[NYVette]

We would like to plant shrubs around our Lanai. I don't want to feel the wrath of the Deed Compliance patrol. (yes, I agree, they do serve a good purpose and it's nice to know all homes will forever be in immaculate condition...I like it that way) But I don't want a fast growing plant that requires trimming every week to stay at 4ft. Also..my lanai is in shade most of the day. What can be planted that grows slow, only grows to about 4ft, and likes the shade? It doesn't necessarily have to have flowers but that would be a plus.

[JohnN]

Think about zamia - coontie palms. They're very tropical, like a sago palm without the trunk.
There's a grove of 'em in front of the Lighthouse Grill at Lake Sumter Landing.
They're actually a cycad, a "dinosuar" fossil at 250 million years old, it's a native Florida plant and quite hardy when established.

I've read in a few places they can grow from 3'x3' (shorter than what you want) to 6' high, so I'm not sure on the height, but it's a beautiful, slow growing shrub.
Anyway, that's my choice at the moment.
Let us know what you choose. I'm looking for something just like you are.

[JohnN]

Just to qualify my endorsement of zamias - I like 'em a lot. Hardy, tropical, slow growth,

I'm not exactly sure they'll meet your requirements for height. I'm not trying to create a surround for a lanai, but looking for something similar for other reasons. Check out the ones at the Lighthouse Grill to see if they're high enough for your taste, they may not be.

[NYVette]

JohnN....
Thanks for the idea of a small/short palm type shrub. I Googled the plants you mentioned, Zamia & Coontie. (don't misspell and Google Zami...totally different!) When I saw the reference to the prehistoric Mesozoic era I thought....."why not just call my mother-in-law and see what she planted around the cave"?

Thanks again.

[benj]

NYVette, You are a brave man. That or your mother-in-law will never get a chance to read totv. Benj

[NYVette]

Benj.....
Wife doesn't, and mother-in-law can't, access TOTV

PS.... Actually I get along great with her. She is a great person but so easy to poke fun at. She thinks I'm the good son-in-law!!!

[AJ Tower]

Anyone have an idea where I can have the blades on my electric hedge trimmer sharpened?

[ilvgolf]

Just a suggestion but you might try Market of Marion. They do all kinds of things there.

[texasfal]

NYVette,

Not to hijack, but my husband's from Massapequa. Where did you live. His mother still lives on Massachusetts Avenue. He went to Burner High School. Thanks.

Oleander is a nice shrub too, but you would have to trim it once or twice a year. It has an open growth pattern, so would let some light in, and of course, it has beautiful blooms.