In my daily travels, I see yards that have potential. Would I love to have a crack at designing this landscape! Great bones, easy slope, full sun, and wonderful accoutrements, like a Spanish tile, water fountain, statues, and plants that enhance the Mediterranean-style home. But in its current state, it’s not positioned to enhance the home. The property is a large enough to expand the landscape with a classic pergola that welcomes guests graciously into their home. What would I do?

1. Move the water fountain closer to the home.

2. Add and transplant the bougainvillea.

3. Add a flagstone patio. Install a rectangular pergola that runs lengthway i

4. Add three 6’ x 6’ or 10’ x 10’ cement paver steps where each one goes down 8” down the slope with smaller steps further down the slope to road. On each side of three pavers plant perennial lantana or drift roses.

5. Transplant Yucca to succulent and agave landscape bed in front of house on each side.

6. Add 4’ x 2’ cement pavers to side of house.

7. Add Live oak and Olive trees on sides of front yard.

My design incorporates Florida-friendly principles with low-maintenance plants. My plan could be done in phases. I would plant the oak and olive tree first. Install the flagstone pathway, then move the water fountain. Transplant the yucca, add the arbor, transplant the bougainvillea, then add the walkway, finally add the succulent and agave landscape beds. Remember to retrofit the irrigation system.

Now, how would you design the yard to utilize the immense sloped front yard and create a welcoming landscaped entrance?