From an Unstructured Garden to a Colorful & Welcoming Outdoor Space in Ave Maria, FL
Every property is unique, and not every garden transformation requires removing everything and starting over. In some projects, the best results come from preserving existing elements and giving them a new purpose within the landscape design.
For this residential project in Ave Maria, Florida, Steven and Theresa wanted to transform their front yard, backyard, and lanai.
Their goal was to create more colorful, organized, and welcoming outdoor spaces while preserving several of their existing palm trees, plants, and containers.
What Did the Garden Look Like Before?
Before the transformation, the garden contained several plants and containers, but they did not form a clearly defined or cohesive landscape. Some of the plants in the front yard visually interfered with the windows, and the area needed more balance, color, and structure.
The backyard also required attention. Although it provided enough space, it lacked a focal point and needed a thoughtful selection of plants to add color, movement, and personality.
The challenge was to renovate the different areas without discarding the palm trees, plants, and containers that could still be incorporated into the new landscape design.
What Did the Clients Want?
Steven and Theresa wanted a garden that felt more colorful, organized, and inviting. However, they did not want to replace every existing element.
It was important to preserve and reuse some of their palm trees, plants, and containers while incorporating them thoughtfully into the new design.
They also wanted flowers that could be changed according to the season. In the backyard, they envisioned a special and relaxing environment filled with flowers and butterflies, with a fountain serving as the central focal point.
Reorganizing the Garden and Reusing Existing Elements
One of the main challenges was determining which plants needed to be removed and which ones could remain.
We removed the plants that no longer complemented the property while preserving the existing palm trees as part of the front garden’s main structure.
We then created new planting layers using plants with different heights, colors, and textures. Lower-growing varieties were placed in front of the windows to preserve visibility and allow the home’s architecture to remain prominent.
We also reused several of the clients’ existing containers. The large red container was moved to the side of the garage and planted with Bougainvillea, Liriope, and Vinca.
A white container was placed next to it and used for the Desert Rose that had previously been growing in a smaller pot.
This new arrangement allowed the containers to become part of the complete landscape instead of appearing as separate decorative elements.
A Backyard Garden Designed to Attract Butterflies
In the backyard, we created a colorful garden designed to benefit butterflies and other pollinators.
A fountain placed in the center became the focal point of the space, adding beauty and a peaceful feeling to the garden.
We also installed a Desert Cassia surrounded by flowers and plants that provide color, food, or habitat for butterflies.
The plant selection included Pentas, Sage, Coreopsis, Zinnias, Milkweed, and Dwarf Firebush.
These plants transformed the backyard into a more inviting environment filled with color, movement, and life.
New Container Arrangements for the Lanai
For the inside of the lanai, we created an arrangement featuring three containers of different sizes:
A large container with a Hawaiian Ti Plant and Begonia.
A medium container with a Desert Rose.
A small container with a red Penta.
The combination of different container sizes, plant heights, and textures created a more attractive and balanced display.
Outside the lanai, we reused the homeowners’ existing containers to create two groups of three. The plants in the white containers were replaced with red and white Pentas, while the existing Allamandas in the brown containers were preserved.
The Result: A Renewed Garden With Beauty and Purpose
The completed garden has a more balanced, colorful, and welcoming appearance.
In the front yard, the new plants added greater definition and personality without obstructing the windows. The existing palm trees and containers found a new purpose within a more organized composition.
In the backyard, the combination of the fountain, Desert Cassia, and butterfly-friendly flowers created a peaceful, attractive environment filled with life.
The new container arrangements extended the garden’s tropical style into the lanai and helped visually connect the property’s different outdoor areas.
This project demonstrates that it is not always necessary to start from scratch. With thoughtful planning, existing elements can be reused and combined with new plants to completely transform an outdoor space.
What Did the Clients Say?
“Jim, Kenia and their landscape crew just finished a pretty substantial job for me in Ave Maria. The job consisted of removing all the existing small trees, shrubs and plants that had overrun my yard after 9 years. After that began the soil prep with organic matter for the new planting. They then planted and installed 6 trees, 81 plants, 1 fountain, 12 large pots and a Chiminea. This was done in 1 day. Truly remarkable. But the best part was Kenia's skill as a horticulturist and landscape designer. The finished product is beautiful. I would definitely recommend Blooms In Grace to family and friends.”
Steven DeMaio
Are You Thinking About Transforming Your Garden?
At Blooms in Grace, we design and install personalized residential gardens in Ave Maria, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and other Southwest Florida communities.
Whether you need to renovate your flower beds, add tropical and ornamental plants, redesign your container arrangements, or create a butterfly garden, we can help you design an outdoor space suited to your property, preferences, and lifestyle.
Are you ready to add color, balance, and personality to your garden? Request an estimate from Blooms in Grace and let’s discuss your next landscaping project.
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