Beginner Gardening: Up date Florida Yard, 4 by birder17

birder17 wrote:
My son bought a home. It's a 70's ranch and hasn't had anything done to it since the 70's. I believe we need to start over.

Since he is a first time home owner, he probably won't want to spend a lot of money on the landscape. The inside needs a face lift as well.

The house faces west.

When we look at the landscapes around us, they are tropical looking. He's not real crazy about this look but perhaps he will have to get used to it as there are no other options???
He would "like" to have some color: some shrubs that offer blooms and then seeds for the birds.
Doesn't require lots of maintenance (water and constant pruning or aggressive.)
He's leaning to a more of a northern inspired landscape vs. tropical.

The pavers in front of the house was just moved there temporarily.

PLEASE give us some guidance and direction. Also, is there a good book or website for us to study regarding Florida landscapes/plants/shrubs?



I have been gardening for many years and have many plants I could take from my zone 6b Missouri yard but I don't know which ones would work here.