Design considerations

We are looking for a colorful xeriscape. The area by the side of the house is in ¾ to ½ shade, so we would also like a lush, tropical look there. We realize that may conflict with the xeriscape requirement.

Areas in question

South side of property from front sidewalk to end of screened pool enclosure. The swale is to be included for the sprinkler (one head) work. The areas will be prepared/graded as needed. Most roof rainwater runs off from a gutter by the pool, this must be considered. Additionally, the front yard to the north of the driveway is to be resodded. No mulch is to be placed against the house. When suggestions are listed, they are just that. Plants may be added or removed by the designer for various reasons such as cost, availability, as aesthetics.

Sprinklers

The sprinlers for the zone(s) will be repaired/extended as needed. All sprinkler heads will be concealed, and protected with a swing joint of flex pipe. No heads will be installed closer than two inches to a sidewalk, driveway, or path. Coverage will be head-to-head. A map of final system will be supplied upon completion. An orchid misting system with timer will be added for the picture window by the side of the house (future project).

Areca and tree removal

The areca canes, queen palm, tabebuia, and mango tree will be removed and stumps killed by the homeowner before work begins. Only the stumps will need to be removed/ground by the landscaper on an as needed basis. The tabebuia is a fine specimen, if you wish to move it to your nursery please let us know.

Sod

Empire Zoysia will be layed in the area, from the fence eastward. The weeds and grass will be killed and the area tilled and moistened before the sod is layed. Additionally, as much of the front yard north of the driveway, will be covered with the remaining sod. Work should begin from the sidewalk back. The area to the south and north of the driveway is 500 sq ft. One or two pallets should be ordered to cover this.

Front yard

A triangular mound with corners at the end of the Ixora hedge, the sidewalk/property corner, and the driveway/property corner will be constructed. At the peak will be a planted area with a weed mat and centered on a 4ft (if this is not a good size, please note in bid) Bismark Palm. The following plants are offered as suggestions for this area:

Salvia Splendens
Snapdragon
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)
Zephyr Lily (zephyranthes)
Gloriosa Lily
African Iris (Dietes bicolor)
African Lily (Agapanthus africanus)
Bird-of-paradise
Coreopsis(homeowner will seed as needed)
Kalanchoe/ornamental grasses to fill

Side of garage, east of fence

The bushes against the side of the garage are to be removed, and replaced with Wedelia (and a weed mat).

Side of house, west of fence

The original proposal dealt mainly with this area. Some plants were removed from the original proposal, those with question marks may still be included. A weed mat is probably not needed due to the three-quarters shade. The main view of the garden is to be from the large picture window in the living room. We plan on placing orchids here in the near future, so that must be taken in to consideration. The secondary view is to be from the kitchen window. The view from along the path is not to be considered.

Dwarf Mondo (Nana) grass will be placed between the stepstones.
Wedelia is to be placed between the stepstones and the house.
Five or six black bamboo are to spaced along the fence.

The following plants are offered as suggestions for this area:

Schefflera arboricola (Trinette)
Ti Xerox (Cordyline terminalis-Red Sister)
Xanadu

Spathiphyllum
Anthurium
Bromeliad (mixed color & species)
Bird-of-paradise (probably not enough sun, though)
African Iris (Dietes bicolor)
Pride of Burma (Curcuma roscoeana)
Walking Iris (Neomarica)
Kaffir Lily (Clivia miniata)
Any lily off the first list that can withstand full shade.

Black Bamboo (bambusa lako)

The height of the culm in a three gallon pot is between six and eight feet. Room must be allocated so the clump can grow, although we will trim new shoots to prevent it from reaching its full diameter of seven feet. Tropical Bamboo in Coconut Creek is the preferred source for the bamboo, and they will have specimens available by the end of May.

Side of property, next to screened pool enclosure

This area may or may not have been in the original proposal. A black bamboo is to be placed between the Slash Pines, where it can best grow to 40' while becoming entagled as little as possible with the tree canopy. Since this area gets more light than the side of the house, some of the suggestions for the front yard may also be appropriate here. The suggestions for the side of the house may also do well here. Any other plant suggestions for this area are welcomed. The existing sprinkler system may extend to this point, but it is no longer functional. Space for a stone pathway is to be preserved for a future project. Shrubs should be planted along the fence for a view-barrier and to hide the fence. Thryallis (Galphimia glauca) or Chinese Fringe Bush (Loropetalum chinese) looked like nice choices, but there is probably too little sun(future project depending on bamboo growth).

Bid Requirements

A list consisting of number, species/color, size, and location (front yard, side, pool) is to be submitted with the final price, start date, proof of insurance, and occupational license. The landscaper agrees that the project is to be completed in a timely manner. Once the bid has been accepted, a sketch of the landscape plans based on the supplied site plan must be drawn up within the week for submission to the Homeowners' association. A larger site plan with only the property and house outline is available.