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