There’s a lot to consider when you’re planning your pool decking — like what surface will keep you from slipping and tumbling in as you stroll past with that tray of pesto shrimp appetizers.
Should you install pavers around a pool? How to choose pool pavers? What about plain concrete — is that cheaper than pavers? Is it just as good?
When it comes to having a thriving lawn and landscape, you know that a properly functioning irrigation system is key. But getting the best possible results means partnering with the best company.
Here in Florida where irrigation is important year-round, there are a lot of irrigation companies to choose from. You might be wondering what really makes one different from another.
If different sod types had a talent show, you’d see all kinds of cool stuff: Best in sun! Great in the shade! Holds up to dog pee! Prevents erosion!
So when you’re looking for the best types of sod, there are a few solid choices, depending on your property’s unique situation.
The best sod for Orlando is typically varieties of St. Augustine and Zoysia, with a couple of exceptions for certain situations.
Pick the wrong sod for your site, and you’ll have a constant battle to keep it healthy and looking great.
What’s the best sod for Orlando? It depends. What’s going on out there on your property?
If you have a typical yard, it probably takes some abuse.
Maybe you have a kid practicing for the Olympics soccer team, or your dog is obsessed with chasing squirrels.
Maybe there’s that one area where your neighbor always cuts through to borrow your hammer, or where the mail carrier takes a shortcut. (Note to self: get the neighbor a hammer for Christmas.)
Those aren’t places for prissy plants. What to plant when things might get walked on?
You probably think the most impressive layer of your new paver patio or driveway is the top layer. It looks amazing.
But the stuff you can’t see is just as impressive, from the layer underneath that helps it drain to the edging that keeps it from falling apart to the sand that holds the pavers together to the sealer that protects the whole masterpiece.
Have a big Central Florida backyard? Lucky. Not everybody does.
“Big outdoor spaces offer a lot of options, but not many people have that luxury with the current lots being sold in Orlando,” says Ground Source Landscape Designer Eric Frisch.
Larger lots are typically outside of town, he says, and often much of the property is weeds and some scruffy Bahia grass. Sounds like it’s time for some large-area landscaping ideas.
Landscaping doesn’t last forever. Just like that western shirt with the snaps and your aunt’s beehive hairdo, some stuff goes out of style.
Ready to boot your outdated landscaping and hop on some modern landscape design ideas?
Eric Frisch, landscape designer at Ground Source, shares some outdated landscaping features — and suggestions for a contemporary refresh.
Planning your big new Florida landscaping project? Man, there’s a lot to think about, right?
How much will it cost? What do you really need? Your head must be spinning.
Maybe head outside and relax on the paver patio, or chill beneath your poolside pergola while you sort it all out.
If you haven’t spent much time studying the USDA plant hardiness map, nobody blames you.
But when the U.S. Department of Agriculture made significant changes to this tool that helps determine what plants can thrive and survive in what regions of the country, plant experts everywhere paid close attention. Some were even alarmed.
About half of the United States, including Central Florida, shifted into a new zone with the plant hardiness map update. Most places are warmer than they used to be.
What does that mean? Does it affect what you can plant in your Florida front yard? Should you care?
Maybe you have dreams for a splashy big landscaping renovation, but you’d like to just dip your toe in first.
Simple landscaping ideas can make a big difference, powering up some curb appeal, setting the scene for family fun, or creating a peaceful hangout for your private backyard haven. (That last phrase sounds so great, let’s repeat it: private backyard haven. Sigh.)
