Thanks for this valuable input. Indeed I may be going down an unnecessary road. My simplistic approach was to isolate plants with high water & maintenance demands and replace them with specimens that require less effort and water. This is by no means a holistic approach but rather piecemeal. I run the risk of creating a landscape that looks fragmented. While I generally trust my design sense, it is best to discuss the overall look and feel with my partner Kristin before we start ripping out existing plants replacing them with new ones.

Your clarion call has been heard loud and clear and I am slapping a restraining order on the purchase of any new plants pending a cohesive plan.

Thank you for the expert advise.

Robert

A garden randomly thrown together from plants whose initial attraction was “this doesn’t need much water” can either be a thing of beauty, or a chaotic “design by committee” effect.

I suggest that you immerse yourself in images, try to reverse engineer “the look” using basic design principles (read anything by John Brookes, but especially his Garden Design book) and figure out how to create the look you desire, with plants that also meet the inherent cultural conditions dictated by your soil. solar, pH, proximity to sea air, etc.

This is just a word to the wise. I’d love to have you get your cake and eat it too!