Greening your Florida Garden

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