Barbi, a Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida homeowner, struggled for years to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere in her shady yard. Seeking a solution, she contacted Rockaway and was immediately impressed by Landscape Architect Kathleen Burson’s expertise and attentiveness to her design preferences. The result? A transformed shady yard oasis that Barbi is thrilled with!
A Vibrant Greeting
Let’s begin our tour at the front bed by the street. Here, a vibrant mix of shade-loving plants has been carefully curated to create a welcoming scene. Delicate holly ferns with their fluffy fronds provide a base layer, while azaleas will burst with colorful blooms each spring. Mature loropetalum, a Florida favorite, adds lush, evergreen structure with minimal maintenance. The existing curved bed lines were preserved, creating a cohesive look that complements the natural flow of the yard. The brand new turf will be greening up as it grows, completing the refreshed space and offering a welcoming street view invitation to the property.
Shade and Elegance
Moving to the side yard, a native loblolly bay takes center stage. Another native, the Southern magnolia, boasts glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring, adding a touch of elegance. Aztec grass, a low-growing perennial, provides year-round color with its vibrant green foliage and bursts of burgundy blooms. Sunshine Ligustrum, a versatile evergreen shrub, adds a contrasting pop of bright yellow flower clusters in late spring and a delightful fragrance. The rear of the bed continues with azaleas and holly ferns, creating a beautiful and low-maintenance foundation that thrives in the shade cast by the towering oak trees.
A Sunny Entrance
As we move to the sunnier area in front of the home, low-maintenance Lantana spills over the bed, adding a cascade of pollinator-attracting color. Interspersed among the Lantana are foxtail ferns, with their soft, feathery foliage providing a textural contrast. A newly installed brick walkway with a warm, inviting pattern replaces the old, broken path, creating a stable and visually appealing entrance. Flanking the walkway on either side are Patio Ligustrum shrubs, offering a touch of elegance with their glossy green leaves. Shade-loving foxtail and holly ferns will thrive below the Ligustrum, adding another layer of texture and greenery. Liriope, a versatile and hardy shrub known for its vibrant green foliage and clusters of small white flowers in spring, borders the flower bed on the opposite side of the walkway, providing balance as you walk up to the front door. Thriving in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, these plantings in the understory provide pops of color and year-round interest.
Inspired by Barbi’s Ungraded Shady Yard Oasis?
Contact Rockaway today to schedule a design consultation and create your dream yard!