"Suja" wrote in message
news:Blimc.7873$Lm3.5747@lakeread04...
Tony wrote:

We're think that this summer we'd have the sprinkler put in to
accomodate
this, we'd put in metal edging to define the bed line, and then we'd
mulch
the area heavily. Then after that we'd start incorporating plants
bit-by-bit.

Slow conversion is a good way to go. You can go at your own pace, and
not break your back, attempting to do everything at once. If the area
has grass or weeds, put down some newspaper and then top it with mulch.
The paper will disappear in short order, and won't interfere with
planting, but it will definitely help smother the weeds and grass.

We want to come up with a good plan so we don't wind up with something
that
doesn't look right when we're done. Even at this early stage we're
concerned about making a big mistake.

Don't worry about making mistakes. There is no such thing in gardening.
I don't know a single serious gardner who hasn't moved plants around
to make their design work better, or to accommondate the needs of a plant.

I've put up a web page with a few (small) digital photos and a diagram
of
what we're planning. If people would take a look and either post
comments
here or email me, I'd be grateful.

This is more of a personal preference issue, but I think that undulating
lines look much better and far more natural than straight lines. You
might want to modify the center portion of the plan to not be a straight
line. Instead of starting at one end and working your way towards the
other end (for example), you might want to plant things that take more
time to establish and look good (like shrubs) first. I started off
doing the former, and now wish I had done the latter. If you're
planning on putting in things like paths, seating, birdbaths or
fountains, put them in first, and plant around them. That way, you can
plan for having say, something fragrant next to the bench, or having a
food source for the birds next to the bath.

I'm afraid I have no input on the kinds of plants that will do well in
your area, for those types of conditions. You might want to look
through gardening magazines and books to get ideas. Good luck.

Suja

All good ideas..Your area nursery's are a good source of advice. I have
learned that you need to put the bones of a garden in first..the bushes and
trees, the big plants and your garden has a LOT of shade. Another good way
to decide what to plant that hasn't been mentioned, is to tour the area. Go
out and about and view different gardens and decide what you like and
dislike and what seems to grow well in the area. Don't forget to pick plants
that bloom in different seasons and will tolerate the heat of a Florida
summer. Your shade will probably help here. and heck, make mistakes. You
can't be a good gardener and NOT make mistakes. Mistakes are those things
that when finished, you don't like. Someone else might just love it.

alice