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About Sean J Murphy, LA
Expertise
I can answer almost any question related to design, installation, pricing of landscaping and hardscaping. I am not a horticulturist though so I can not answer questions on pests or diseases of plants. I also can answer questions related to pools, water features, ponds, lighting, grading, drainage, walls, patios, decks and much more.
Experience
I have been doing landscaping since I was 8 years old. My family owned a nursery in Florida when I was a teen and I owned and operated several lawn and landscape companies over the years. I have since completed 6 years of in Landscape Architecture at Purdue University and have a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture. I have been practicing professionally for 13 years in Atlanta and the south east US. I have worked for some of the best and most well know firms and personalities in landscaping and my work has won many awards. I have worked for the likes of Disney, the 1996 Olympic games, and REIT Post Properties(Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, NY, Tampa, Orlando). I know many of the plants in Georgia and Florida plus surrounding states. I have passed the Georgia Landscape Architects Licensure Exam and can legally call myself a Landscape Architect Lisc. # 001156
I am currently the Department Manager of the Planning and Landscape Architecture Department of a local Multi-Disciplinary firm and used to own and operate Amenity Architects LLC. you may preview our work at www.amenityarchitects.com. My new employer is SoutheasternEngineering, Inc. see www.seenginering.com
I am also part owner in the family business Murphy's Garden Art also see at www.murphysgardenart.com.
Organizations
American Society of Landscape Architects,
Keep Smyrna Beautiful,
ULI,
Smyrna Downtown Development Authority,
Smyrna Downtown Task Force,
Publications
Landscape Architect and Specifier News,
Atlanta Homes Magazine,
Landscape Architecture Magazine,
Coastal Living, Magazine
Education/Credentials
Pinellas County Center for the Arts 1984 - 1988,
Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture - Purdue University, 1994,
Mike Lynn Graphics Workshop 1994,
University of Georgia Wetland Delineation Certification 1995,
Post University Mini MBA 2000,
Edinburgh College of Art - 1 year co-op 1993,
Intern Smallwood Reynolds Stewart and Stewart Architects Atlanta1993,
Awards and Honors
ASLA Merit Award 1994 Mined Land Project IN,
ACI 1st Place for Hardscape Design / Installation 1999 Biltmore Atlanta.
Coastal Living Idea House Design 2005/2006.
South Eastern Flower Show People's Choice Award for best garden design,
Many more!!! too many to list here
Past/Present clients
Georgia Governor Roy Barnes,
The State of Georgia,
City of Powdersprings,
City of Stockbridge,
Post Properties,
Bayfair Homes,
John Willis Homes,
Pulty Homes,
Serenbe Development,
Mayor of Smyrna-Georgia Max Bacon,
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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Exterior Decorating > Landscaping & Design > How to landscape shaded sides of house
Landscaping & Design - How to landscape shaded sides of house
Expert: Sean J Murphy, LA - 8/29/2008
Question
I live in South Florida. Along both sides of my house I have access to the backyard. One side is 7 ft wide and the other 10ft. Right now I have 24" x 24" pavers, spaced 6" apart making a walkway down each side. The problem is that my great idea to put grass between the pavers is not working because the areas do not get direct sunlight. Also the wider side has the air conditioners and pool equipment so it looks ugly. I need suggestions on what to do with these areas to make them look more attractive. There are Areca palms down the fence line on the wider side and a ficus hedge between us and the neighbor on the more narrow side. We are considering putting river rock to fill in areas. Please give us any ideas you have. We will be doing the work ourselves. Thank you.
Answer
Jan, If it makes you feel better, this is a common problem. Grass does not like too much shade or growing in thin spaces. I suggest you consider planting a slow spreading ground cover such as liriope (monkey grass), mondo grass, or Asiatic jasmine as groundcover. The jasmine will fill in densely after a year or two. The others may take a little longer. Rock would also work. You may ask your local nursery for other ground covers that do well in yore area. There are lots more, you could mix some for seasonal interest or texture changes. Also consider not having stepping stones on both sides. Surely you use one more than the other. Perhaps with the stones gone the grass on one side would be better able to grow.
Best of luck.
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