Question
Hi Nick

I live in Lake Worth FL (Zone 10b I think) and am looking to convert my backyard which has a pool into a tropical paradise. Also I would like to plant a hedge on both the west and east facing side of the backyard to get some privacy from my neighbors. Presently I have an iron rail fence at the back of the property which does nothing for privacy.     The backyard has two flower beds  (approx 1.5ft X 8ft each. Partially shaded during the mornings but has full sun expose in the afternoons).  Currently these beds have a hedge under the MBB and family room windows (looks like a ficus hedge) which I would like to uproot and replace with some tropical flower bearing plants.  I love color in my garden.  The north side of the backyard faces a lake - the man-made kind.  I would like to either plant some fruit (I love mangoes) or palm trees on this side but at the same time would not like to obstruct my view of the lake.  Finally on the concrete patio (it is of a decent size and exposed to the sun all day) I would like to have some potted plants.

Question:  Could you recommend the types of plants & trees that I can use to transform my backyard into my tropical paradise?  Also a few feet from the swimming pool is a young oak tree (or so I have been told) - will it damage the pool as it gets bigger? If so, can I replace it it a palm tree?

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.
Aretha

Answer
Hi Aretha, ok, lets begin, 10b is great, because you have an endless assortment of plantings to pick from; as a hedge line, I would recommend Peregrina Jatropha, it is covered with red flowers year round and very easy to care for. Another good choice would be a wall of Areca Palms, these will give you more privacy then the Jatrophas, but without the color, and again, very easy to care for. I would implement Plumbagos in place of Ficus hedge (in the flower beds); Along the lake I would consider a couple of Coconut Palms, the epitome of "Tropical ambiance", plant them so they are slightly tilted toward the lake. I would try some Papayas along there also, for they grow like a Coconut and bear their fruit in the same manner, it would be a nice combination. The Mango is fine, but higher maintenance and will eventually block out your view. Take the young Oak up if you have a pool, for it will eventually be a severe hindrance. Container plants for your  patio could be Crown of Thorns, Lantana, Liriope, Mexican Petunias and Lipstick plant; you could also implement Herbs into it, the choices are endless. I hope I helped you start your "Tropical Paradise", just one word of caution, don't turn it into a chore; I always endorse the "Kiss" principal "Keep It Simple Stupid"...LOL....have fun...Nick