Landscaping Ideas- what kind of plants?

Question

My husband and i bought a newly built house. We scattered annual ryegrass seed on our front and back lawns. since we moved in in Nov, we chose this grass for it's ability to grow in cold climates. we live in West Texas so our winters are tame compared to most places. the lawn looks great, just a few patches here and there to fill in.

i want to start landscaping now w/plants, flowers and saplings...but i am unsure of what to plant. i would like something that is annual, hardy and can tolerate very hot summers. it gets into the lower 100s here during the summer (100-110ish) our winters can get down into the 20s, but usually stay around 30-40 degrees.

i do NOT like bushes that grow huge. i love my house, i dont want it hidden behind a pruning nightmare. i would like a medium sized tree (who's roots grow deep so they dont interfere w/my foundation) and nice hardy plants and flowers.

~thanks

Answer 1

Well then you wouldn't like my idea. We don't have grass but instead are naturally landscaped and fully forested. This saves on water with no pesticides, no fertilizer.

Trees: Try a London Planetree or Tulip Tree (Yellow poplar). These grow fast in wetter soils but unsure in W. Texas.

Answer 2

You should look online to see what zone you live and, that will tell you what plants can grow there.  One thing you want to do is pick plants with different blooming periods so you have some color throughout the entire summer.  A common mistake people make is that when they go to the store the pick up only plants that are in bloom, this gives them too much color during one period and no color during the rest of summer \ spring.

Pick perennials over annuals, they cost more but will come back every year so you will save in the long run.  You can of course add in some annuals for color around sidewalks, decks and patios.

Here is a link to the zone map:

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzma...

As for trees, most tress get big.  Don't be confused by dwarf trees, as they still get big they just are 'fatter' than regular tress.  A good tree (not sure if it is OK for your area) is a Japanese Maple, these stay small and come in a variety of leaf colors (red and green are most common)  they tend to be somewhat pricey, but you can find varieties that don't get to big ~5-7 ft.

If you go to a local necessary they are usually staffed with people that know what works well in your area and are more than happy to help you pick out plants (spend money!) at their store.

Enjoy Summer!