Beginner Gardening: I need help redesigning my 25-year old landscaping., 1 by 36ladybug

36ladybug wrote:
I have a post under dinok at the top of this page. It was suggested that I start a new thread, so here goes.

I want to update the landscaping on my 25-year old garden home that I have lived in four years. The previous owner planted buford holly under two narrow windows flanking the fireplace. There is nothing in front of the fireplace to connect the two holly. They were kept about the same size as when they came out of the container, therefore; the trunks are large but the bush was small. I have let it begin to get a little larger and am now ready to trim it. I would like to raise the bed but the holly would not like it. The bed itself is 3 to 4' deep and covered with landscape cloth and river rock. There is also some small plants (monkey grass (small). I plan to clean out the bed and do not know if I will replace the rocks and landscape cloth or not. The front of the fireplace is about 6' + wide and is flat. However, there is centered brick going up the front that gives the illusion (at least to me) that it is triangle. Triangle is what I think needs to be done in front of the fireplace.

Centered in front of the fireplace and in the center of the yard is a large Cedar Elm Tree that is beautiful. There is currently a landscape circle about five feet from the trunk of the tree. My mental desire is to expand the circle. Not sure if that is wise or not. If I can post a picture maybe someone or several someones can make suggestions.

The yard gets sun for only about 4 hours, then it is part sun and part shade. The area up around the porch/entrance and is quite shady. This area has Frog Fruit which would be pretty and acceptable if I could cultivate it and make it thicker. The lawn is St. Augustine and we do have a sprinkler system. So I have to be careful to plant things that don't mind being watered once a week.

I would like to do something with the area going up beside the driveway and sidewalk to the entrance. The sidewalk is next to the garage wall and is brick.

Because I have a bad back and other health problems that prevent my bending and stooping to weed, etc. I need to think carefully about what will work. I am hoping to use some native water saver plants but do not want a lot of cacti.

We live in south central Texas where it is hot and dry.

I hope I have painted a pretty good picture because I am not sure a picture can be posted at this time. Your good suggestions will be appreciated. Here goes my attempt to post pictures. Yeah it worked.

Nancy