How can we add some curb appeal to our house by adding flowers, plants, etc in California?

I want to do something to add curb appeal to our house in California but I%26#039;m clueless on gardening. What kind of flowers, plants, small trees, etc add a good look but is easy to maintain and will look decent year round? We have an area with dirt that is ready to be added too, but we don%26#039;t know what to add. This area doesn%26#039;t get much direct sunlight, but does get weeds ( which I pull by hand). Another question is, does roundup really work and does it keep the weeds away or am I better off using elbow grease? Any suggestions are helpful!!

FlowersBirthday FlowersSympathy FlowersYou can%26#039;t go wrong with Sago Palms but they do need some sunlight. Mexican Fan Palms would spruce the place up nice as well. Put out some stepping stones, a water fountain, a concrete bird bath, bird feeders; seeds and hummingbird feeders, a Koi pond etc.
Reply:Since you do not know about gardening as of yet, have a professional do the job for you. Be sure to ask them how to do up-keep on it after they are finished. Also ask them if they will put in plants that do not need constant care, but can pretty much take care of themselves. Look under Landscapers or Yard Designers in the telephone book. OR go to a nursery and talk with the manager. Don%26#039;t be shy, that is how they make their money.





If you do want to become a gardener, go to the library or a book store and buy a book on Beginner Gardening.





Yes, RoundUp does work. Be sure not to get it on anything else or it will kill everything that it touches. A landscaper can fix this for you too. It is worth the money if you are not a home gardener.
Reply:If you have more shade than sun...Keifer Lilly%26#039;s (orange flowers/yellow flowers), Calla Lilly%26#039;s, Mondo Grass, Squirrels Fern. If you get more sun, Lilly of the Nile, Day Lilly%26#039;s,Boxwoods, Blue Fescue, Mexican Heather. Mother Ferns will grow in shade or indirect sun. After you weed out your bed, plant it, then cover dirt with landscape fabric and wood chips or rock/gravel. This will keep your weeds out and your beds looking neat. Fountains or some type of focal piece (statue,large rock etc.) are great addition. You should not put any type of pond in your front yard for safety/liability reasons.
Reply:Landscape really ads to the value of a home. I like colors that pop when you see them against the color of your house - it makes your home more appealing to the eyes.


For the effort and cost, I%26#039;d plant perrenial shrubs and flowering bulbs. They will bloom year after year and you can find many that have little upkeep. Check out my blog for more information about plants that are right for the zone you live in, for plants ideal for sun, partial sun, or shade, etc. You%26#039;ll also see great photos and get more information that will help you decide on the best choice for you.


Don%26#039;t waste your money on RoundUp, just pull the weeds by hand and put them in a trash bag. RoundUp can seep into the soil and damage good plants around it.visual arts