Beginner Gardening: Where do I begin???!!!! California garden project needs help, 1 by ahorselover2010

ahorselover2010 wrote:
Hi All!!! I am new to the forum! I am so glad I found this great website!!!!
I just bought my first home. I just tore up my back yard... with the exception of a few select roses and plants around my pool (giant bird of paradise, hibiscus, bouganvillea). I am now blanking out.... I live in zone 9, s. california. I don't know what to do with this big open space in the center of my yard.... It is an awkward shape and size. I don't want to plant a tree becasue it will block my mountain view. I was thinking of putting a nice spanish style fountain, some shrubby roses... maybe some california natives... but at the same time I will need to make it all work together with the tropicals already established.
Does anyone have any ideas? I saw a website that sells whole gardens (the plants and a plan to go along with them on how to arrange them) however, this was a garden for a cooler climate. Does anyone know of a different website that offers the same thing for a mediterrean ? Landscape design is not one of my strengths.... Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!