Planning your garden design and browsing the potential plants to install is a fun endeavor. However, many people often wonder why their finished design isn’t quite what they envisioned. There are 3 very common mistakes that home designers make that can result in a landscape gone awry.

Colors and Styles

There are some colors that just don’t work well together and have a jarring effect on the eyes. The flower colors you choose to plant near your home can be overwhelming or give you a washed-out looking landscape. Examples would be a red brick home flanked by purple, red or lavender flowers, or a white house surrounded by white or beige flowers.

The same is true for the types of flowers you plant in relation to the style of home you have. The clean lines of modern style gardens would look completely out of place against a home with a classic architectural design.

Sparse Flower Beds

Many people begin with good intentions, only to discover their budget didn’t extend to all the plants they wanted to install. To make up for that, they often purchase fewer flowers and plant them further apart. The appearance is one of an anemic flower bed.

This type of planting in an open invitation for weeds to take over the bed. To counter weed growth, individuals often mulch the bed in the mistaken belief that it will be low maintenance. Instead, what they have is a mulch garden, reminiscent of a commercial landscape.

Even Numbered Plants

If you want to highlight a specific feature, such as a doorway, install a plant on either side of the entrance. Garden design for flower beds doesn’t work that way. An uneven number of plants invites the eye to wander and rove throughout the entire design. Groupings of 3 to 11 plants tend to work best. You’ll also need to avoid installing them in rows that are precision planned and overly straight.

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Summer gardening requires proper preparation. Debris, dead plants and weeds should be removed. Apply much before the heat of summer. Some trees will need to be trimmed, while flowers may need to be deadheaded or cut back. Fertilizing will need to be performed during early spring.

Hardiness Zone

Long-time South Florida residents have a good grasp of what will grow well in the subtropical climate and their maintenance needs. Those new to the region will be well-advised to conduct some research before installing any type of plants, shrubs or trees. Some are highly invasive, some won’t grow well at all, and others provide much-needed sources of food for pollinators.

Soil Composition

Your soil may have been amended to provide more fertile ground for a variety of plants. That process may need to be performed for the first time or renewed. South Florida soils can be comprised of clay, sand, loam, or a combination of those.

Use Native Plants

A wide variety of flowering plants, vines, bushes, and trees are well adapted to the South Florida climate. They provide a rainbow of color in the landscape and a source of nectar and pollen for native pollinator species. You can also choose to plant some of the native species that are on the endangered list to help preserve them.

Groundcovers

A myriad of groundcovers are available that provide colorful blossoms and are great for areas where nothing else seems to want to grow. They have the added benefit of suppressing weed growth.

Tree Trimming

To maintain the shape and health of trees, keep them pruned and trimmed. Remove dead or damaged branches and remove trees that have becomes a hazard. Have nuts from tall palms professionally removed. Keeping trees maintained will also lessen the potential damage to homes and outbuildings during storms.

Watering

South Florida typically receives enough rainfall for plants to grow well, but the area does experience dry spells and even droughts. If watering by hand, do so doing cool evening hours to minimize evaporation.

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Summer is a time for outdoor activities with family and friends and you want a lush, green carpet upon which to recreate. Maintaining lawn health in summer can be problematic for homeowners due to the hot and humid weather conditions. It’s a balancing act that can keep homeowners on their toes.

Regular Mowing

It’s critical to understand that different grass species have different mowing requirements. Some are best kept at 1.5 to 2 inches. Others, such as Bermuda grass, thrives when maintained at .5 to 1.5 inches and St. Augustine grass is happy at 3.5 to 4 inches.

Take no more than 1/3 of the height of the grass blades when you mow, never mow when the grass is wet, and always keep mower blades sharp. It ensures the grass is cut instead of ripped and torn, which opens the lawn to disease and insect pests. To avoid creating ruts and areas of uneven height and growth, it’s best to alternate the direction you mow each time.

Fertilizer

Applying fertilizer should be done in the spring to supply lawns with the nutrients they need during the summer growing season. Fertilizing during the summer months is irresponsible and there are bans against applying fertilizer during certain months. Frequent rains wash it into waterways. It contaminates drinking water and creates a toxic runoff that can spawn algae blooms.

Watering

South Florida typically receives sufficient rainfall for lawns to thrive. However, there have been dry spells and the state has also experienced times of drought. Lawns need about ½ to ¾ of an inch of rain per week, depending upon the species that’s planted. If no rainfall is in the forecast, you’ll need to water. If you’re watering by hand rather than a programmable irrigation system, always water during cool, evening hours.

To save money when you need to water, you may want to consider rainwater harvesting. It prevents pooling and puddling, enhances drainage, limits runoff, and provides an alternative source of moisture if watering bans are enacted.

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The allure of planting vividly colored annual plants can be strong. The problem is that they often don’t do well if there’s any flooding and a drought will elevate your water bill keeping them watered. The solution is installing native Florida flowers that are adapted to survive, and even thrive, in the South Florida conditions. An added bonus is that they require less maintenance.

Black-eye Susan

Salt and drought resistant, it’s a tough wildflower that has a brown center and petals that can be red, yellow or orange.

Beach Sunflower

It likes hot, dry conditions and doesn’t mind coastal areas. It attracts butterflies and the flowerheads follow the sun as it passes overhead. The blooms are yellow, have brown centers, bloom almost year-round, and self-sows.

Coreopsis

Also known as tickseed, it’s a wildflower that sports bright yellow blossoms in spring and summer. It’s drought tolerant and reseeds itself.

Native Orchids

Florida has at least 106 different species of native orchids, with 18 listed as threatened and 58 are endangered. They come in multiple colors and planting them helps preserve native species.

Firebush

Vivid red or orange tubular flowers grow on stalks and the plant is a member of the coffee family. It can be grown as a bush or small tree. They’re essential to pollinators that includes butterflies and hummingbirds.

Purple Coneflower

Also known as echinacea, it’s an endangered Florida wildflower. They’re characterized by pinkish-purple petals and dark centers.

Star Anise

Commonly associated with Asia, there are several species of the shrub that are native only to Florida. It can grow up to 15 ft. tall, with fragrant pinkish, yellow or white blossoms.

Florida Asters

There are 331 species of asters native to Florida. Many are listed as endangered, with 41 only found in the state.

Gaillardia

It’s also known as blanket flower and some studies indicate it was introduced to Florida several centuries ago. The plant made a comfortable home in the state and thrived, providing an excellent source of pollen and nectar for pollinators. Blossoms can be single, double, semi-double or tubular, depending on the species. Blooms are red, yellow or orange.

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If you’re planning to have work performed in your landscape, plan early. Don’t wait any longer if you haven’t already scheduled your project. It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a full-scale remodel of your outdoor environment or just want to add a small water feature in the backyard – landscaping companies are in high and are often booked for months in advance.

The promising news is that they may also be able to work you in if your project isn’t too extensive. The range of services offered will depend on the individual landscape company, but can encompass any or all of the following.

Plantings

Landscape companies are best known for their planting services for flowerbeds, vines, bushes and trees. They’re highly-trained in the requirements of an extensive array of plants and are able to give them the best possible start in your yard.

Irrigation Systems

Landscape companies design and install traditional irrigation systems. They also work with sustainable systems that feature low water consumption and savings for clients.

Lawn Care

Maintaining a lush, green lawn can require considerable time, effort, and individuals can inadvertently do more harm than good for their lawn if they’re not careful. A landscaping company has highly-skilled technicians that know the optimal way to mow different species of grass, fertilize in the correct amount and at the right time, water effectively, and prevent disease and animal pests.

Hardscapes

These are the non-plant features that can be added to landscapes for interest and enjoyment. Hardscapes include such items as pool surroundings, walkways, statuary, pergolas, firepits, and lighting that enhances outdoor spaces.

Maintenance

Landscapers work with residential and commercial clients to install and maintain environments year-round. That can include trimming and pruning trees for their health and the safety of people and homes, tending to a backyard citrus grove, or removing fruits from palm trees.

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Some people have a natural talent for designing attractive gardens and the ability to plant almost anything and make it thrive. For those that don’t have those skills, a landscape designer is the solution. The following are key elements when hiring a landscaping company.

On-Site Inspection

Always expect an on-site inspection from the selected landscape company. The inspection process enables the company to explore the soil, choose compatible plants, and plan for every contingency, including an irrigation system if needed. It allows the estimator to create an accurate estimate so homeowners don’t experience any surprises later on.

The inspection includes accessibility to the property and any existing features that might be disturbed during the landscaping process. The inspector will note any potential problem areas such as slopes and cliffs, along with the placement of utility lines and property boundaries. Landscaping company can also design landscapes around themes, along with those that that are child- and pet-friendly.

Soil

The South Florida soil doesn’t retain moisture or nutrients well. While native plants have adapted to the soil, not all plantings are able to do so. They may require extra moisture, fertilization, or protection from the afternoon sun. Landscapers are knowledgeable about plant requirements.

Plantings

Individuals may have their heart set on certain plantings in their landscape, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Landscape designers are cognizant of the space requirements of mature bushes, shrubs and trees and help clients choose the best plants for their specific circumstances.

Sustainability

There’s a decided trend toward sustainable landscapes. The design utilizes plants that thrive in existing conditions and often relies on native plants. It also includes irrigation systems that use less water and save clients money.

Ultimate Usage

Homeowners should tell the landscaping professionals how the area to be addressed will be used. It provides information the experts can utilize to craft a landscape that accommodates the client’s aesthetics, while facilitating their intended use and lifestyle.

Gardeners in Florida are fortunate in the extensive range of flowering plants that will thrive in the sub-tropical climate. While people in other parts of the U.S. typically need to plant multiple types of flowers for successive blooms, the following flowers will look great year-round in South Florida.

Gaillardia

Also known as blanket flower, it begins blooming in early summer and continues until a frost occurs. They’re tolerant of heat, drought, and sandy soils. The brightly-colored red and yellow daisy-like flowers are heavy bloomers. Most varieties are 12 to 18 inches high, but some can grow up to 3 ft. tall.

Gerbera Daisy

Available with brilliant red, yellow, orange purple, pink or white blooms, they look great in the garden and can be used as cut flowers. Eager bloomers, they can break into blossom at any time and the flowers last for several weeks. They like the sun, but need afternoon shade, growing 10 to 18 in. high.

Ixora

Known as West Indian Jasmine, the shrub blooms year-round and each flower cluster can last 6 to 8 weeks. Blossoms are abundant and available in bright red, yellow, orange, pink or white. It doesn’t tolerate alkaline soils and needs full sun, growing 4 to 15 ft. tall and 4 to 10 ft. wide.

Pentas

A bush with star-shaped blooms, it attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Blossoms are red, purple, lavender, white or pink. It needs full sun and grows 18 to 36 in. tall, but some species can reach 6 ft. in height. In South Florida it can even bloom into the winter months.

Salvia

The red, white or pink tubular blossoms appear spring through fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. It typically grows 3 to 4 ft. tall. Use care in choosing a species, as some can spread where they’re not wanted. They’re drought tolerant.

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Maintaining a lush, green lawn is a priority for many people. What they don’t know is that their mowing practices may actually be damaging their grass in multiple ways. It doesn’t matter what type of grass is seeded or how hardy it’s supposed to be, employing correct practices will help it thrive.

Sharp Blades

Sharp blades are key to ensure cuts are clean. Dull blades rip and tear blades of grass. Blades need to be replaced or sharpened if the cut ends appear ragged. The grass tips will also appear gray where they were cut. Lawn grass that’s been ripped rather than cut is highly susceptible to disease, along with insect infestations.

Direction

Alter the direction in which you mow. You may have worked out a method for mowing that minimizes the number of passes you have to make. Mowing in the same direction each time can create ruts in the soil. When you mow in the same direction each time, grass is bent in a single direction and inconsistencies in length can occur.

Mow Weekly

When your lawn receives enough moisture, it will typically grow enough each week to warrant being mowed. Be aware of the needs of the variety planted.

Height Matters

• Each species of grass has an optimal length that it should be kept. The University of Florida recommends the following:
• Bahia grass – 3 to 4 in.
• Bermuda grass – 5 to 5.5 in.
• Carpet grass – 1.5 to 2 in.
• Centipede grass – 1.5 to 2 in.
• St. Augustine grass – 2.5 to 4 in
• Zoysia grass – 1 to 3 in.

Water, Fertilizer and Weed Control

The average lawn only needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to thrive during the growing season. Choose a slow-release fertilizer and apply appropriately to prevent burning the lawn. Dig up weeds by hand and use caution when applying weed killer.

Hire a Professional

If you don’t have the time or don’t feel confident about the many tasks associated with a lush lawn, hire a professional lawn service. They can install irrigation if needed. The experts will know how much fertilizer to apply and when, the appropriate methods to deal with insect pests, and can install irrigation.

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On average, a lawn in South Florida will need mowing once a week if it’s getting enough water
and nutrients for proper growth. However, that schedule may not be the healthiest option for
your lawn if there’s been a significant length of time with no rain or you don’t have irrigation.
Mowing frequency will also depend on the type of grass that’s planted in the lawn.
South Florida is known for its generous rainfall totals. You may need to mow twice a week if
rainfall has been plentiful. Conversely, mowing every 2 weeks during a dry spell could be
sufficient. The seasons also play an important role in mowing. You’ll mow more often during
the spring and summer months. Your mowing frequency will be radically reduced, or
eliminated, during the autumn and winter months when grass goes dormant.
Much will depend on the species of grass that’s planted. The University of Florida recommends
the following as the optimal grass heights:
 Bahia grass – 3 to 4 in.
 Bermuda grass – 5 to 5.5 in.
 Carpet grass – 1.5 to 2 in.
 Centipede grass – 1.5 to 2 in.
 St. Augustine grass – 2.5 to 4 in.
 Zoysia grass – 1 to 3 in.
Dwarf varieties of St. Augustine grass, Seville, Jade, and Palmetto (Delmar) are the only cultivars
that should be mowed at less than 3 inches.
Mowers
To keep grass healthy and looking attractive, make sure lawn mower blades are sharp. Dull
blades don’t cut – they tear. Dull blades are detrimental to your lawn – signs of dull blades can
include:
 Grass looks ragged
 White tips on grass
 A brownish hue
Mowing with dull blades makes grass more susceptible to disease. Blades should be replaced –
or at least sharpened – once a year, and more frequently if you notice tearing rather than a
smooth cut. Use caution over uneven terrain. It’s easy to scalp high spots.

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Many cities throughout the U.S. have water restrictions. They’re designed to make the most
efficient use of the natural resource within the landscape. The South Florida Water
Management District has set forth specific days and times for watering, leading many
individuals to wonder about their landscaping. Residents can have a beautiful landscape, even
with watering restrictions.
Know the Rules
There may be exceptions for edible gardens or newly installed landscapes. Residents need to
read and understand the watering rules that apply to them.
Prioritize
Prioritize what gets watered. Plants that are drought sensitive should be watered first, along
with those that are high maintenance. Lawns will necessarily be a low priority.
Drought Resistant Plants
Consider planting species that require less water – or replacing existing plantings. That can
include grass, vines, bushes and trees. It will help conserve water and will cost far less to keep
the landscape hydrated. Native plants tend to require less water.
Mulch
Virtually any planting will benefit from mulch. It keeps soil cooler and helps in retaining
moisture. Mulch also aids in weed control
Irrigation Systems
Turn off automatic irrigation systems and only water plants when they really need it. Look for
signs of drooping leaves or leaf color changes to help determine when the plant requires water.
Many types of plants will survive droughts and low moisture if they were healthy and
established before water restrictions are in place.
Consider a drip irrigation system that uses far less water than traditional irrigation systems and
offers savings on water bills. Micro-irrigation systems may be allowed with no restrictions.
Water Reclamation
People across the nation use an estimated 7 billion gallons of clean drinking water every day for
watering plants. Consider collecting rainwater for use during a drought or having a water
reclamation system installed.

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561-779-9760