I have about 1/4 acre of yard at my south florida home. We have chain-link fences all around, with the back of our property on a canal. I would love to have a place for the kids to play, a vegetable garden and a butterfly garden. And I would like to limit the amount of grass - but there is sooo much to do. Where should I start? I don't have the money to hire someone and want to do it in stages, but work out the overall plan before I start anything.
Anyone have any ideas on how to start? Should I just start working on 5'x5' sections? I am at a loss and the season is already well on it's way. Thanks

it may be worth some money to hire a landscape architect. if you are really against that, make a list of things you want in the space and things you would like to see happen, or not happen in the space. this is called a program. next, spend lots of time in the space and figure out the best spaces for views, spaces that need shade, etc. next draw a to scale boundary of your yard and start filling in the space with the program elements, keeping in mind the views, slopes, sun exposure, etc. it sounds like you want to go the sustainable route, so go to your local nursery (NOT home depot, something local where the people know what they are selling) and ask to see a selection of native plants. butterflies like tiny little flowers, so include lantana or something like that that grows in florida. figure out places in your yard to place the plants depending on shade, sun, wind exposure, etc... it's a complex task. you may want to do it in stages so that you can figure out what is working on a small scale rather than doing the whole yard and then realizing that you made a mistake. like i said before, it's a really good investment to hire a professional...it will increase your home value and insure that the space is designed right. many landscape designers offer consulting by the hour for really reasonable fees. you won't get any drawings out of it, but you'll get some great insight, and the professional will be able to pinpoint any major problems with your site if there are any. good luck!