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