Between 30 and 60 percent of all drinking water is used to water lawns and landscapes. Watering of residential landscapes accounts for an estimated 50 percent of water wastage. It’s due to improper watering practices, overwatering, and poorly adjusted or maintained irrigation systems. It results in pooling, puddling, erosion and runoff that can contribute to algae blooms in waterways as fertilizer is washed away. It also drives up water bills. Consider the following ways to conserve water.

Low Moisture Plantings

There’s a myriad of plants that survive and thrive on low amounts of moisture. They store excess water in stems and leaves or have fuzzy stems that allow them to make optimal use of morning dew. Some examples are moss roses, yarrow, sedum, black-eyed-susan, coneflower, lavender, gaillardia, and gazania. There are also decorative ornamental grasses.

Landscaping with Native Plants

Trees, flowers and shrubs that are native to South Florida have evolved and adapted to the area’s unique conditions. They’re able to withstand drought, high winds and are even resistant to salt spray. They encompass butterfly weed, beach sunflower, gumbo limbo and coco plum trees, the yaupon shrub, buttonsage evergreen, and bee balm.

Irrigation Systems

Make sure that irrigation systems are equipped with a moisture meter that measures the amount of water in the soil. Install low volume irrigation systems whenever possible to deliver water to root systems rather than on top of the plants.

Use a Rain Barrel

Rain barrels collect rain water runoff from structures. Water is channeled to the rain barrel where it’s saved for later use. It can be utilized to water the landscape and even houseplants.

Create a Rain Garden

Rain water runoff from structures, gutters and driveways is directed to the water garden that will spring to vibrant life when the water arrives.

Mulch Existing Plantings

Applying mulch helps retain moisture, impedes evaporation, reduces weed growth, and improves soil as it breaks down.

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Shade is a relative term for people. Plants take their shade requirements a little more seriously. Everyone has taken home a plant that required some form of shade, only they had miscalculated the level of shade in their landscape. The amount of shade must be determined accurately.

Doing so will guarantee that the plant flourishes as a unique specimen or fills in any areas where nothing seems to want to grow. You’ll be the recipient of distinctly colored and patterned foliage or brightly colored blossoms. It’s also important to remember that some plants will tolerate shady conditions that overlap one another.

Filtered Shade

In filtered shade, sunlight reaches the ground after being filtered through a canopy of tree leaves. It’s sometimes referred to as dappled sunlight. The pattern of light shifts throughout the day and doesn’t remain the same. Astilbe, fuchsia, impatiens, begonias and bleeding heart are good choices.

Partial Shade

A partial shade situation occurs when an area receives 2 to 4 hours of sun each day. Caladiums, coleus, hostas, primrose, hardy cyclamen, and lily of the valley will grow in these conditions.

Full Shade

You have full shade when an area receives less than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day due to dense tree canopies or building overhangs. Hostas like shade.

Deep/Dense Shade

This occurs when plants don’t receive any direct sun. The light they do receive is reflected or indirect. Primroses, lily of the valley, trilliums, coral bells, and foxglove are just some of the flowering plants that will tolerate deep shade.

Annuals and Perennials

A large number of shade loving plants tend to be perennials. Just plant them once and they return every year. However, for those that like the vibrant colors of annuals, there are also choices. Bear in mind that the light and shade requirements stated on plant tags provide optimal conditions. Many plants are able to adapt to other shade conditions – if it’s not a radical difference.

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A number of avian species are being sighted in areas that aren’t their native habitat. They’re also being seen in locations from which they’ve effectively disappeared in recent memory. Researchers have concluded that one of the primary reasons for this is climate change and more powerful storms that are blowing birds off course.

Flamingos and Limpkins

Two recent examples of displaced birds are flamingos in Florida and a limpkin that was positively identified in Barry County, MI. Limpkins are normally found in South Florida, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. New York City residents were treated to a glimpse of a Painted Bunting in 1999 and again in 2015. Rarely seen north of Arkansas, Painted Buntings are a common sight in South Florida.

Diversified Plantings

It’s not just avians that are blown off course that require a diversification of food sources. Destruction of habitat continues unabated and even native species can have difficulty locating their preferred food. Planting native species in the landscape helps sustain local species and aids in supporting endangered species. South Florida’s subtropical climate offers conditions that are ideal for a great many types of plants, bushes, vines, and trees.

What to do With Displaced Birds

A great many displaced birds arrive in an unfamiliar area unharmed, but tired and in need of water and sustenance. Avians that feed on sea life will typically be able to find their own food.

Other species that consume seeds and nectar may have a little more difficulty if they don’t see plants with which they’re familiar. The birds will typically come to rest in a park or other environment that provides cover. After recuperating, they’ll typically try to return to their traditional areas. The first step is to positively identify the bird. A little research will reveal what they eat.

To assist the avians, individuals can try leaving some of the bird’s favorite food in a fairly open space where they can find it. There’s no guarantee that they’ll feed, but individuals will have the peace of mind knowing they did what they could to help a displaced bird.

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South Florida gardeners are fortunate in the range of herbs that they can grow year-round. Fresh and tasty, herbs add flavor and zest to any cuisine. Dozens of culinary herbs will flourish in South Florida, even in the winter, due to the mild climate. Some will also grow during the summer months, provided they have some shade to protect them from the intense summer sun.

Winter Herbs

There are 5 basic herbs that can be planted in autumn and harvested during the winter months.

Chives

The perennial will grow year-round, but does especially well in winter. It’s used to flavor soups, sauces and dips, or sprinkled on scrambled eggs. Chives can be mixed with butter to use when cooking steak, roasted chicken, fish, and vegetables.

Coriander

The annual will flourish during cooler months. It’s a popular spice in Indian, Latin, Mexican and Spanish dishes. Coriander is used in marinades, sauces, soups, curries, and meat rubs.

Fennel

It’s a perennial, with the seeds and leaves used in herbal teas, as a garnish and in salads. The stems can be used in soups.

Parsley

A biannual, it will thrive in the winter months. Use the leaves in pasta or meat dishes, in vegetables, salads, sauces, and as a garnish. Commercially, the seeds are used as a fragrance in soaps, perfumes and cosmetics. The root, seeds and leaves are used in the manufacturing of medicine.

Thyme

A perennial, it can be planted Oct. through Feb. in South Florida. Use the leaves and flowers to flavor soups, season meat, and sprinkled on vegetables. Some use it in batter and dough mixtures. Commercially, the leaves, flowers and oil are utilized in food production and to manufacture medicine.

Planning Ahead

For those that like to plan their next garden endeavor early, there are 10 herbs that every South Florida gardener should try. They can be cultivated in the ground, in raised beds or in containers.

• Basil
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Lemon balm
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Tarragon
• Thyme

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Many people are planting a fruit tree or two in their backyard. They’re fun to grow and provide healthy fresh fruit. While the South Florida climate is great for some fruits, not all fruit trees will grow well in the subtropical environment. The following are some that will thrive. Bear in mind that many fruits are self-pollinators, but others may need a second tree to set fruit.

Avocado

Not to be confused with California avocados, the “Florida avocado” has bright green skin. It’s lower in fat and calories than those grown in California. The Simmons variety produces well and grows 20-25 ft. tall. Harvesting is July-Sept.

Custard Apple

Even the skin can be consumed, but the seeds are highly toxic. Trees begin to fruit at 3-5 years of age and harvest runs from winter through spring.

Dragon Fruit

Harvest time is early summer to mid-autumn. A member of the cactus family, it’s a vine-like tree that can grow up to 20 ft. tall if not controlled.

Dwarf Banana

The Dwarf Cavendish is the most popular for cultivating in South Florida and can be harvested year-round. It’s resistant to disease, cold tolerant, and will typically fruit 9-12 months after its established. Trees can be damaged by wind and need approximately 5 inches of water per month.

Lychee

Extremely sweet, harvest time is May-early July. Look for varieties that mature at a smaller size than commercial species. It’s not salt tolerant.

Mango

The highly aromatic fruit can be harvested year-round, with peak production in the summer. Don’t plant near overhead power or utility lines.

Papaya

It requires an average of 7-11 months for a tree to bear fruit after it becomes established. Harvest is in summer to fall.

Pomegranate

The fruit is typically harvested from July-Nov. It can take up to 7 months for fruit to mature. Trees begin after they’ve been established for 2-3 yrs.

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The answer is the exotic, mysterious and elusive ghost orchid, also known by its scientific name of Dendrophylax lindenii. The flower was made famous in the non-fiction book “The Orchid Thief” by Susan Orlean and in the film adaptation. It gets its name from the delicate movement of its flower petals at night, which is said to resemble a small ghost.

Limited Habitat

Known only to live in South Florida and Cuba, the plant relies on extremely sensitive wetland habitats to survive. Loss of habitat, climate change and poaching have all contributed to its dwindling numbers.

There’s only an estimated 1,500 of the orchids left growing in the wild outside of a few plant conservatories and sanctuaries, where it draws visitors from around the globe. The orchid only grows in 3 South Florida counties.

Living in Harmony

The white-flowering orchid clings to the trunks and limbs of cypress, palm and pond apple trees in a symbiotic relationship with a type of fungus. It draws sustenance from the air or the fungi, without causing harm to the fungi or the tree. The plants are almost invisible for the majority of the year since they’re leafless.

When its Bloom Time

The orchid quickly springs into visibility when rain and humidity levels are optimal, sporting multiple spikes of flower buds that will eventually unfold into delicate, ethereal and uniquely shaped blossoms. Plants are slow growing and require several years to mature. The blossoms are fragrant and the plant typically bloom between June and October before dying back to its roots. However, it has been known to bloom out of its typical season if conditions are right.

Super Ghost Orchid

The most famous ghost orchid is one discovered at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in July 2007. It’s been carefully nurtured and has thrived. The plant has been dubbed the “Super Ghost Orchid” for its size. It’s the state’s largest ghost orchid ever discovered.

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Espaliering is an ancient practice that dates back to the Egyptians around 1400 B.C. It was also used by monks in the Middle Ages to grow fruit in monasteries and within castle courtyards.

A Type of Pruning

Espaliering is a pruning and tying technique that trains trees and bushes to grow into specific shapes, essentially forming the skeleton of the plant. The technique is especially useful for fruit trees in home gardens where they’re trained against a wall or trellis. Espaliering shouldn’t be confused with the creation of topiary.

Multiple Benefits

The practice is an especially popular technique in small environments since the resulting creations take up less space. In the small home garden, it’s performed for functional purposes and provides other benefits.

• Grow more fruit in less space
• Provides cross pollination
• Trees bear fruit earlier
• Fewer pest problems
• Harvesting is much easier

Great for Bushes

The shapes can also be performed with bushes when individuals want a specific species in the yard, but are short on space. They can form highly decorative silhouettes that add interest to any space.

Species to Espalier

A variety of plants that will grow in South Florida are good candidates for espaliering and are amenable to the process. They include bougainvillea, camellia, holly, magnolia, pomegranate, witch hazel, and viburnum. Some types of evergreens can also be espaliered.

Different Forms

Six different methods/forms of espaliering can be performed. They are:

• Cordoned – the most traditional, in which branches grow horizontally from a central trunk
• Palmetto Verrier – Branches are shaped into a U and turned up at the ends
• Fan – Branches are trained at a 45-degree angle from a central trunk
• Candelabra – Several vertical branches rise at intervals from a horizontal branch
• Informal – Near natural shape, but still from a single trunk
• Belgian French – 3 or more V-shaped espaliers are woven together – or two trees

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Vines can be a useful addition to any environment. They provide beauty and interest to the landscape, while providing an important source of sustenance for pollinators and a variety of native species. Planting a vine in South Florida doesn’t automatically equate to rampant growth – unless that’s the desired outcome. There are some very well behaved annual and perennial vines.

Camouflage Unsightly Items

Modern living requires electrical boxes, trash receptacles and generators. Vines can hide these by letting them grow over a simple piece of lattice work.

Cover a Fence

Covering an old or unattractive fence with a vine is one of the easiest ways to put off replacing the fence or beautifying it.

Create a Focal Point

Individuals can create an accent point of an arbor, pergola or trellis by letting a flowering vine cover it. By planting annual vines such as morning glories, individuals can change the appearance from season to season or year to year.

Grow a Flower Teepee

A fun project for families with children, simply create the framework for the vine to climb upon. This works best with annual vine species.

Minimize Erosion

There are any number of vines that are perfectly happy running across the ground rather than climbing upward. They’re excellent for minimizing erosion on slopes and hillsides, thwarting weed growth, and covering areas where grass is reluctant to grow or are difficult to reach with a mower.

Protect Privacy

Vines can be trained to grow over a deck, porch, freestyle screen, or even up guidewires to make activities private from prying eyes.

Throw Some Shade

Create a shady spot to enjoy the landscape or even provide a canine with some essential shade from the hot South Florida sun.

Train a Vine Tree

Some species of vines can be trained to grow in a tree-like form. They don’t achieve a great height, but make a unique addition to any landscape.

Vertical Vegetable Gardening

A number of vegetables will accommodate growing vertically rather than outward. They include species of beans, peas, strawberries and tomatoes. Heavier plants such as grapes, cucumbers, melons and squash will need a fairly strong framework to grow upon.

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