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.)
Too bad we’re not answering an easier question, like “Do aliens exist?”
When it comes to irrigation for plants, Florida is tricky.
There are dry spells, and really rainy periods. The soil here is sandy, which means water easily drains right through it. Unless you live in a newer housing development where builders brought in a ton of clay to build up the area. Then your soil is thick and sticky.
Different plants here have different water needs, too.
When you start looking up dwarf palm trees you might get excited about all the possibilities. Bottle Palm! Christmas Palm! Lady Palm! Pygmy Date Palm!
There’s kind of a dilemma when you’re planning to sell your house, and we’re not talking about how to hide that spot where your dog ate half the windowsill.
You know landscaping and home value are connected, but you don’t want to invest a ton of money in a house you’re leaving. At the same time, you know your home will sell faster and for a better price if it has impressive curb appeal.
When you’re landscaping for curb appeal, what projects are your best bets?
Sure, Florida is known for its bright golden sun, and it’s why so many tropical plants thrive here.
But everybody needs a break from the blazing rays once in a while — even plants.
Have you looked at the front of your house lately? Are the plants out there working hard for you, or just hanging out?
Your foundation plants have a lot on their plates. They should offer great curb appeal, enhance your home’s best features and soften its hard edges.
They’re the plants that connect your home to the surrounding landscape.
Are yours up to the task?
When you start looking for outdoor plants safe for dogs here in Central Florida, it’s doggone disappointing at first.
Asiatic jasmine? Nope — toxic. Podocarpus? Toxic. Croton? Ti plant? Bougainvillea?
Nope, nope, nope.
Aw, man, so many Florida favorites! We’re clearly barking up the wrong tree. This might be ruff.
Let’s face it, if you’re a plant in Florida, you better love sun.
But some plants love it more than others, offering bigger flowers and brighter, more colorful foliage when they soak up plenty of rays.
What are some great plants for full sun in Central Florida?
Grab your sunglasses and let’s take a look.