help needed garden design in the valley of the sun (furnace)

Scottsdale, AZ

I've already gotten many ideas on plants from the sourthwest forum, but thought it would be wise to check with the design experts here before planting.

Desire: cottage garden, free form beds, and foundation interest though nothing formal.

Location: rear yard with two immature ficus about 8 feet (no canapy at all, I could heg the top growth if I were tall enough), and a meyer lemon of about 6 feet. So, no shade, full AZ summer sun facing south from the house.


Problems: bermuda grass is sparce, but trying to fill in all of the space. I'm trying to dig it out where I want the first bed and between the bermuda, the caliche and my age, it's slow going. I will get it done come h-ll or high water before the heat comes. Oh, the aloe in the pic has been removed competely. I saved a few small pieces and potted them. I never want to see aloe that large outside of the islands again, especialy not in my yard.

Suggestions for specific plants for the cottagey garden look, ones that will stand up to sun and my watering only since we don't get rain either.

I know this is a tall order, and that's why I came to the experts.

Many thanks in advance for any/all suggestions.

Jude

Thumbnail by hey_jude
This thread has 46 replies. This forum is accessible only to subscribing members of Dave's Garden. There are many free features here, and about half of our forums are completely open to all members. And learn more about Dave's Garden, and explore the benefits of becoming a subscribing member.

Want to join? Register here. Already signed up? Click here to login!

BACK TO TOP