| While some people move to Florida dreaming of | | | | work than grass- Perennial peanut is a nice |
| the sea and sand, I do hear the occasional | | | | example. |
| sigh from relocating gardeners who aren't | | | | |
| sure what to plant in our lovely climate. In | | | | Not all plants are suitable to our area: |
| fact, Florida's nursery and landscape | | | | invasive plants are destructive to Florida's |
| business is second only to California, so | | | | natural environment - they rob local plants |
| you'll find plenty of fellow planters here | | | | of food water and nutrients. The Florida |
| who love to talk shrubs. And with a climate | | | | Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association has |
| like ours, every excuse to be outside is a | | | | compiled a list of plants that shouldn't be |
| good one. Not only is gardening a great way | | | | used. The same association designates "Plants |
| to relax, studies have shown that landscaping | | | | of the Year" - plants that have proven |
| can actually speed the sale of your home by | | | | themselves in our inviting climate, many of |
| up to six weeks. Â Grooming your property | | | | which are drought resistant and can tolerate |
| can also increase your resale value by a | | | | neglect (perfect for a first time gardener). |
| whopping 14 per cent. Social scientists claim | | | | These may serve as helpful guidelines for |
| that plants are the quickest and cheapest way | | | | Florida newbies - ask at your local nursery |
| to improve the atmosphere of an area. Â | | | | or check online for more information. The |
| With arguments like that, what's not to like? | | | | many choices of native and Florida-friendly |
| | | | plants that do well in our climate require |
| In addition to the financial benefits, | | | | fewer fertilizers to maintain (with an added |
| gardening is good for you! Weeding can burn | | | | bonus of fewer pollutants). |
| up to 300 calories an hour and plants improve | | | | |
| the air quality. Plants also reduce water | | | | Also be careful with pesticides - by choosing |
| pollution by filtering pollutants carried by | | | | less-toxic options and spot-treating your |
| rain, and reduce soil erosion along | | | | yard, you will allow beneficial insects be |
| shorelines and streams. | | | | more effective and minimize your family's |
| | | | exposure to chemicals. This will also protect |
| These days, people are recognizing how they | | | | any wildlife visitors you may have. To |
| can adapt their yards in little ways that | | | | increase bird and butterfly visits, make your |
| will take less effort to maintain and benefit | | | | yard wildlife friendly - aim for plants that |
| the environment at the same time. There are | | | | provide food, shelter and nesting areas. In |
| many ways to beautify your yard while keeping | | | | addition to creating a safe haven for winged |
| the work load lighter - instead of choosing | | | | visitor, bird houses can be a pretty addition |
| lawn as the predominant feature in your yard | | | | to your space. You may also want to consider |
| consider using it only in areas where it | | | | a pond or bird bath as a water source. |
| serves a function. Minimizing the size of | | | | |
| your lawn not only cuts down on water usage, | | | | Before you go to shop for plants take a look |
| it saves you all those hours behind the lawn | | | | at where you plan to set your garden. Taking |
| mower. | | | | note of the conditions specific to that area |
| | | | will be useful when choosing plants: what is |
| Choose mulched beds with drought resistant | | | | the soil like? How much sun and water does |
| plants instead of grass. Adding mulch to your | | | | the site receive? Choosing plants suitable to |
| yard is beneficial for a number of reasons: | | | | the conditions will save you time and money |
| not only does it suppress weeds; it also | | | | (and secure your status as a successful |
| helps the soil retain moisture and prevents | | | | Floridian gardener!). |
| erosion. In order to help prevent disease, | | | | |
| mulch should end about two inches from the | | | | With a little foresight your hobby can |
| base of your plants. If you are set on having | | | | transform your home and neighborhood, while |
| a green, lawn-like look, there are other | | | | helping you relax in the Florida sun. After |
| green covers that require less water and less | | | | all, isn't that the point? |