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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Commercial landscaping is a specialty and the quality of a landscaper’s work will directly affect the aesthetics, safety and presentation of your company. It can be difficult to identify the commercial landscaper that’s right for you and your business. There are dozens of companies that claim to be commercial landscapers. However, experience, training and expertise is always evident in their work.

The professionals are licensed, bonded and insured. The company will be able to design and install any landscaping feature desired and maintain it in pristine condition. They can perform upgrades or craft and install completely new designs if desired.

Comprehensive Range of Services

Commercial landscaping can incorporate a multitude of elements and the landscaper you choose should be able to provide the customized services needed. A commercial landscaper will be able to perform tasks ranging from mowing and providing design services to creating management plans and installing irrigation systems. Landscaping needs may include trimming trees, planting flowerbeds, turf grass care, and insect control.

Experience with Similar Projects

It’s important that the landscaper you choose have experience with projects similar to your own. Experienced and highly trained commercial landscapers are in high demand and will have provided services to other clients with similar needs. Don’t be reticent about asking for references. Doing so will also give you an opportunity to view work they’ve performed in the past.

The Company Practices Sustainability

Eco-friendly companies practice sustainability that can provide savings for you and benefit the environment, while boosting your company’s image. Sustainability can take many forms. One way is using native plants that support pollinators and native wildlife. Commercial landscapers are also able to create water conservation and management plans that saves water and money. A commercial landscaping company is able to design and create functional and beautiful landscapes that enhance the profile and reputation of any enterprise.

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Professionally landscaped environments will use an irrigation system to ensure plantings receive the correct amount of water and its delivered exactly when and where it’s needed. The systems utilize underground pipes to deliver water to irrigation heads that are recessed below the surface of the soil. The heads rise up during the irrigation process to disperse the water onto the surface.

Early Irrigation Methods

Surface irrigation systems, sometimes known as gravity irrigation, have been employed for thousands of years. It relies on furrows made in the soil to carry water to where its wanted or through flooding a particular area. The system dates back to 6000 B.C. where it was practiced in Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was an effective, but incredibly wasteful, method of irrigation.

Improvements in Technology

A professionally installed irrigation system will be programmable according to local needs. It will typically include sensors that can determine the amount of moisture in the soil. The system will be activated when it’s dry enough and the sensors can also ascertain when it’s rained by the amount of moisture in the ground. Even though it’s widely used, much of the water is still wasted due to runoff and evaporation. The U.S. uses approximately 53.5 billion gallons of groundwater each day, just on agricultural irrigation. Up to 35 percent of water withdrawals for irrigation purposes are unsustainable.

Drip Irrigation Saves Water and Money

A drip irrigation system is the most efficient form of watering. It can be employed in residential lawns, commercial landscapes, and agricultural operations. It delivers water slowly, at ground level, rather than spraying it into the air. It’s a highly efficient and economical irrigation solution. Drip irrigation has a 90 percent efficiency rate, compared to 65 to 75 percent efficiency of traditional spray irrigation systems.

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Turf grass is widely used for applications ranging from lawns and athletic fields to golf courses and polo fields. The primary reason is its ability to withstand a high level of foot traffic. It has great recuperative abilities, but it can also fall prey to diseases. In South Florida, most turf grass diseases are the result of fungal growth due to weather conditions.

Brown Patch Fungus

The disease is most obvious during the months of November to May and is especially aggressive. Particularly prevalent when daytime temperatures are over 80° F and nighttime temperatures are above 70° F, it presents as large patches of brown grass with a darker outer ring. Causative factors include high rainfall and humidity, along with excessive irrigation, that leaves the grass damp for more than 48 hours.

Dollar Spot

The disease takes its name from the silver dollar-sized spots that occur throughout the grass. Occurring during warm weather, there will be lesions on the grass blades within the spots. The disease thrives in soil with low nitrogen levels.

Root Rot

All types of grass are subject to root rot and the warm and humid climate conditions are conducive to its appearance. It proliferates when grass is wet for too long and there’s minimal air circulation.

Fairy Ring

It’s particularly difficult to eradicate. It can infect turf for many years before it’s noticed. It presents as dark green or brown patches of grass on the surface that can reach up to 20 ft. in diameter. It gets its name from the mushrooms that sometimes grow on the edges of the rings. Its spread via root systems.

Rust Fungus

The fungi weaken grass, making it more susceptible to other types of diseases. Typically appearing in the spring and fall when moisture levels are higher, it likes shady spots. It coats grass in an orange or yellow powder, grass grows slower, and the grass blades turn rust colored and/or die.

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Businesses often overlook the importance of maintaining their landscaping. It’s a consideration that’s outside of daily operations, but can make a significant difference to a company’s reputation and bottom line.

Image is Everything

A business with well-kept landscaping is perceived by customers, vendors and visitors as one with which they’d like to conduct commerce. It welcomes individuals, aids in new client acquisition, and conveys a subtle message that the business offers an elevated level of service. The aesthetic value for presentation of the business should never be underestimated.

Safety and Security

Landscaping is just as important as maintaining indoor repairs. Business landscaping can also encompass keeping sidewalks and pathways level and clean, along with maintaining water features. Dead branches or leaf piles are unattractive and can lead to injuries.

Landscaping aids in mitigating the potential for customer or employee accidents and injuries that can result in loss of employee time and customer litigation. It’s also an important security measure that limits the ability of intruders and vandals to find hiding spaces.

Greater Employee Productivity

Employees that arrive to a workplace with well-groomed grounds have a better mood and are more productive overall. The landscape also provides them with an invigorating environment in which to take breaks. They have greater pride in their work and the company.

Mitigates the Spread of Plant Disease and Pests

Even small landscapes can fall prey to a wide variety of plant-based diseases and insect pests. If left unchecked, they can spread to contaminate other landscapes and even home lawns and gardens. Regular maintenance is an effective way of mitigating that potential.

The Search for Sustainability

Many customers and clients are seeking out businesses that are eco-friendly. Businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by planting native species that sustain pollinators and other native wildlife. It’s an effective way to promote similar practices within the community and improve the public image of the company.

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