Question
Hi Kathy,
I've got a 15X5 area (facing North) outside my garage wall that is exposed to the street where I live in (in Houston, TX). I want to create a Mexican influenced landscape in this area. I've bought a few half-pots that I plan on hanging on the brick wall. I also have planted 2 queen palms at the end of the walls. Near the entrane I've put in a Mexican Plum. Can you please suggest plants/shrubs to fill the area with? I would also like to have a couple of pots on the ground to complete the Mexican look. What do you suggest? I've not been able to find much material on Mexican gardens in small spaces.

Thanks.


Answer
Hi Glen,

I love the look of a Mexican garden which are almost always designed to be lush and inviting.

If this side of your garage is north facing I am assuming that it is more shady than sunny? Are there other structures near this area? Basically, I would need to know how much sun exposure this 15x5 area gets. To make it easier you can also provide me your zip code and I can find out what zone you are in.

In the meantime, I can try to suggest a few ideas for you :-D

When I think Mexican gardens I think tropical and exotic plants. I think the choices you already made are very good. I'm somewhat concerned about the amount of sunlight they will receive for good growth though. But, unlike where I live on the east coast, I'm sure Houston TX is more frequently bright and sunny!

Many large, lobed, leafy plants (say that 3 times fast!) suggest a mexican look. My suggestions would be acacia, hostas, caladium, and a mass of mexican feather grass. Some of these do better in shade than the others.

As for decor, I believe objects with Talavera tiles on them would look great as long as it's not overdone. Grow the shade loving vine, star jasmine, (which smells great, too) over a large, wrought iron piece of fence used as a trellis. This would look beautiful over the brick, flanked by the half pots on either side.

Let me know what you decide :-D

Namaste,
Kathy