Cool Plant Ideas For the Cool-Season in Pinellas

​     As our cool season finally begins to arrive in Florida, it is a good time to start thinking about the variety of plants and vegetables that do well when planted in the fall.  If you are new to the area or gardening, you may be surprised by some of the plants that are better off planted in the fall and winter than during spring and summer.  Some plants do not tolerate the hot, humid Florida summers but will do quite well during our fall and winter seasons.  If you are looking to add some seasonal colors there are several flower options or looking for a tasty treat, many vegetables, fruits, and herbs will do well planted during this time.  One of the best parts of living in Florida is the ability to grow plants all year round, check out some of the cool-season plants that may make a great addition to your landscape or garden.
     Flowers are always a fun way to add seasonal color and different textures.  Plant pansies or violas for flowers that will last through spring and come in a variety of fall colors such as red, yellow, apricot, white and even purple.  Marigolds are another great, low-maintenance option to add yellow and orange hues of color and will also help ward off mosquitoes and other pests.  Add a dazzling color display of pink, white, orange, and bright red with impatiens, which should be planted October-April in our area of Florida to enjoy color almost all year.  November is also a great time to plant roses, which is an evergreen in and can last 5-20 years when provided with the right care and location. 
     Bulbs will appreciate being planted in the cooler weather and can be a great way to add year-round color with low-maintenance, Florida-friendly options.  Some suggestions for bulbs to plant in fall for our area include crinum lily, agapanthus, and amaryllis.  Once established, these plants will form large clumps which can be divided during winter and planted in new locations.  These plants are green all year, producing a nice display of unique flowers and scents during their blooming season.
     Add some cool-season vegetable / fruit plants to your garden that will appreciate the cooler weather and give you some tasty treats from fall to spring.  Some easy-to-transplant goodies include broccoli, cauliflower strawberries, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and lettuce.  If you are looking to start your garden from seed try lima beans, carrots, corn, onions, peas, squash, and cucumbers.  Some herbs are also better suited for transplanting in the winter.  Plant thyme, parsley, sage, cilantro, dill, or fennel during fall for some extra fresh flavor for your dishes. 
     Fall in Florida is finally here and a great way to celebrate is by adding colorful layers of low maintenance, Florida-friendly plants.  If you are new to gardening in Florida, fall can be a great time to experiment with growing different vegetables or starting a new herb garden.  There are several flower options that offer a variety of colors and easy-to-maintain bulbs that will also produce gorgeous flowers during bloom.  Your landscape can be colorful, low-maintenance and delicious with the right planning.  If you would like help with planning a landscape that will thrive in your location, give us a call to schedule a free, onsite consultation.