|
In Pinellas County, we have been experiencing drought conditions for quite some time. We have had some rainfall, but it has not been frequent or consistent, which is causing problems for some people that do not have irrigation systems. While we are no longer in a modified stage 1 water shortage, there are still restrictions in place limiting most customers to only water 2-3 times per week. Most established plants and turf grass will not need additional watering, but if you are installing new plants, transplanting, or installing new sod, then you will need more irrigation during the first 30 days after planting. If your plants are losing their vibrancy, or you notice yellow leaves, you may want to check the moisture level in the soil by feeling a few inches below the surface to see if the soil feels dry or moist. If the soil falls through your fingers, it may need some additional hand watering to help the plant during times of little rainfall. If your yard contains turf grass that is starting to turn brown, it may be part of the natural cycle of the grass as it will enter its dormant stage during late fall & winter. If you are watering 2-3 times per week and have inspected your irrigation system to make sure it is operating correctly then your grass may be brown due to the normal cycle of the grass type. Newly planted grass may need to be watered more often, but once it is established, overwatering could poorly affect the grass. Cut back on mowing your grass until the grass blade is the correct length for the grass type and do not apply fertilizer during this time. The blades of the grass support the root system, cutting the grass too short will create shallow roots, adjust your mower to the highest setting for the grass type and make sure your blades are sharp for the best results. Water your yard and plants deeply by applying ½ to ¾ an inch of water to the landscape. This will allow the water to seep down to the roots 8-12 inches below the surface and promote strong, deep root growth. When plants develop a deep root system, they are better able to withstand periods of low rainfall. When the roots are deep, they are less susceptible to leaning or falling over in fierce winds. Watering for a longer period, less days per week, is an effective way to strengthen the plants’ roots and provide the correct amount of water for the plants. Plants will typically enter a dormant period during winter and do not like to be overwatered. Signs of overwatering can be similar to underwatering, make sure to feel the soil if you are not sure your plants have enough irrigation. If the soil falls through your fingers, then you may need to water more. Mulch is a wonderful way to keep moisture in the soil and prevent runoff. The mulch will help keep the soil warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer. We recommend using organic mulches such as pine bark, cypress, or eucalyptus. When these mulches break down, they will provide nutrients for the plants, just make sure to keep the mulch away from the base of plants. Remove weeds before applying new mulch, this will help remove unwanted plants that could be taking up water and the new mulch will help reduce future weed growth. Herbicides are not recommended as they can be detrimental to your plants, and they don’t work as well when the weeds are in their dormant stage. These are some basic steps you can take to help protect your plants and ensure you will have a vibrant, thriving landscape in Spring. You can also consider replacing dying plants with drought-tolerant or native options that will do better during periods of low rainfall. Properly pruning your plants during the optimal times of year can also help reduce the water requirements during the dormant season and times of drought. Inspect your irrigation system often and make sure it is adjusted based on the rainfall in the area and the moisture level in the soil. Overwatering your plants can also cause browning and disease, so it is important to feel the soil before deciding to adjust your irrigation. If you have any questions about your landscape, give us a call or send a text to schedule an onsite consultation to discuss the best strategy to help your landscape look amazing. 
0 Comments
For anyone who has recently moved to Florida from up North, it probably seems odd to have winter landscaping tips, welcome to the best winters! Winter is an excellent time to add another layer of mulch to flower beds, around trees & hedges. By adding an extra layer of mulch, you will help keep the root systems warm by keeping heat in the ground. The additional mulch is also helpful for retaining water during the dry months. Additionally, mulch prohibits weed growth, acts as a natural insect repellent and as it breaks down, important nutrients are released into the soil. If you have 2-3 inches of mulch then you don’t need to add more, that should be plenty to keep the roots cool. Vulnerable or dead branches should be removed from trees, hedges, and bushes. By selectively pruning during winter, the plants will be less likely to become diseased or stressed, resulting in more vibrant, healthy-looking plants in the spring. Plants tend to grow slower during the winter months, this is a great time to remove weeds, pests, and invasive plants. Clearing pathways and shaping your vegetation is another great winter project that you are sure to appreciate once spring is here. Seasonal flowers are a great way to add a colorful display to your landscape. Marigolds, begonias, pentas, dianthus, geraniums, alyssum, and poinsettias will offer color through winter, adding vibrancy to your outdoor spaces. Decorate your landscape for the holidays with new flowers that complement your existing plants. Newly planted flowers and plants should be watered on a regular basis. The winter is a drier period in Florida, plants that have not yet been established and have shallow roots will need to be watered on a more frequent basis. Consider drought tolerant plants for areas that are difficult to water frequently. Inspecting your irrigation to ensure it is working properly will help verify that your landscape will have sufficient water during the hotter spring and summer months. Many plants enter a dormant phase during winter and may require less water depending on the plant and location. Cold and frost is a rare occurrence in this area of Florida but if it’s expected, cover your plants with frost blankets, you can use sheets or old blankets if no other option is available. Avoid using plastic to cover your plants as it can create condensation causing harm to your plants. We hope these tips help keep your plants happy and healthy through winter, creating a thriving, gorgeous spring landscape for you to enjoy through the rest of the year.  Our area of Florida has experienced major to minor impacts from the two previous hurricanes that passed through Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Some of our customers experienced record storm surges for their area with Helene, then Milton followed by producing extreme winds with a substantial amount of rainfall in a short period of time. The ground became saturated during Milton which led to many large trees succumbing to the strong winds and becoming uprooted. Many plants are now leaning and may need to be staked and repositioned upright. There are many ways to prepare prior to the arrival of a major storm, but even with the most preparation, your landscape may need some attention after the storm passes. Below are some tips to protect and help your plants when we experience impactful weather events. Adjust Irrigation Before & after a major storm, you should adjust your irrigation based on the amount of rainfall your area received. If you see a storm coming, most likely it will have a large amount of rainfall with it. Adjust your irrigation to off the day before and after the storm, depending on the amount of rain your location receives. If your plants are inundated by saltwater, you will want to run your irrigation daily for about a week, delivering about an inch of irrigation each time to thoroughly rinse the roots of your turf grass or plants. Make sure you remove any storm debris from the saltwater surge prior to watering, this will prevent saltwater runoff from the debris into your plants. You can also add Gypsum to the soil in areas with a high concentration of sodium to help displace and rinse down through the roots. If you receive fresh water flooding, you will want to limit your irrigation to allow the soil to dry out. Remove any mulch that may be touching the base of your plants and make sure the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry prior to watering. Shrub Maintenance Some medium sized plants may be leaning due to the strong winds or large amounts of rainfall. Gently, lean the plant back into its original position and replace soil around the root ball to sturdy the plant back up. If the top layer of roots is now exposed, you may want to add a little more soil to the top but most likely will need soil packed into the sides of the root ball from the wind blowing the plant around. If the plant still feels unstable, you can add a stake to help secure it. You will want to choose the right stake, many that are sold in stores may be too small, we typically use a strong metal or wood material that is pounded deep into the ground. If your plant was staked prior to the storms, they may need to be adjusted and restaked in a new position, based on the wind direction from the previous storm. Now is a great time to prune your shrub and remove any damaged vegetation, this will also help stabilize your plant. Pruning your shrubs, prior to a hurricane approaching, is a great way to help your plants be more resistant to strong winds and heavy rains. Large Tree Trimming If you have large trees in your area then you may want to inspect them before and after hurricane season to keep them healthy and safe. Look for dead or rotting areas on the tree and have it inspected by an arborist if you are worried it could cause damage to your property. Some trees are more susceptible to falling over in strong winds due to shallow root systems or damage to their root system. Trim your tree correctly to reduce broken branches, especially if the tree is near your home or power lines. If you are considering adding a large tree to your landscape, investigate the Florida native trees that can withstand strong winds and have it maintained yearly to reduce the chances of it falling in the future. Make sure the tree is planted in a space where it has enough room for the roots to spread and not become damaged from construction or impervious surfaces. Preparing before and after hurricane season can help your plants throughout our storm season. It is important to pay attention to the amount of water your plants receive during significant storms and make necessary irrigation adjustments to prevent over or under watering. Check the drainage in the area and make necessary adjustments to gutters or pooling areas of water with French drains, drywells, or other solutions. Inspecting and providing the right maintenance to your plants quarterly will help you grow strong healthy plants, reduce wind resistance, and help them establish a deep root system. Prior to installing large trees, consider wind-resistant trees with deep root systems for a long-lasting tree that can withstand our strong Florida storms. If you have questions about trees that may work best in your space, give us a call or send a text to 727-222-4477 and schedule a free, onsite consultation.  You may be wondering what qualifies a Florida-Friendly Landscape and why they are important to everyone living in Florida. In 2009, the Florida Legislature passed 373.185 Local Landscaping Ordinance, instructing every water management district to implement and design an incentive program for all local governments and homeowners’ associations within their districts, to adopt the Florida-Friendly Landscape principles to conserve and protect Florida’s water supply. The residential Florida-Friendly Landscape program is Florida Yards & Neighborhoods and offers certification when you design with the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles in mind. Everyone can do their part protecting Florida’s natural resources and beauty by adopting some or all of these principles. 1. Right Plant, Right Place: This principle is the cornerstone of every landscape design and is important for the success of your plants. There are many items to consider when selecting locations for your plants. Soil, sunlight, proximity to structures, irrigation, surrounding plants and fertilization requirements are all important to investigate when creating your landscape design. Testing your soil can help you choose plants that will be successful. Choosing low-maintenance plants will help reduce fertilization, pesticides, and irrigation requirements. Encourage pollinators and wildlife by planting flowers and fruits. If you decide to select some high-maintenance plants, group them together for easier care and increased appeal. It is important to select healthy plants for the best success, inspect roots for disease or if the plant looks rootbound (dense mass of roots formed into a ball). The size of the plant will also be a primary factor during location selection. Oftentimes you will purchase a smaller plant that will grow into its location, make sure it has the proper space to flourish. Florida-friendly plants do not have to be native; they just cannot be listed as an invasive species in Florida. We typically recommend a mixture of native and non-native, low-maintenance plants. 2. Water Efficiently: There are many benefits to utilizing this principle by reducing water bills, maintenance requirements, and pest problems. Florida’s freshwater supply is a limited resource that everyone can help to conserve. Poor watering practices can lead to leaching and runoff that are detrimental to your landscape and the environment. Leaching occurs when water moves downward through sandy soils quickly, taking nutrients or pesticides to our water supply. Runoff can occur from poorly placed sprinklers that pool water on sidewalks or driveways and would later lead to our storm water drains. By using updated water-saving technologies, regularly inspecting your irrigation system and selecting plants that are drought resistant, you can make a huge impact on your water bills and help protect our natural resources. 3. Fertilize Appropriately: Before fertilizing, you should investigate if it is required. Some plants are known for certain mineral deficiencies. You can test your soil to know the best fertilizer to purchase. When purchasing fertilizer, check the three numbers on the front of the bag. The first number is the percentage of nitrogen, the second number is the percentage of phosphorus and the third is the percentage of potassium. These numbers are important in determining the best fertilizer for your plants. Slow release fertilizers are great for providing nutrients for an extended time period and causing less nutrient runoff into our waterways. 4. Mulch: A great way to prevent weeds and runoff is adding a layer of mulch around your plants and flowers. Mulch helps keep the soil moist, reducing water requirements and will add nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. It makes a great ground cover in areas where turf isn’t successful. Mulch will help prevent soil erosion and offer protection to plants from disease and pests. 5. Attract Wildlife: By selecting plants with flowers, fruits and seeds, pollinators and birds will frequent your outdoor space. Our state has seen rapid development over the years along our coastal areas that is reducing the habitat for our wildlife. By creating an outdoor space that attracts, feeds and protects our wildlife, we can help protect the diverse and unique ecosystems in Florida. 6. Manage your Yard Pests Responsibly: Scientists are now recommending Integrated Pest Management (IPM) over the use of chemicals due to health concerns and safety of the environment. This strategy helps use the least amount of chemicals to prevent and manage pest problems. Keeping your plants healthy and happy is the best way to prevent disease and impact from pests. Check out plant care tips and organic compounds available when deciding on a pest control tactic for your yard. 7. Recycle: Did you know that all your yard waste can be recycled and used to deliver nutrients back to your plants? Creating a compost bin or a selected space in your yard for plant waste is a great way to reuse old plant material to deliver nutrients or create mulch for plant beds. The compost will make a great addition to soil when planting and over the top of soil of existing plants for nutrients. Pine bark, pine needles, leaves can be used as mulch to help keep the soil moist and reduce weed growth. 8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff: Everywhere in Florida seems to have a body of water nearby whether it be a lake, pond, stream, river or ocean. Because Florida’s groundwater is close to the surface, it’s important to keep our waterways healthy, to prevent polluting our aquifers. Pollutants can enter our waterways through runoff from homes, streets, sidewalks and yards. By reducing impervious surface areas, we can help reduce runoff and keep the water in our yards. Adding a rain garden, gutters or a rain barrel can help collect, store and direct the water to needed areas, allowing the water to soak into the ground vs. running into the storm drainage system. This is a great way to reduce watering requirements and store water for seasons with less frequent rain. 9. Protect the Waterfront: The riparian zone is located along the edge of freshwater. Some areas in Florida will require a buffer zone along this area, if it’s not required, it should be implemented to protect the freshwater. Adding aquatic plants and removing invasive species can help promote a healthy buffer zone that attracts wildlife. This area should be a fertilizer free zone and have a 10 foot maintenance free zone. No pesticides or chemicals should be applied in this zone. A living shoreline can help prevent erosion in our saltwater areas. Grass clippings, fallen tree leaves and other yard debris should be collected to prevent fertilizers or pesticides from entering waterways. This helps prevent algae blooms and will protect our waterways for future generations to enjoy. Following the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles is the best way to preserve our natural resources and beauty. As a certified Florida-Friendly Landscaping Professional, we can help you create a Florida-Friendly design and receive certification for silver or gold level Florida-Friendly practices. This helps create awareness and encourages others to participate to protect our valuable resources. If you would like more information on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles, email or call for a copy of The Handbook for Home Landscapes, provided by the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program. Together we can improve the quality of our drinking water and keep our waterways stunning.  Enhance your outdoor spaces by creating unique pathways and seating areas with low-cost options that will look stunning all year long. There are several budget-friendly products available to construct elegant walkways and entertainment areas that can look modern, natural or traditional depending on the style of your home and personal preference. Increase your home’s exterior appeal with easy-to-travel paths in high-traffic locations where grass may be difficult to maintain. If you need more outdoor space for entertaining guests or enjoying nature, there are several ways to utilize inexpensive materials to build a custom seating area. Flagstone This sedimentary or metamorphic sandstone rock is flat and cut into irregular shapes and sizes. There are several textures and shades to consider when selecting the right stone for your space. Choose the right thickness for your project, thinner stones may break easier but thicker stones will cost more and may not be necessary for the location or use. Using mulch, sand, shell, gravel or turf as filler between the flagstones can help reduce the project costs and create a more natural look. You can also build a solid surface area with the flagstone by placing them closer together and utilizing concrete as a filler. This permeable stone is extremely durable and a great option to design a versatile space. Paver Stones or Bricks Choose from a variety of colors, shapes and textures to create geometric patterns in your pathways and entertaining spaces. Paver stones can be concrete, brick, clay or stone and can complement the architectural look of your property. If you are on a budget, you can even make your own paver stones with several inexpensive options available. Old bricks can be great for building a charming walkway or quaint seating area. These long-lasting materials can be a great budget-friendly option that will look stunning. Gravel / Rock / Shell Depending on the location, consider using gravel, rock or shell as a ground cover for your paths. You will want to install a weed barrier prior to installation so the product does not become lost in the dirt and edging can help keep your product in your pathway or entertainment area. These products come in several sizes, colors, and textures. The installation is simple, but preparing the area correctly is important for a longer-lasting ground cover. Organic Mulch A great, inexpensive option for the ground cover on a pathway or gathering spot is organic mulch made from tree bark or wood chips. If you are looking for a light brown color, eucalyptus or cypress mulch are great options. They don’t tend to float away and lock into place better than bark mulches. If you want a dark brown color, pine bark mulch is a great choice, just make sure this area doesn’t receive a lot of water, or it could wash away over time. This product may need to be refreshed yearly but it is easy to install, puts nutrients into the ground for surrounding plants, and is simple to redesign in the future if you need to make any changes. If you are thinking about adding a custom path or seating area in your landscape, these easy-to-install options can be the perfect budget-friendly solution for your location. Incorporating a walkway in high traffic areas where grass has not been successful or locations that are too shady might be the perfect place for a small bench or seating area. If you need help with creating a design and installing the products, give us a call or send us a text to schedule a free, onsite consultation to discuss the best options for your location, home, and personal preferences. We can create designs based on your budget that you can enjoy for many years.  We have a wide variety of butterflies and birds throughout our area of Florida that are attracted to specific plants for food and shelter. Florida is home to roughly 200 species of butterflies with some migrating but most staying with us year-round. Florida has some rare butterflies that are not found in any other state and boasts the most butterflies east of the Mississippi. We are also home to over 500 species of birds that are attracted to our gorgeous wildflowers and native vegetation. Our warm temperatures throughout the year make Florida a perfect place to create an inviting landscape for butterflies and birds. Check out some of the plants below for inspiration on attracting more birds and butterflies to your outdoor spaces. Native Milkweed There are over 20 species of milkweed that are native to Florida. This plant is specifically favored by the Monarch butterfly which feeds on the plant as a caterpillar and the flower nectar later as an adult. Some of the native milkweed choices you may find available at a nursery are Pink Swamp Milkweed, White Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly weed. By utilizing these plants, you will see an increase in Monarch traffic through your garden. Lantana This drought-tolerant plant is sure to attract the pollinators with its bright bouquets of flower clusters. This heat tolerant plant is low-maintenance and enjoyed by hummingbirds, bees, and several species of butterflies. This plant can manage a full sun location and is sure to bring a wide range of pollinators to your landscape. Coral Honeysuckle Butterflies and hummingbirds are both attracted to the colorful, tubular flowers while cardinals and other birds will enjoy the bright red berries that appear during fall. This plant can grow up to 15 ft tall and does best when it can climb a structure or trellis, however, can also be used as a ground cover in areas that do not have foot traffic. Zinnia One of my personal favorites to attract butterflies is Zinnia, which comes in all kinds of vivid colors and sizes. Choosing a taller flower species will help attract more pollinators. These low-maintenance flowers will also encourage more visits from hummingbirds. These flowers are best planted in spring, can handle a full sun location and will bloom longer if you remove the dead blooms. Tropical Sage Attract warblers, nut-hatchers, and hummingbirds with these gorgeous plumes of red or pink flowers. This plant can grow 2-6 ft tall with 1-2 ft spread and is popular among the butterflies as well as other pollinators. This plant can bloom all year long and can be placed in a full sun to partial shade location. Purple Coneflower Brighten your landscape with this daisy-like flower that blooms throughout the spring and fall. This whimsical plant, also known as echinacea, comes in a variety of colors, but the light purple is the Florida native option. This adaptive plant will grow 3-4 ft tall with a 2-3 ft spread and does well in a full sun location. A great option for attracting an array of butterflies and pollinators. If you are looking for ways to increase the butterfly and bird sightings in your yard, research the best plants for your exact location. Many of the plants have a selection of specimens that may be better suited to a full sun location versus a shady spot. Find specimens that are not considered invasive and try to utilize native plants when available, as they will last longer, are better for the natural ecosystem, and attract more local wildlife. Give us a call or text if you would like to schedule a free, onsite consultation to discuss the best plants available for your exact location and preferences. We can help you design an inviting space for butterflies, birds and other pollinators that will be easy-to-maintain and look fantastic throughout the year.  As summer approaches, it is hard not to notice the energy bill increasing and wondering about ways to reduce utility costs. By strategically planting shade trees, you can not only help reduce your energy bills but also can help produce shade throughout the day for other plants to get relief from the late afternoon sun. There are many drought-tolerant shade trees that may even help reduce your monthly water bill. Choose from a variety of shade tree options that will thrive in our area of Florida, some offering an abundance of flowers with color and others interesting bark and limbs. Check out the options below if you are considering adding a shade tree to your landscape. Gumbo Limbo The impressive Gumbo Limbo tree is a fantastic option for a drought-tolerant, Southern Florida native tree that can grow 25-50 ft high with a similar spread. Plant this tree in a location with room to grow, it will prefer a well-draining soil in an area with little irrigation once established. Known for its gorgeous, reddish-brown, smooth bark, this tree produces tiny white flowers in the spring and small fruits in late spring to early summer. The leaves will last most of the year, slowly falling in early spring and replaced rapidly by new growth. This low-maintenance tree can manage high winds, does great in our native soil, and does not require supplemental nutrients. Mahoe Tree Variegated If you are looking for a more unique shade tree, the deciduous variegated Mahoe tree is a great option. Enjoy large, heart-shaped leaves that drape down creating a thick canopy of vibrant greens and white patterns with a hint of red from the new growth. The flowers will bloom yellow in the morning and turn red by sunset throughout the summer. This tree can work well in a medium space but if pruned often can work in smaller areas. Also known as sea hibiscus, this tree is salt-tolerant and is related to the hibiscus plant. Royal Poinciana The flamboyant royal poinciana is a semi-evergreen tree that produces an abundance of crimson-red blooms from late spring through early summer. This fast-growing tree can reach 40-50 ft high with a 40-60 ft spread. This tree does best in full-sun locations and will need to be watered regularly when first planted, but once established it will only need water during extended droughts. Purple Jacaranda The magnificent purple jacaranda will produce gorgeous purple flower clusters with a light fragrance in early spring before its new leaves sprout. This tree grows quickly and can reach heights of 25-40 ft with a spread of 45-60 ft within a ten-year period. This deciduous tree has a high drought-tolerance and will do best in a full sun location with sandy, loamy soil. Tabebuia Tree With several colorful options, the ornamental tabebuia tree will produce an abundance of color with lavender, yellow, or pink flowers. This medium-sized deciduous tree will grow 20-30 ft high. This tree is a great specimen for adding more color to medium-to-large spaces. Plant in a full sun location that has regular irrigation. Let the soil dry out between watering and once established this tree will be semi-drought tolerant. Once you have selected the shade tree of your choice, you will be ready to select a spot to plant. Choose a position on the east or west side of your property to maximize the shade your home receives. Make sure you research the mature height of your selected tree to choose the best location, away from buildings, structures, driveways, or sidewalks that could be damaged as the tree grows. You will want to consider the irrigation needs of the tree and make sure you are prepared to provide enough water during the establishment period and during extended droughts. Research the fertilization requirements of your selected tree and provide the right supplements to promote growth and flowering. Planting a shade tree will help provide spaces for wildlife, reduce your energy bill, and can help protect other plants from the late afternoon summer sun. If you would like additional options or more information on planting a shade tree at your location, give us a call or send us a text at 727.222.4477 and we would be happy to schedule a free, onsite consultation.  Many of our customers ask what is Xeriscape landscaping and is it the right decision for my yard? For many homeowners that are looking for a low-maintenance landscape that requires little irrigation, Xeriscape is the perfect solution. Xeriscape is a term that means “dry landscape” and refers to utilizing drought-tolerant plants, rock and mulch as opposed to large areas of turf grass that require continuous maintenance and irrigation. Even with the best maintenance program, disease or drought conditions as we are experiencing in our area now can have a negative impact on many of the varieties of turf grass. When I used to hear the term “Xeriscape”, I would think about traveling through states like Arizona where many of the houses had all rock and very few plants throughout their front yards and looked very bland. Xeriscape landscapes don’t have to be plain; they can involve repositioning the dirt to give the area a multi-level but more natural look, adding large boulders with striking features, or adding complementing plants at different heights that offer a variety of colors and textures. To begin creating your Xeriscape design, think about the colors of rock and mulch that are complimentary to your home. We recommend using natural mulch such as pine bark, cypress, or eucalyptus and recommend staying away from dyed mulch products. Next you will want to consider the different plants for your location. We have several recommendations for low-maintenance options that will thrive with little-to-no additional irrigation. Agaves With over 200 species to choose from, Agaves are succulents that are a great option for low irrigation landscapes. These slow-growing plants tend to have sharp spikes along the leaves which reduces the chance of predators. Some Agaves can grow quite large, reaching 6-10 feet tall; others will stay small and might reach a mature height of 6-12 inches. When selecting spaces for your agave plants, keep their mature height in mind so that the plant will have plenty of room to grow. If you have a large space to fill, check out the Century Plant or Agave Americana, which comes in a bluish-gray or a variegated option. This impressive plant needs very little water and will send up a flower stalk 20-40 feet high at the end of its lifespan of 20-30 years. The Caribbean agave is a great option for a smaller space that can grow 5-6 ft tall with a similar width. This variegated plant is a dense ball with sharp foliage offering year-round color. The elegant Blue Glow agave is a great option for small areas as this plant grows about 1-2 feet high with a similar or slightly larger spread. The golden and red lines that run along the outside of the leaves look gorgeous when backlit by the sun, adding color and unique flair to your landscape. Most agaves will produce pups which can be separated and planted in new places or replace older plants once they reach the end of their lifespan. Flowering plants There are several great options to add vibrant colors with drought-resistant plants that will produce flowers all summer long. Purslane is a terrific option for a sunny area with little water, this low-lying plant is completely edible and will produce gorgeous blooms all summer long. Vinca or Periwinkle is a great choice for adding pops of color and can grow to fill a large area. These flowers quickly grow to 2-3 feet high with a similar spread and do best in areas with good drainage and little irrigation. Cheer up your landscape with Beach Sunflower that will add bursts of yellow blooms throughout the year. This flower can grow to about 2 feet high, is great for attracting pollinators, and is drought-tolerant once established. Crown of Thorns is a great choice for sunny locations that require very little water and will offer red, pink, yellow or white blooms all year long. Powderpuff Mimosa is a native groundcover option that is low-lying and will produce puffy pink flowers that are wonderful for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Unique Succulents There are several succulents that are easy to grow and do well in areas with little-to-no irrigation. Yuccas offer a variety of shapes and sizes, very similar to agaves with sharp, pointy leaves that grow with little water and can tolerate salt spray. Check out the Fire Pencil Plant or regular pencil plant for a unique succulent that requires very little attention. There are many options for different cacti that do well in our area that are low-maintenance and thrive under dry conditions. The Dragon Fruit or Prickly Pear are great selections for blooming cacti that produce edible fruit. The Desert Rose is a perfect option for sunny locations that will offer showy blooms and require little maintenance or water throughout the year. Clusia is another succulent that can be grown into a hedge, as a tree, shrub or obtain the dwarf variety for a small space. A Xeriscape landscape can be colorful and unique with the variety of plant options we have available in our area of Florida. If you don’t have irrigation or time to consistently water plants that need a lot of attention, choosing plants that thrive with little attention and are drought resistant can help keep your landscape looking vibrant all year round with little effort. Utilizing a mixture of rock, mulch, boulders and native ground cover can help save costs and produce a vibrant display of colors and textures with very little maintenance and irrigation. If you need assistance creating your Xeriscape design, give us a call or text and we can schedule an onsite consultation to help you choose the best plants for your location and preferences.  If you are looking for a cost-effective and safe way to illuminate your landscape, consider adding low voltage outdoor lighting. Low voltage or 12V landscape lighting comes in a variety of options and is easy to relocate if you make any changes to your landscape or home in the future. The low voltage wiring does not need to be in conduit or buried and can safely operate in wet areas. Low voltage lighting is a great option if the safety of pets and children is a concern. The installation of low voltage lighting will be less expensive than high voltage and is more energy efficient resulting in lower monthly electric costs. LED bulbs can be utilized for more energy efficiency and a longer lasting life, resulting in lower maintenance as you will not have to change the bulbs very often. Research the variety of options available to create a lighting design that brightens your pathways and highlights the best features of your landscape. Spotlights Installing spotlights in your design is a fantastic way to highlight landscape features and brighten your outdoor spaces. Adding spotlights to the base of trees, shrubs, statues, or water features is a great way to increase the security of your home while accenting the best parts of your outdoor spaces. Spotlights are easy to adjust and can be placed in any outdoor area where additional light is needed. Pathway Lights The addition of pathway lights can help brighten your walkways making them safer at night and illuminating the way to your home’s entrance. Pathway lights aim the light down and to the sides providing the perfect amount of light for a well-lit pathway or walkway. Pathway lights can also be placed within plant beds to add more visibility to specific features. Deck & Step Lights Walk with ease on your deck and steps at night by adding flush or surface mount lights to the area. Increase the ambiance of your outdoor spaces with dimmable step lights that will allow you to control the brightness that are perfect for entertaining. By increasing the nighttime visibility, your guests will be able to travel with ease up and down your stairs and along the deck. In-Ground Well Lights Draw attention to landscape features, decorative columns, pathways, or trees by utilizing in-ground well lights. These lights are placed in a well that is dug below the surface, allowing the light to set recessed into the ground. These lights come in a variety of options, some of the lights have adjustable direction, some can be submerged in water such as a pond or pool, and some offer different colors. Now that you know the variety of options available to brighten up the exterior of your home, you can create a low-voltage lighting design. Walk around your property and look at the features, trees, pathways, stairs that you want to be incorporated into your outdoor lighting project. Next research the various products available and style for your property. We recommend choosing a product that offers an extended warranty. Investigate your power supply options and reach out to a licensed electrician if you need to add the proper GFCI exterior outlet. A low voltage transformer will be needed for the power supply, these come in several options and can even include the timer. If you would like a consultation to discuss your outdoor lighting options, give us a call or send a text and we will schedule an onsite appointment and create a custom design for your specific outdoor lighting needs.  A thriving, colorful landscape design can consist of drought-tolerant, non-invasive plants that will require little annual maintenance. Depending on your location and preferences, you can add plants that will require little attention but offer vibrant color all year long. There are a variety of options available for low-maintenance plants in our area of Florida. You will want to consider the mature size of the plant; sunlight requirements and irrigation needs when selecting plants for your design. Choosing plants at different heights is a terrific way to create layers of complimentary colors and textures. Check out some plant ideas below if you are looking for minimal-maintenance recommendations for your landscape. Agaves are a type of succulent that are easy to establish and will require little attention throughout the year. Agaves come in several assorted colors and sizes, some growing 7-9 ft tall with 16-20 ft stalks that produce flowers. These plants are typically slow-growing, most do well in full sun while some will do better in partial sun or filtered light. Blue and Americana Agave are larger popular agave plants that require little water and perfect for full sun locations. Caribbean Agave is typically a little smaller, maturing at about 3-5 feet with greenish / yellowish variegated leaves. Agave Striata has narrow spiny leaves that grow to a height of about 15-8 inches, requires little water, does well in full or partial sun and will offer year-round greenery. Agaves are a great option to add color into full sun areas with little to no irrigation. Palms are throughout Florida and are drought-tolerant once established but may need occasional watering during extreme dry periods with low humidity. Your location will be a crucial factor in selecting the best palm specimen for your space. Some palms can grow quite large and should not be placed close to structures, driveways, or pathways. Some palms will do best in full sun while others will prefer indirect, bright light. Choose the right palm for your design by researching the mature height and growth rate, there are several options available that come in all shapes and sizes with different sunlight preferences. Check out the Coontie and Sago palms for smaller, drought-friendly plants that require minimal maintenance and stay green all year. Some larger palm options include the Foxtail, Alexander, and Christmas palms that will require little irrigation and self-maintain by shedding their own fronds once they turn brown. Seagrape, Clusia, and Cocoplum are some great drought-tolerant options if you are looking for a shrub or a privacy-hedge plant. These plants are found throughout south Florida and range from moderate to very salt tolerant. The Seagrape produces edible fruit and can often be found along coastal areas in Florida. Clusia is also known as the autograph plant, you can engrave designs on the leaves that will stay until the leaf falls from the plant and can be shaped to form a hedge, tree or individual shrub. Dwarf Clusia is a smaller option for smaller round green leaves all year long. The cocoplum also produces an edible fruit and is a popular hedge shrub throughout South Florida. Flowering plants bring beautiful colors and an array of pollinators. If you are looking for low-maintenance and minimal irrigation flowering plants, check out Crown of Thorns that comes in pinks, reds, and yellows. This slow growing plant is a great option for full sun areas. Beach Sunflower is a great ground-cover option for coastal areas in full sun locations. This plant will produce bright yellow flowers all year long and is very salt and drought tolerant. An Ice Plant produces daisy-like flowers and is a great option for boulders and dry areas. This vibrant succulent can succeed in many locations and can even be combined with other flowering plants for a stunning display. The plants listed above are just a few options for our area of Florida, which are minimal-maintenance and drought tolerant. When creating your plant design you will want to consider the exact location, make sure the plant will not overgrow the space or encroach on other plants or structures. Research the watering requirements, fertilization needs, and plant growth rate to choose the best plant for your design. If you would like help selecting plants and designing a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant landscape, give us a call or text to schedule an onsite appointment.  |
AuthorPlant and Flower enthusiast who enjoys creating Florida-Friendly landscape designs. Archives
January 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
Proudly powered by Weebly