The neighbors are using some harsh words and pointing fingers at one house where a landscape killing spree is injuring the whole neighborhood. DIY's Jason Cameron does some detective work to find new plants and new carpentry projects that will turn this "crime scene" into the best landscape on the block.
Before: There's zero curb appeal with this unkempt and weedy landscape.
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After: Clearly defined and well-planted beds highlight the home and its colorful new window box.
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PlantsThese plants will give structure to the landscape and provide colorful flowers and fruit.
Wax myrtleThe waxy blue berries of the females of this native tree were once used to make candles. Tolerant of salt spray, drought, heat and sand.
Leaves are yellowish green and fragrant when crushed.
Can grow as much as five feet in a year.
USDA Zones 7-10
Can be pruned to encourage dense foliage, but untrimmed it has an irregular shape with multiple trunks that form a kind of thicket.
Aromatic foliage is said to repel insects in a yard.
Mop hydrangeaThe large ball-shaped flowers can be blue, pink, or white. Flowers can be blue pink or white.
Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
Requires regular watering. Doesn't tolerate drought.
Variegated gingerThe variegated leaves of this tropical plant can be up to two feet long and six inches across. Flowers look like small seashells, but in northern Florida it doesn't often flower.
Prefers partial shade but grows in sun.
USDA Zones 8-12
Maintenance: not drought tolerant. Will need watering.
Dwarf Japanese blueberryThis shrub makes a great hedge, column or foundation plant. Can grow up to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide
Fragrant white flowers turn into blue-black fruit in the fall.
Fruit will not stain sidewalks.
Full sun or part shade
USDA Zones 8-11
Maintenance tip: Can be pruned to shape.
Fiber optic grassThe blades of this very finely textured grass are almost hairlike and resemble fiber optic lamps. Bright green grass with flowers at tips
Grows about 12 inches tall.
Perennial in USDA Zones 9-11. In other zones it's an annual.
'Southern Charm' azaleaThis popular azalea produces pink flowers in early spring. Grows moderately fast, reaching 6-8 feet tall and wide.
USDA Zones 8-9
'Big Blue' liriopeThis grass-like perennial is often used as a groundcover. It has tall lavender flowers in late summer.
It grows to about 2 feet tall.
It prefers part sun to full shade.
USDA Zones 5-10
DelphiniumThis hardy perennial is often associated with English or cottage-style gardens. Tall stalks bear flowers that can be purple, pink, white or yellow.
Note: all parts are poisonous.
Maintenance tip: Remove plants after they release their seeds or cut back the flowering stalk to almost ground level and to encourage growth and more flowers.
LoropetalumThis evergreen shrub produces either white or red flowers, depending on variety. Can grow 12 feet tall and about six feet wide
Drought tolerant once established
USDA Zones 7-10
Japanese boxwoodThis evergreen shrub can get up to six feet tall, but it can be pruned to maintain size. Heat tolerant
Deer resistant
Prefers full to partial sun
USDA Zones 6-9
New Guinea impatiensThis colorful annual blooms from spring to fall. Available in many colors from lavender to orange to white.
Grows about 12 to 24 inches tall.
Low drought tolerance. They wilt under water stress.
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![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2008/05/14/ddsl306_plantings_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2008/05/14/ddsl306_Wax-Myrtle_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2008/05/14/ddsl306_Ginger_e.jpg",350,450))
