Tropical Native Bungalow

Audubon, Orlando, Florida

The overall goal for this Audubon, Orlando landscape design was to increase curb appeal and update the backyard area to match the needs and style of the family.

1. FRONT GARDEN

We have proposed a new 18’ wide paver driveway. Since we want to keep the plantings at the right side of the driveway, the new driveway starts at the existing driveway edge and pushes left into the front yard. A new walkway connects the new driveway to the front door. The existing Cardboard Palm, Bottlebrush, Giant White Bird, and all of the sea grapes are proposed to remain. Everything else should be removed. The large tree and palms to the right of the driveway shall also remain. We have proposed a cactus and rock garden at the new driveway edge near the street. A modern house number sign is nestled amongst boulders and a variety of cacti, succulents, and agave. The new planting beds in the front of the house take the existing material and expand upon it with native plantings in masses. This will help to create a cohesive look for the front while letting the accent plants stand out.

2. SIDEYARD AND PATIO

We have proposed a flagstone slab walkway with gravel joints leading from the gate to the rear near the back door. We pushed it up against the house to give the native plantings enough room to grow without overtaking the walkway. This will be lower maintenance in the long run. The existing concrete patio shall be removed and is replaced with a flagstone patio that is slightly larger and can accommodate a variety of seating opportunities. Market lights and accent up lights will give this space a “secret garden” feel. Another flagstone slab walkway leads to the pool area.

3. BACKYARD

A 12” band of mexican beach pebble is proposed around the pool deck. Metal edging shall be used to contain the pebble and separate it from any planting or sod beds. The rear side of the pool is lined with a Clusia hedge and a soft Muhly Grass front layer. A sod strip 4-5’ wide wraps the rest of the pool and connects to the larger yard area to the right. Areca Palms are located throughout the yard to either screen unsightly views or provide some height in key areas. All new and existing trees shall have up lighting. The sod area wraps around to the right where there is enough space for a future play set. We have shown a generic play set on the plan to give you a sense of scale to the space. Native plantings wrap the right side edge as well as the foundation of the home. Plants can be left out of the foundation planting to accommodate for a future outdoor shower as needed.

4. EXISTING SIDEYARD

This area is pretty well landscaped and seems to be functioning for the family. We have proposed to give the beds a new layer of mexican beach pebble to tie in with other areas of the property. All of the existing palms shall receive up lighting. Market lights can also be provided in this area.

5. NATIVE TROPICAL STYLE

This design is a Florida Friendly take on a tropical island paradise. Plants such as Coontie, Firebush, Dwarf Walter’s Viburnum, and Muhly Grass provide native plantings and habitat for local wildlife. Clusia, Areca Palms, Myers Asparagus Fern, and Bird of Paradise provide a Florida Friendly tropical aesthetic.

6. MAINTENANCE AND WATER USE

This design will require yearly maintenance but no more than that of similar residences in the area. The plant palette features all Florida Native or Florida Friendly plants that are suitable for our local climate. Irrigation is recommended for the first three growing seasons but the plant palette is considered drought tolerant.