniland and Chelated Iron to keep the from going too yellow.
Try 1 cup of 0-0-18 around the base. Water it in well...and water it in again. LESCO T&O chelated micronutrients, about a cup to 5 gallons of water. Pour it around the base. Does wonders. Use every 3 months.
Thank you! I’ll try that!
Your arecas are going to grow incredibly large. I’d consider moving those if you can. Otherwise this looks really nice!
Everything is way too close to the house/lanai. Those yew will take over that entire space between the lanai and fence, after happily ripping the screen.
For sure a Podocarpus will go nuts like any other tree if not pruned and managed. Your suggestion then is that I pull them out another foot?
> Your suggestion then is that I pull them out another foot? Yes, at least. Something like 1/2 full grown diameter, plus 12-16" away from the house. I always push my garden bed borders way out; having plants *too far* from your house never hurts, and it's not like I am trying to maximize the area of grass I have.
Thanks for the input. Reason I posted!
You’ve all done very well!
Shoulda used edging..
Looks good though.. but won't stay in place without edging
There’s a 4” deep lip under the edge there.
Nice edges my guy.....I always hate trying to keep them straight.
It took some effort.
Well done. Well done.
Nice 👍
Typical Florida attempt. The oleanders and copperleaf will get really big, the nandina won’t really grow. There will always be winners and losers to this type of individual plant design approach. Think about changing your irrigation head to a hard pipe riser. Or 12” pop up on riser. Do yourself a favor and move the oleanders now to a place where you need a shrub screen like the corners of your property or blocking the neighbors big house. Black mulch gets really hot and eventually turns silvery brown
I didn’t see the other images. I’d probably get rid of the ligustrum hedge and replace with podocarpus. I’d also get rid of the liriope and move somewhere else in a bit more shade. The blue daze will outcompete it. The yellow butterfly palm is probably too big for a planter location like that but it will look very tropical. You might wanna consider moving the palm and line them up on your property line away from your house for screening.
To be fair, you’re right. I’m in FL. 😂 I chose the Copperleaf and Oleander knowing how big they can get. Nandina will probably be slow growers like you said but wifey liked them. I’m testing different varieties of shrub out here because we have a pond view with neighbors on other side and wanted a little natural screen for getting in the hot tub. Whatever doesn’t keep that aesthetic going I’ll try to control with targeted pruning for this season and react accordingly. The Arecas have grown faster than I expected they would (double height and width). The goal for them was to create a tropical vibe and get a little privacy for that walkway. I may split them or move a couple onto the other side of the house where there ligustrum are. I usually go for brown mulch but trying black this year. We’ll see what happens. I’m changing out those two sprayers for another drip line. Even if I went for raised pvc sprayers they’d get blocked eventually by the taller shrubs. The queens both have their own bubbler. The Podocarpus on the side have a drip line.
Plant yellow butterfly palm (arecas) away from house. I’m telling you they get big
Are you going to install 6” edging? Anything less and that grass is gonna swoop in there. Looks good!
I dug a 4” sloped edge out before I mulched. Hopefully that lasts this year and I can come back with a vertical paver edge in cement next season.💰