Can anyone recommend books or web sites on landscape design?

[RitaZ.]

We have to re-do our landscaping and will do the work ourselves. I want to use native plants in hopes that they will "do" better if we have another hurricane. We want to use palms, probably robellinis, adonidias and alexander. I don't want any really tall palms, so we are staying away from that. I just don't know what to do for the smaller plants.

I went to Borders and B&N to look for books on the subject, but they didn't have what I'm looking for. I also went to HD and Lowe's hoping that they would have something, but they don't.

I also thought about hiring a landscaper to draw up plans and we would do the work. I have no idea how much they would charge for that service.

Any tips and recommendations are very much appreciated.


Any recommendations?

 

[Tinijocaro]

Something you could look into: We have a nursery that will give draw up free plans, based on your specs, if you spend $150.00 in their store. Heck, I'll probably spend that just on dirt, so I'm going to at least try it.

 

[RitaZ.]

Something you could look into: We have a nursery that will give draw up free plans, based on your specs, if you spend $150.00 in their store. Heck, I'll probably spend that just on dirt, so I'm going to at least try it.

Good! I'll have to check if any of the local nurseries offer that service.

 

[PrincessMommyof2]

I like Better Homes and Garden's website. They are pretty true to the zone recommendations.

But I second visiting a local nursery. Even if you don't spend a dime, they are usually more than happy to tell you about plants. My favorite here has 3 different garden/planting areas. And if you do spend money, ask help in picking out the best plants. Many of us on the garden board will agree that a 5 gallon tree will catch up and even surpass a 15 gallon tree within 4 years. Take pictures of your yard with you and ask for their opinion. Note the hours of sun exposure too. VERY important.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!

 

[jenny2]

Something you could look into: We have a nursery that will give draw up free plans, based on your specs, if you spend $150.00 in their store. Heck, I'll probably spend that just on dirt, so I'm going to at least try it.

Ohhh... I didn't know some offered this service! I'll have to check here too as I'm redoing my front landscaping.