Want your opinion on my landscaping design.

[temeculaguy]

I like the look and the shade of foxtail palms. Instead of millions of little seeds, it has fruit. Still a pain but probably not too bad.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wodyetia

The two places that grow them happen to be nearby, one in jamul and one in deluz.

They are more expensive but require no trimming. I think I am going with them when I re-do the yards.
But Aecitia knows more about trees than I do, she probably has a foxtail. I was going to ask her when it came time to pick trees.

[CA renter]

[quote=ocrenter]sdr, the grass was a product of combined research by UC Riverside and Davis, and suppose to be made for California weather. there will be a dormant period during the winter time, that’s the only downside.

regarding Solar installation for the pool. once you get the pool cover in, then decide if you really need the solar. the pool cover slows evaporation but also help retain heat, so it serves two purposes. there are pool covers that are automatic that can also serve the third purpose of safety so that gates/fencing around the pool would not be needed.

make sure you use drip irrigation for all of the trees and shrubs, that’ll save a lot of watering cost too.[/quote]

Funny. When I saw ox’s post, I was going to link to your post on JtR’s blog regarding the buffalo grass. One possible solution to the dormant winter is to mix it with seed that requires more water and thrives in the winter. That way, the buffalo grass can stay green in the summer and require less water, then when we get the winter rains (hopefully), the winter grass can grow instead. Not a horticulturalist/grass expert, so not sure if it would work, but might be worth a try.

Ox, I love your new yard! 🙂 Many people have made some excellent suggestions here. I would add that you might want a paved walkway from the house to the pool (didn’t see it in the pic, so not sure if it’s planned or not). You don’t want everyone having to walk across the grass on the way to/from the pool. You’ll get grass in the pool from their feet, and you’ll get wet grass in your house when they return.

Also, we have friends with the outdoor bathroom, and think that’s a must if the city will permit it. It’s great if you can keep everyone out of the house during parties, at least as much as possible.

You’ll probably want some shade, too. Personally, I’m a tree person, so would invest in one really nice shade tree that could be placed somewhere in the grassy area. You might want something that can provide shade for the patio and also for a portion of the grass.

Best of luck, ox! Looking forward to seeing pics of it when it’s done.

[CA renter]

[quote=ocrenter]sdr, the grass was a product of combined research by UC Riverside and Davis, and suppose to be made for California weather. there will be a dormant period during the winter time, that’s the only downside.

regarding Solar installation for the pool. once you get the pool cover in, then decide if you really need the solar. the pool cover slows evaporation but also help retain heat, so it serves two purposes. there are pool covers that are automatic that can also serve the third purpose of safety so that gates/fencing around the pool would not be needed.

make sure you use drip irrigation for all of the trees and shrubs, that’ll save a lot of watering cost too.[/quote]

Funny. When I saw ox’s post, I was going to link to your post on JtR’s blog regarding the buffalo grass. One possible solution to the dormant winter is to mix it with seed that requires more water and thrives in the winter. That way, the buffalo grass can stay green in the summer and require less water, then when we get the winter rains (hopefully), the winter grass can grow instead. Not a horticulturalist/grass expert, so not sure if it would work, but might be worth a try.

Ox, I love your new yard! 🙂 Many people have made some excellent suggestions here. I would add that you might want a paved walkway from the house to the pool (didn’t see it in the pic, so not sure if it’s planned or not). You don’t want everyone having to walk across the grass on the way to/from the pool. You’ll get grass in the pool from their feet, and you’ll get wet grass in your house when they return.

Also, we have friends with the outdoor bathroom, and think that’s a must if the city will permit it. It’s great if you can keep everyone out of the house during parties, at least as much as possible.

You’ll probably want some shade, too. Personally, I’m a tree person, so would invest in one really nice shade tree that could be placed somewhere in the grassy area. You might want something that can provide shade for the patio and also for a portion of the grass.

Best of luck, ox! Looking forward to seeing pics of it when it’s done.

[CA renter]

[quote=ocrenter]sdr, the grass was a product of combined research by UC Riverside and Davis, and suppose to be made for California weather. there will be a dormant period during the winter time, that’s the only downside.

regarding Solar installation for the pool. once you get the pool cover in, then decide if you really need the solar. the pool cover slows evaporation but also help retain heat, so it serves two purposes. there are pool covers that are automatic that can also serve the third purpose of safety so that gates/fencing around the pool would not be needed.

make sure you use drip irrigation for all of the trees and shrubs, that’ll save a lot of watering cost too.[/quote]

Funny. When I saw ox’s post, I was going to link to your post on JtR’s blog regarding the buffalo grass. One possible solution to the dormant winter is to mix it with seed that requires more water and thrives in the winter. That way, the buffalo grass can stay green in the summer and require less water, then when we get the winter rains (hopefully), the winter grass can grow instead. Not a horticulturalist/grass expert, so not sure if it would work, but might be worth a try.

Ox, I love your new yard! 🙂 Many people have made some excellent suggestions here. I would add that you might want a paved walkway from the house to the pool (didn’t see it in the pic, so not sure if it’s planned or not). You don’t want everyone having to walk across the grass on the way to/from the pool. You’ll get grass in the pool from their feet, and you’ll get wet grass in your house when they return.

Also, we have friends with the outdoor bathroom, and think that’s a must if the city will permit it. It’s great if you can keep everyone out of the house during parties, at least as much as possible.

You’ll probably want some shade, too. Personally, I’m a tree person, so would invest in one really nice shade tree that could be placed somewhere in the grassy area. You might want something that can provide shade for the patio and also for a portion of the grass.

Best of luck, ox! Looking forward to seeing pics of it when it’s done.

[CA renter]

[quote=ocrenter]sdr, the grass was a product of combined research by UC Riverside and Davis, and suppose to be made for California weather. there will be a dormant period during the winter time, that’s the only downside.

regarding Solar installation for the pool. once you get the pool cover in, then decide if you really need the solar. the pool cover slows evaporation but also help retain heat, so it serves two purposes. there are pool covers that are automatic that can also serve the third purpose of safety so that gates/fencing around the pool would not be needed.

make sure you use drip irrigation for all of the trees and shrubs, that’ll save a lot of watering cost too.[/quote]

Funny. When I saw ox’s post, I was going to link to your post on JtR’s blog regarding the buffalo grass. One possible solution to the dormant winter is to mix it with seed that requires more water and thrives in the winter. That way, the buffalo grass can stay green in the summer and require less water, then when we get the winter rains (hopefully), the winter grass can grow instead. Not a horticulturalist/grass expert, so not sure if it would work, but might be worth a try.

Ox, I love your new yard! 🙂 Many people have made some excellent suggestions here. I would add that you might want a paved walkway from the house to the pool (didn’t see it in the pic, so not sure if it’s planned or not). You don’t want everyone having to walk across the grass on the way to/from the pool. You’ll get grass in the pool from their feet, and you’ll get wet grass in your house when they return.

Also, we have friends with the outdoor bathroom, and think that’s a must if the city will permit it. It’s great if you can keep everyone out of the house during parties, at least as much as possible.

You’ll probably want some shade, too. Personally, I’m a tree person, so would invest in one really nice shade tree that could be placed somewhere in the grassy area. You might want something that can provide shade for the patio and also for a portion of the grass.

Best of luck, ox! Looking forward to seeing pics of it when it’s done.

[CA renter]

[quote=ocrenter]sdr, the grass was a product of combined research by UC Riverside and Davis, and suppose to be made for California weather. there will be a dormant period during the winter time, that’s the only downside.

regarding Solar installation for the pool. once you get the pool cover in, then decide if you really need the solar. the pool cover slows evaporation but also help retain heat, so it serves two purposes. there are pool covers that are automatic that can also serve the third purpose of safety so that gates/fencing around the pool would not be needed.

make sure you use drip irrigation for all of the trees and shrubs, that’ll save a lot of watering cost too.[/quote]

Funny. When I saw ox’s post, I was going to link to your post on JtR’s blog regarding the buffalo grass. One possible solution to the dormant winter is to mix it with seed that requires more water and thrives in the winter. That way, the buffalo grass can stay green in the summer and require less water, then when we get the winter rains (hopefully), the winter grass can grow instead. Not a horticulturalist/grass expert, so not sure if it would work, but might be worth a try.

Ox, I love your new yard! 🙂 Many people have made some excellent suggestions here. I would add that you might want a paved walkway from the house to the pool (didn’t see it in the pic, so not sure if it’s planned or not). You don’t want everyone having to walk across the grass on the way to/from the pool. You’ll get grass in the pool from their feet, and you’ll get wet grass in your house when they return.

Also, we have friends with the outdoor bathroom, and think that’s a must if the city will permit it. It’s great if you can keep everyone out of the house during parties, at least as much as possible.

You’ll probably want some shade, too. Personally, I’m a tree person, so would invest in one really nice shade tree that could be placed somewhere in the grassy area. You might want something that can provide shade for the patio and also for a portion of the grass.

Best of luck, ox! Looking forward to seeing pics of it when it’s done.

[george]

[quote=threadkiller]sdrealtor-do you wish you had plucked that little guy up when it was small? I planted a queen palm at my last place,I think it was 6ft tall at the time,after 5 years I think it got to 8-9ft. So things don’t always grow the way you think they will. I’m trying to decide/find the perfect tree to plant in the yard of our new place. I know what I don’t want-anything that drops leaves,eucalyptus,pine needles,if anybody has suggestions I’m open. I’m thinking king palm. Anybody try planting coconut trees here in southern california,seems like they should thrive but I don’t see them here.[/quote]

A King palm way more attractive than a Queen palm, but not anywhere near as cold tolerant. They are self-cleaning so you don’t have to cut off the old dead fronds. It’s a great choice if you live in an area that rarely goes below freezing and never goes below 28F (e.g.: not a good choice for Poway). The leaves will be damaged at 28F and the tree will may die at 26F. There are a couple of species that are commonly labeled as King palms by nurseries. The one that’s most cold tolerant, and hence the best choice for anywhere more than a mile from the coast, is “Archontophoenix cunninghamiana”. It also goes by the common names of Bangalow Palm and Piccabeen Palm. King and Queen palms both need moist soil and palm specific fertilizer (includes required micro-nutrients) in order to look their best. They can look pretty skanky otherwise.

It’s extremely difficult to grow a coconut palm in California. They don’t do well in temps below 50F and they have essentially zero tolerance for frost. If you want a reliable, tropical looking palm your best bet is a King Palm.

[george]

[quote=threadkiller]sdrealtor-do you wish you had plucked that little guy up when it was small? I planted a queen palm at my last place,I think it was 6ft tall at the time,after 5 years I think it got to 8-9ft. So things don’t always grow the way you think they will. I’m trying to decide/find the perfect tree to plant in the yard of our new place. I know what I don’t want-anything that drops leaves,eucalyptus,pine needles,if anybody has suggestions I’m open. I’m thinking king palm. Anybody try planting coconut trees here in southern california,seems like they should thrive but I don’t see them here.[/quote]

A King palm way more attractive than a Queen palm, but not anywhere near as cold tolerant. They are self-cleaning so you don’t have to cut off the old dead fronds. It’s a great choice if you live in an area that rarely goes below freezing and never goes below 28F (e.g.: not a good choice for Poway). The leaves will be damaged at 28F and the tree will may die at 26F. There are a couple of species that are commonly labeled as King palms by nurseries. The one that’s most cold tolerant, and hence the best choice for anywhere more than a mile from the coast, is “Archontophoenix cunninghamiana”. It also goes by the common names of Bangalow Palm and Piccabeen Palm. King and Queen palms both need moist soil and palm specific fertilizer (includes required micro-nutrients) in order to look their best. They can look pretty skanky otherwise.

It’s extremely difficult to grow a coconut palm in California. They don’t do well in temps below 50F and they have essentially zero tolerance for frost. If you want a reliable, tropical looking palm your best bet is a King Palm.

[george]

[quote=threadkiller]sdrealtor-do you wish you had plucked that little guy up when it was small? I planted a queen palm at my last place,I think it was 6ft tall at the time,after 5 years I think it got to 8-9ft. So things don’t always grow the way you think they will. I’m trying to decide/find the perfect tree to plant in the yard of our new place. I know what I don’t want-anything that drops leaves,eucalyptus,pine needles,if anybody has suggestions I’m open. I’m thinking king palm. Anybody try planting coconut trees here in southern california,seems like they should thrive but I don’t see them here.[/quote]

A King palm way more attractive than a Queen palm, but not anywhere near as cold tolerant. They are self-cleaning so you don’t have to cut off the old dead fronds. It’s a great choice if you live in an area that rarely goes below freezing and never goes below 28F (e.g.: not a good choice for Poway). The leaves will be damaged at 28F and the tree will may die at 26F. There are a couple of species that are commonly labeled as King palms by nurseries. The one that’s most cold tolerant, and hence the best choice for anywhere more than a mile from the coast, is “Archontophoenix cunninghamiana”. It also goes by the common names of Bangalow Palm and Piccabeen Palm. King and Queen palms both need moist soil and palm specific fertilizer (includes required micro-nutrients) in order to look their best. They can look pretty skanky otherwise.

It’s extremely difficult to grow a coconut palm in California. They don’t do well in temps below 50F and they have essentially zero tolerance for frost. If you want a reliable, tropical looking palm your best bet is a King Palm.

[george]

[quote=threadkiller]sdrealtor-do you wish you had plucked that little guy up when it was small? I planted a queen palm at my last place,I think it was 6ft tall at the time,after 5 years I think it got to 8-9ft. So things don’t always grow the way you think they will. I’m trying to decide/find the perfect tree to plant in the yard of our new place. I know what I don’t want-anything that drops leaves,eucalyptus,pine needles,if anybody has suggestions I’m open. I’m thinking king palm. Anybody try planting coconut trees here in southern california,seems like they should thrive but I don’t see them here.[/quote]

A King palm way more attractive than a Queen palm, but not anywhere near as cold tolerant. They are self-cleaning so you don’t have to cut off the old dead fronds. It’s a great choice if you live in an area that rarely goes below freezing and never goes below 28F (e.g.: not a good choice for Poway). The leaves will be damaged at 28F and the tree will may die at 26F. There are a couple of species that are commonly labeled as King palms by nurseries. The one that’s most cold tolerant, and hence the best choice for anywhere more than a mile from the coast, is “Archontophoenix cunninghamiana”. It also goes by the common names of Bangalow Palm and Piccabeen Palm. King and Queen palms both need moist soil and palm specific fertilizer (includes required micro-nutrients) in order to look their best. They can look pretty skanky otherwise.

It’s extremely difficult to grow a coconut palm in California. They don’t do well in temps below 50F and they have essentially zero tolerance for frost. If you want a reliable, tropical looking palm your best bet is a King Palm.

[george]

[quote=threadkiller]sdrealtor-do you wish you had plucked that little guy up when it was small? I planted a queen palm at my last place,I think it was 6ft tall at the time,after 5 years I think it got to 8-9ft. So things don’t always grow the way you think they will. I’m trying to decide/find the perfect tree to plant in the yard of our new place. I know what I don’t want-anything that drops leaves,eucalyptus,pine needles,if anybody has suggestions I’m open. I’m thinking king palm. Anybody try planting coconut trees here in southern california,seems like they should thrive but I don’t see them here.[/quote]

A King palm way more attractive than a Queen palm, but not anywhere near as cold tolerant. They are self-cleaning so you don’t have to cut off the old dead fronds. It’s a great choice if you live in an area that rarely goes below freezing and never goes below 28F (e.g.: not a good choice for Poway). The leaves will be damaged at 28F and the tree will may die at 26F. There are a couple of species that are commonly labeled as King palms by nurseries. The one that’s most cold tolerant, and hence the best choice for anywhere more than a mile from the coast, is “Archontophoenix cunninghamiana”. It also goes by the common names of Bangalow Palm and Piccabeen Palm. King and Queen palms both need moist soil and palm specific fertilizer (includes required micro-nutrients) in order to look their best. They can look pretty skanky otherwise.

It’s extremely difficult to grow a coconut palm in California. They don’t do well in temps below 50F and they have essentially zero tolerance for frost. If you want a reliable, tropical looking palm your best bet is a King Palm.

[NotCranky]

Don’t bother with permits for an outdoor bathroom.

Here is inexpensive design for an outdoor shower/toilet combo for parties.It is easy to get up and down and since most parties are on weekends, code enforcement won’t be working. If anyone wants the design, pm me.

Stand a piece of plywood on end perpendicular to the earth, long edges up. Support it with t-posts and tie wraps… or wire. Hang a hose with a trigger type nozzle over the top and let the nozzle rest against the plywood at about 72″ from grade. Dig hole on the other side of the plywood. Save the material from the excavation. The hole should be at a depth reasonable to accommodate the size and duration of party you anticipate (usually this would be the more private elevation of project). Leave a bottle liquid soap and a roll of hygienic paper in the vicinity.

For a more “high end” version locate a soap dish, towel bar and toilet paper holder on the plywood according to a layout that suits you.

There is a version that includes a solar heated shower too.

Some people prefer the blue tarp model.

[NotCranky]

Don’t bother with permits for an outdoor bathroom.

Here is inexpensive design for an outdoor shower/toilet combo for parties.It is easy to get up and down and since most parties are on weekends, code enforcement won’t be working. If anyone wants the design, pm me.

Stand a piece of plywood on end perpendicular to the earth, long edges up. Support it with t-posts and tie wraps… or wire. Hang a hose with a trigger type nozzle over the top and let the nozzle rest against the plywood at about 72″ from grade. Dig hole on the other side of the plywood. Save the material from the excavation. The hole should be at a depth reasonable to accommodate the size and duration of party you anticipate (usually this would be the more private elevation of project). Leave a bottle liquid soap and a roll of hygienic paper in the vicinity.

For a more “high end” version locate a soap dish, towel bar and toilet paper holder on the plywood according to a layout that suits you.

There is a version that includes a solar heated shower too.

Some people prefer the blue tarp model.

[NotCranky]

Don’t bother with permits for an outdoor bathroom.

Here is inexpensive design for an outdoor shower/toilet combo for parties.It is easy to get up and down and since most parties are on weekends, code enforcement won’t be working. If anyone wants the design, pm me.

Stand a piece of plywood on end perpendicular to the earth, long edges up. Support it with t-posts and tie wraps… or wire. Hang a hose with a trigger type nozzle over the top and let the nozzle rest against the plywood at about 72″ from grade. Dig hole on the other side of the plywood. Save the material from the excavation. The hole should be at a depth reasonable to accommodate the size and duration of party you anticipate (usually this would be the more private elevation of project). Leave a bottle liquid soap and a roll of hygienic paper in the vicinity.

For a more “high end” version locate a soap dish, towel bar and toilet paper holder on the plywood according to a layout that suits you.

There is a version that includes a solar heated shower too.

Some people prefer the blue tarp model.

[NotCranky]

Don’t bother with permits for an outdoor bathroom.

Here is inexpensive design for an outdoor shower/toilet combo for parties.It is easy to get up and down and since most parties are on weekends, code enforcement won’t be working. If anyone wants the design, pm me.

Stand a piece of plywood on end perpendicular to the earth, long edges up. Support it with t-posts and tie wraps… or wire. Hang a hose with a trigger type nozzle over the top and let the nozzle rest against the plywood at about 72″ from grade. Dig hole on the other side of the plywood. Save the material from the excavation. The hole should be at a depth reasonable to accommodate the size and duration of party you anticipate (usually this would be the more private elevation of project). Leave a bottle liquid soap and a roll of hygienic paper in the vicinity.

For a more “high end” version locate a soap dish, towel bar and toilet paper holder on the plywood according to a layout that suits you.

There is a version that includes a solar heated shower too.

Some people prefer the blue tarp model.

[Author]

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