What began as a search for solutions became a collaborative design experience with Rockaway landscape designer Kathleen, whose vision and attention to detail helped reimagine the entire front yard into a welcoming, high-impact landscape the homeowners are proud to come home to.
“We wanted entirely new landscaping — something that actually worked with all the shade,” the homeowners shared. “Kathleen really listened to our taste and preferences. Everyone at Rockaway is such a perfectionist, and we’re thrilled with the outcome.”
Designing for Deep Shade
The Sabo property sits beneath mature oak trees, presenting the classic North Florida challenge of shade management. Instead of fighting against the site conditions, Rockaway designed plant beds that embrace them.
At the front of the yard, the new landscape features a thoughtful mix of shade-tolerant varieties:
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Coontie — one of the homeowners’ favorites, a hardy, all-weather plant that thrives through both summer heat and winter chill.
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Holly ferns — ideal for heavy shade and perfect under the filtered light beneath the oak canopy.
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Azaleas — interspersed throughout for seasonal spring color and soft refined texture.
The beds were shaped with sweeping contours and gentle curves to soften the front yard and elevate visual appeal. Several existing liriope clumps were preserved due to their maturity and good condition, then integrated cleanly into the new design.
Fresh, high-quality turf completed the transformation, giving the entire space a fresh start.
Reimagining the Space Near the Home
One of the most dramatic changes sits directly against the house. Rockaway introduced unique and carefully selected plant material to brighten and modernize the entry.
A standout is the Loblolly Bay, an uncommon choice in residential landscapes but a striking Florida native known for its elegant form and adaptability. Its reintroduction into cultivated landscapes adds charm and ecological value.
This area also features:
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Aztec grass for bright coloration and year-round resilience
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Sunshine ligustrum to bring contrast through bold golden foliage
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A mix of azaleas and holly ferns to ensure consistent greenery with seasonal bloom
Together, these varieties create a layered, vibrant look that pairs perfectly with the home’s architecture.
A Shift Toward Sun: Textures and Color
As the landscape transitions into a slightly sunnier zone, Rockaway introduced plantings that can flourish with a bit more light:
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Creeping lantana, chosen for its nearly year-round blooms and low maintenance
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Foxtail ferns for added texture, structure, and visual interest
These selections create a natural, inviting progression toward the front entry.
A New Walkway to Welcome You Home
Rockaway’s Hardscape Team also played a key role in the transformation. The home’s original walkway had aged and deteriorated, making the entry feel tired and uninviting. Rockaway replaced it with a crisp, beautifully patterned brick walkway that ties the entire landscape together.
With the improved design, thoughtful color selection, and clean layout, the new hardscape provides an elevated, durable welcome path to the front door.
Flanking the walkway, patio ligustrums, foxtail ferns, and holly ferns give structured height and lush texture. Bordering everything, resilient liriope thrives in the morning sun and afternoon shade — conditions that help it bloom more often and maintain its best appearance year-round.
A Landscape That Works With Nature
By choosing plants that thrive in shade, layering textures, and redesigning the hardscape, Rockaway created a landscape that complements the natural environment instead of battling it. The result is a front yard that is both beautiful and sustainable — and one that finally welcomes the Sabo family home the way they always envisioned.
Ready for a Transformation of Your Own?
Whether your yard struggles with shade, poor soil, aging walkways, or outdated design, Rockaway’s team of designers and horticulture specialists can help reimagine the space.
If this transformation inspires you, reach out to schedule a consultation. Rockaway can design it, build it, and maintain it — turning your yard into a place you love coming home to.