Well, the wonder guys came and did my big project work yesterday and boy did I (rather, we) clear out some stuff! It’s hard to tell, but now there is nothing behind the pool wall until you get to the line of cedars outside our fence. There used to be huge overgrown vines encroaching on the wall and covering up the Hibiscus pots. I dug around and found an old before picture to give you some perspective — two or three years ago I planted two primrose jasmines on either side of the back of the pool. And they grew into monsters!
Can you see the HUGE vines behind the 3 pots and how tall they were? And they went all the way across to the other side of the pool.
So this is all the space I’ve opened up. And I’m really excited about it because I’ve come to realize lately that many of my garden beds are becoming shadier. Which is hard for me because I haven’t historically been a shade gardener.
The is the new bed out behind the wrought iron fence that I meant to put in last Spring and instead I let the heat beat me down. So, on the left side is a variegated Agave that is a passalong plant from my neighbor that has a big agave collection. The lovely pot is flanked by two trailing Lantanas. There are three pink Skullcaps in the front, three little Blackfoot Daisies on the right in front of a Sago Palm, and there are also three Feather Grasses scattered about. In the pot, I have a toothless Texas Sotol. I also plan to put in some Aloe pups that were given to me by Pam at Digging
This is the back corner bed where I had them pull out the three Viburnums. They were just taking over the bed and I wanted some more room to plant other things, so I passed them along to Robin, at Getting Grounded, where she has given them a good and loving home. 
This is what they hauled out of here!!! Plus a truck bed full of stuff and the 3 Viburnum that went to Robin’s.
And, besides the empty spaces and clean beds, they left me 350 pounds (yes, 350 pounds!) of crushed granite for me to refresh my pathway because every time I weed I throw about granite bits. And since I can’t carry all that, they put it in buckets for me all along the path so I can put it out as I weed. So, now I have another job to do!
Whew, I’m tired just looking at all that!
Wow! What a change around your pool, Diana. You are going to have a blast planting some sun worshipping plants there. And I notice there doesn’t appear to be a bit of Bermuda grass in the pictures. Have you thought about what you are going to put there, as well as where the Viburnums were? I can’t wait to see the progression. And thanks again!
Robin – I hope to put a few roses there, and maybe some Mexican Oregano, and I was just thinking I might put some Cassias in there, but I don’t know if they’d have enough support. Now I have TOO many choices! I don’t see any grass there, either, so I am really happy. I hope it stays that way. I was thinking I might put a Sago on each side to flank the bed – they’d like it there.
Wow, great clean up job. Looking forward to seeing what you plant next.
Debbi — I’m looking forward to it, too! I have no idea what it will be! Your crazy dog post was so funny — we’ve certainly had some nutty dogs, too. Tanner’s stubborn as he can be, and we’re still figuring out our new shelter adoptee, Dakota — as far as I can tell, she’s just really sweet, but she does like to DIG!!!!! AARGH…
Wow, I want some wonder guys too. You gave them great direction, Diana, and I suspect a lot of your muscle went into the clearing out and new bed prep. Is there anything prettier than a brand-new bed, ready to plant? Ah, the promise.
Really good work and lots of it but do you have any idea how BIG sago palm get to be in a few years?
Pam – yes, I love the new bed, and I credit you with my inspiration for that back bed. It’s wild area out there, and I just wanted something a little more managed and prettier in front of the row of cedars and the scrub. And I wanted a place for agaves and things that require less water.
Anonymous – Yes, I do know how big the Sagos get – I have two very large ones — and you’re right, they might get too big on the sides, though they would never get as big as those monstrous Primrose Jasmines did!
Have fun deciding and planting, Diana – what a lot those wonder guys can do in one day. Now both you and Robin have new vistas to enjoy. Hope that bermuda stays out of your new beds!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Annie – I know, that pesky Bermuda beats me every time. Now I need to get some plants in that empty bed before my dogs think it’s just there for their next dig-fest!
Man, hired help is the best! And this is all area protected by the deer, right??
Bonnie – everything is inside the back yard except for the new bed that has stuff they really don’t want to eat. AND I sprayed it all with Liquid fence. Cross your fingers…oh, and I am feeding them fresh spinach on the other side of the septic field!!!