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