The reduction in recent rainfall for our area has led to an increased interest in micro-irrigation techniques that are not only better for your plants but also help reduce the amount of wasted runoff water.  Beginning December 1st, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has issued a modified Stage 1 Water Shortage for Pinellas County and will begin implementing watering restrictions for our area.  The rules for Pinellas County can be found at https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/ or contact your local municipality to find out the restrictions for your exact location.  Now is a good time to conduct irrigation inspections and tests to determine that it is functioning properly and that there are no leaks or breaks in the line to avoid fines and reduce water waste.  Micro-irrigation is a low-pressure system that will deliver water directly to the roots of a plant, which also reduces weed growth and water waste.  If you are installing new irrigation or plants that will have different irrigation needs, check out some of the inexpensive micro-irrigation options available to irrigate gardens, plant beds and newly installed landscape. 
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Utilize inline drip tubing by placing it just under the mulch or soil surface for rows of plants.  You can also wind the tubing through a plant bed.  This tubing system is a great way to get more water directly to the roots of your plants by slowly watering the soil so that it absorbs more water.  There are several products to choose from with inline emitters spaced evenly apart at specific intervals or purchase tubing and place emitters where needed for wider spaced plants.

If you have hanging baskets or plants that are placed far apart, installing drip emitters can be beneficial in delivering water from emitters punched directly in the header tubing or by using spaghetti tubing that goes to the plants.  Using drip emitters is optimal for plants that are not evenly spaced, have different watering needs or are in containers. 

If you need to cover a large area of mixed plantings, then try micro-sprayers in that area.  These sprayers deliver more water than the other options for micro-irrigation and are perfect for mixed plant beds that benefit from this type of watering.  These sprayers are less likely to get clogged, can be easily adjusted and come in a variety of spray options for different plant needs.
A high-flow option for large trees, shrubs or containers are bubblers which can be installed directly into the main tubing or placed on short stakes.  There are several bubbler options available for different watering needs.  Bubblers are designed for deep watering, getting water to the plant’s roots, and reducing waste runoff. 

These micro-irrigation systems are flexible and can be attached to a hose, outdoor faucet or hard piped into already existing irrigation.  These systems are easy to operate and can be controlled manually, with a battery powered timer or if hard piped into existing irrigation it will be controlled with the automatic irrigation controller.  Once installed, monitor your plants for signs or too much or too little water and make any necessary adjustments.  These systems can become damaged and should be checked monthly to ensure they are functioning properly, especially if you notice plants responding poorly in an area.  Micro-irrigation can be used for gardens, mixed plant beds, trees, shrubs, containers and hanging baskets.  Using micro-irrigation will help reduce unwanted weed growth, is more beneficial for the plants and will help reduce water runoff and waste.  If you would like to schedule a consultation on installing micro-irrigation systems or making irrigation adjustments give us a call or text for an onsite appointment.  

​     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.

Brighten up your landscape throughout fall and winter with some Florida-Friendly flower options that are sure to delight all season long.  As other plants and trees begin to lose their leaves or blooms, you can add in new colors and textures that will last through spring.  There are many colors and heights to choose from when you are creating your design but most importantly, you will want to consider the best flowers for the location.  You should check the amount of sunlight the location receives; Is it direct light? Dappled by trees? or Full shade?  Check the moisture level and soil type; Is the soil dry or moist?  Does the soil feel sandy, silty, or loamy?  Is irrigation available at the location?  While Pinellas County is in climate zone 10a the surrounding counties are in zone 9b, which means some locations may be right on the line between the two zones.  Below we will discuss flower options that will be successful in our area and offer a dazzling display through the new year.

Alyssum
This low-growing, sweet-smelling, fall through spring bloomer is a great addition to your garden, hanging baskets or in a container spilling over.  These tiny clusters of flowers come in pink, purple or white and grow in a mounding form reaching about 12 inches high.  This plant will appreciate a well-drained soil that receives lots of sun but has some shade and protection from the late afternoon sun.  This flower is typically pest free and deer resistant.  Water regularly and provide fertilizer as needed for best results.
 
Beach Sunflower
This native groundcover grows on sand dunes in our coastal areas, but it also makes a wonderful option to add bright colors all year long to your landscape.  This fast-spreading plant is extremely drought tolerant and will not do well in consistently wet soil.  Plant in full or partial sun, this plant is extremely low-maintenance and is typically bright yellow but other cultivars come in orange, copper, rose and violet.
 
Begonias
These annual bloomers are easy to maintain if you know how to properly care for the cultivar you choose.  They will typically appreciate a location that is shaded or has indirect sunlight.  Plant in well-drained soil that consists of organic material and water regularly for best results.  Choose from a variety of colors such as white, pink, red, orange, and yellow to enjoy blooms all year long.
 
Chrysanthemums
Mums are a great, low-maintenance option to add autumn colors to your landscape for fall and winter in Florida.  These flowers bloom from fall through spring in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.  Plant in a sunny location in well-draining soil made up of organic material and water regularly for best results.  The Florida summer months can be tough on these flowers, select a location with late afternoon shade for survival through summer.
 
Dianthus
Add an array of colors such as purple, lavender, pink and white with this low-growing flower that does great in front of hedges, planted in containers or baskets.  Wait until October to plant in Florida and enjoy blooms from fall until spring.  These delicate petals have fringe along the sides and can be multiple colors with a sometimes-spicy fragrance.  Select a full sun to partial shade location with well-draining soil in an area that does not receive too much water.
 
Impatiens
In this area of Florida, these flowers should be planted in October to April to enjoy color that will last nearly all year long.  Add a dazzling display of color with hues of orange, pink, white and bright reds that will look incredible as a border or container plant.  This plant enjoys regular watering and a sunny location that provides a break from the sun in the late afternoon.  Check out the different cultivars to select one best for your location.
 
Geraniums
This attractive flower is sure to brighten up your landscape and will bloom from fall until spring.  This flower does best in Florida when planted in early October, in an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight.  This flower will appreciate well-drained soil that consists of a top layer of organic matter such as peat moss or compost.  Choose between red, pink, or white for a colorful addition that will last until spring.
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Fall in Florida is full of colorful flower options to brighten up your landscape that will last through winter, bringing lasting enjoyment through spring and sometimes summer.  Adding fall flowers is a great way to attract pollinators to your yard, inhibit weeds from taking over spaces and create layers of different hues and textures.  Enjoy spending the best months of Florida in your outdoor spaces surrounded by an array of colorful flowers and plants.  If you want more ideas on other flowers that will add color over fall and winter or need help on a design idea to incorporate more color into your landscape, give us a call and we will schedule a free, onsite consultation to discuss the best options for your location and preferences.

As our active hurricane season approaches, it is a good time to think about ways to prepare your property to best protect your investment.  If you are thinking about installing new plants, there are many native and Florida-Friendly options that can tolerate high winds and saltwater spray that may be the better choice for a more sustainable landscape.  Planting trees in groups can be helpful in creating wind blocks and protecting other plants.  When selecting locations for trees, consider the future growth of the tree and plant away from homes, buildings, powerlines, or other structures that could be damaged by falling limbs.  Schedule seasonal maintenance on larger trees to keep them pruned and healthy to reduce falling branches.  Utilizing native plants in your landscape is a great way to reduce damage risk and plant loss during strong storms and hurricanes.  There are many great options to include in your landscape design if you are concerned about wind damage and saltwater spray on your plants.

If you are considering adding wind-resistant trees, check out many of the palms available that have few branches and can handle high winds such as the Sabal, Washingtonia, Spindle, Alexander, Bottle, Canary, Areca and Date palms.  Many of the palms are also salt-tolerant and are great for coastal areas.  For a location that requires a shade tree, consider the Live Oak, Sycamore, Southern Magnolia and Gumbo Limbo (zones 10b-11).   If shade is not a priority, then think about planting Sea Grapes, Clusia, Crape Myrtle, Slash Pine, or Bald Cypress.  Many of these trees are also salt-tolerant and had the highest survival rates during major hurricanes in Florida.

Protect your plants and property by using trees and shrubs to create windbreaks.  Some plants that can be utilized as a windbreak are Sea Grapes, Pigeon Plum, Clusia, Viburnum, Oleander, Hibiscus and Podocarpus.  These plants grow well in Florida and are salt-tolerant as well as wind-resistant.  There are many options available and different designs can be utilized to create windbreaks specifically for your location.  Adding multiple plant layers is helpful in offering a larger area of protection and reduces wind turbulence.  Planting trees in groups or in rows next to shrubs will greatly increase wind resistance. 

Another way to minimize plant loss is to create a rock garden, constructing layers with large rocks and boulders.  Enjoy minimal maintenance by planting salt-tolerant succulents, native grasses, or cacti. Some of our favorite options include Agave, Purslane, Muhly Grass, Crown of Thorns, and Beach Sunflower.  These plants are drought-tolerant once established and make a fantastic addition to a low-maintenance landscape.
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If you are thinking about redesigning or adding to your existing landscape, consider plants that will endure Florida’s hot, humid summers and can survive the occasional strong storm or hurricane.  Research the plants that are drought and salt-tolerant for your zone and select hardwood trees and palms that can withstand strong winds.  Planting in groups and creating windbreaks can help protect other plants so that you can continue to enjoy your outdoor space.  Preparing your landscape with hurricanes in mind can help protect your investment and help you save money from costly plant replacement or property damage.  If you would like to discuss the best options available for your location, give us a call and we would be happy to schedule a free, onsite consultation.