"escape" wrote in message
...
Today I gardened all day. It was 82 sunny degrees. I had tons of
ornamental
grasses to cut down and they were everywhere. The front garden is such a
big
mish mash of things I am truly wanting to formulate a design and make it a
bit
more permanent. I want open spots to change perennials around and use
annuals
as I seasonally change the beds, but this constant upkeep is getting
tiresome.
I never gardened neatly. It's not me. However, I find by letting the
front
yard become too wild, the neighbors may not share my sense of style and I
think
it's unfair to them. The back garden is mine to do what I want, but in
the
front I really do need to get something more foundational and sturdy
boned.
So, since design is my worst or least known subject, can anyone recommend
any
shrubs which will have vast differences in color, texture and height which
will
thrive in very hot Texas summers, with little water in blazing sun? I
want
plants to have different foliage colors, possibly evergreen...anyone?
Victoria
Happy new year, Vic! I should think that any zone 8 xeriscape plant would
work for you.......rosemary, santolina, salvias, lavenders, etc. Also found
this site which offers a pretty extensive list of xeric shrubs (and other
plants) suitable for your area:
http://www.sanantonio.gov/dsd/pdf/udc_appendixE_04.pdf
pam - gardengal