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Westport RTM again eyeing leaf blower restrictions

Prepare Your Plants for Winter

December isn’t the coldest month of the year for South Florida, but it is a good time to begin preparing your plants. You typically won’t have to contend with extreme cold or snow – unless there’s a freak storm – but there are precautions you need to observe with some of your landscape plants.

Mulch

A good layer of mulch is beneficial at any time of the year. It aids in preserving moisture and provides protection for hardier plants.

Sensitive Plants

For those that are highly sensitive to temperature changes, be prepared to make room for them in your house. Depending on the plant, a garage may also provide sufficient protection. This is easy to do if they’re in containers. If bringing them in to a warmer environment isn’t feasible, temporarily cover them with a tarp if you experience a cold snap. Be sure to weigh it down at the bottom in case there’s a stiff breeze and uncover the plant the next day or when the temperature warms enough.

Pruning

Pruning during the “cold” time of the year when trees and shrubs are dormant is the best practice. For flowering trees and bushes that don’t bloom in the spring, January is the best time for pruning. It’s also a good time to prune deciduous fruit trees such as Asian pears, peach and plum.

Roses

If you’ve managed to successfully cultivate roses, the early months of the year is best for trimming and pruning. After trimming, a light application of fertilizer is a good idea and be sure to mulch. The mulch will help keep fertilizer in place and retain moisture.

Flower Beds

You can plant cold tolerant annuals such as pansy, petunia, snapdragons, and dianthus during this time. If you decide to enter plants that have bulbs, be sure to add a layer of mulch. Be aware that bulbous plants will require routine watering to help them get established.

Vegetable Gardening

You can still enjoy fresh veggies during the winter. Many cold hardy vegetables can be grown such as carrots, cabbage and cauliflower, along with some potato varieties. Be prepared to cover them if there’s a cold snap.

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Fruita author and landscaper renowned for work on crevice gardens

Grassless Lawns

A lush, green lawn is a point of pride for many South Florida residents. However, everyone isn’t a fan of the constant rounds of mowing, fertilizing and watering. You can still have a stunning landscape without the grass. Depending on the type of design you choose, it can conserve water, reduce your water bill, and utilize a variety of materials.

Artificial Turf

This is an elegant solution if you want to eliminate mowing, fertilizing and watering. The turf remains green year-round and won’t die. There’s a lower cost for upkeep and it’s much more tolerant of wear and tear than traditional grass.

Low Moisture Groundcovers

With groundcovers, the plants are free to roam throughout a traditional lawn area. They don’t have to be mowed, many groundcover plants produce a bounty of colorful blooms, and they have very low water requirements. They fill spaces between trees and can provide habitat for native pollinators.

Rock and Glass

An increasing number of people are choosing to landscape their environments with natural stone, lave rocks, and colored class – or a combination of all 3. Most designs feature beds with miniature junipers or similar evergreens, surrounded by rock or glass. There are dozens of sizes and colors from which to choose. The designs are often complemented by colorful pavers to minimize grassy areas.

Gravel Gardens

Designs that feature gravel gardens are becoming more popular. Different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures of gravel take the place of grass. They’re often accompanied by hardscapes of fountains, statuary, pergolas and arbors.

Desert Oasis

This type of landscape can utilize the strategic planting of decorative grasses, and succulents that require little moisture, interspersed within the rocks.

Cottage Garden

Instead of grass, some are choosing to create yard-sized cottage gardens. They have a wild look and combine a variety of different types of plants in varying heights and textures. Mulch plays an integral role in these designs.

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TCU Facilities Keeps the Campus Grounds Beautiful … Through Drought and Storm

Lawn Care in Winter

The winter months provide a respite from the tasks of lawn care. However, a healthy spring lawn begins with the proper preparation in the autumn. That means having your irrigation system inspected, leaving lawns longer, and ceasing fertilizing at the proper time.

Let it Grow

You won’t need to mow nearly as often. It’s recommended that you leave your lawn slightly longer than usual during the winter months. It will help protect roots if there’s a cold snap. Cold weather isn’t normally a problem, but it has occurred in the past. A large portion of South Florida lawns are Bahia or St. Austine grass. The best height is 3.5 to 4 inches. Other grasses should be maintained at a height of 2 to 2.5 inches.

Water Sparingly

Your lawn’s growth slows during the winter months and a healthy spring lawn depends on the care you give it now. You don’t have to worry about scorching due to heat, but your lawn will still require some moisture every 1 to 2 weeks. Be careful not to overwater. A good rule of thumb is to look for grass that retains your footprints. If you see your footprints, it’s time to water if you don’t have a programmable irrigation system.

Fertilize in February

Don’t fertilize your lawn unless it’s actively growing. Stop fertilizing in Sept. to Oct. Wait until spring to resume fertilizing, 2 weeks after you observe new growth, typically in February. Bear in mind that climate change can affect growth patterns.

Overseeding

It’s very possible that your lawn will begin to brown during the winter. The best solution is to overseed your lawn with a grass variety that does well during cooler months. It will provide the lush, green appearance you desire during the winter. Cooler weather grass will die off in time for the heat and humidity of summer when your normal lawn grass begins growing again.

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Work Around The Base

Plants That Can Survive a Cold Snap

South Florida rarely experiences cold temperatures, but cold snaps do occur. For instance, temperatures dropped to -2°F in 2009-2010. Since then, there’s been a move toward plants that are cold hardy. Bear in mind that even though many plants can tolerate lower temperatures, they may only be able to do so for a short period of time. That doesn’t mean they won’t sustain some damage below 30°F. Mulching will significantly help them survive. Bear in mind that “cold” is a relative term in your location.

Azalea

The deciduous variety of the bush can easily withstand temperatures as low as -35°F.

Bougainvillea

The maximum low temperature a bougainvillea can survive is 40°F.

Crepe Myrtle

Most are hardy to temperatures of 0° to 10°F

Florida Maple

A deciduous tree, it’s able to withstand temperatures of -15°F without being mulched.

Magnolia

Some magnolia varieties can survive temperatures of 20°F to -10°F.

Perennial Morning Glory

They can sometimes survive a frost, depending on where they’re planted. Otherwise, they’re typically rated for maximum cold temps of 45°F.

Plumbago

Also known as lead wort, it can sustain temps of -20°F. An added bonus is that it typically blooms during autumn months.

Red Fountain Grass

The lowest minimum temperature that the grass is able to tolerate is 20°F

Rhododendron

Masters of cold temperatures, the shrubs can easily survive temperatures of -35°F.

Ruellia

Also known as wild petunia, leaves will typically die back to the ground when temperatures drop into the 20s.

Sycamore

Depending on the species, sycamores can survive temps up to -30°F

Variegated Asiatic Jasmine

They’ve been known to survive temperatures of 0°F, but will die in temperatures lower than that.

Palms and Evergreens

There are a great number of palms that will survive colder temperatures than you might think. The same is true of evergreens. When purchasing plants, pay attention to the tags inserted in the pots. They’ll provide the information you need to know before buying a plant that’s destined to die if the weather turns frigid.

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Safe Ways to Discourage Defecating Dogs

Dogs have to be walked, but when the feces can ruin your lawn. Defecating dogs and inconsiderate humans continue to plague South Florida homeowners. It’s an ongoing problem and one that can discolor lawns, kill grass, and damage expensive landscapes. There are some safe and simple measures that you can take to aid in alleviating the problem.

How Dog Feces Affect Your Lawn

South Florida residents are proud of their lush, green lawns and work hard to maintain them. The nitrogen in dog feces causes lawn discoloration. Dogs will return to where they’ve previously relieved themselves. Feces in the same spot kills grass.

Fungi and Disease

Multiple types of fungi can grow where a dog relieves themselves. Some of those fungi are capable of spreading throughout the lawn. The fungi flourishes in environments rich in nitrogen and moisture from rain or high humidity levels. Dog waste can also carry bacteria, fungal, viral, and parasitic organisms that can be transmitted to humans.

Ways to Discourage Dogs

If you know who the culprit is, try speaking to them. Be calm and respectful. They may not realize or understand the damage being done. If that doesn’t yield results, you can try the following:

  • Use a scent repellent along your border such as vinegar, citrus or citronella- lavender plants are also a good repellent
  • Activate the sprinkler system
  • Keep the yard clean
  • Install signs and a motion sensor camera
  • Create a barrier by installing a fence

Bags and Receptacles

Many neighborhoods have installed pet waste disposal stations that provide bags for people to clean up after their canine, along with a receptacle to dispose of the waste. It eliminates the “I forgot a bag” excuse.

Be Prepared for Pushback

Pet owners are intensely loyal to their animals and will often defend against their activities, even when they know cleaning up after their canine is the right thing to do. If you can’t come to an equitable arrangement with your neighbor, the solution of last resort is to seek legal intervention.

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Outdoor Decorating and Etiquette for the Holidays

Tis the season for holiday decorating and that extends to outside plantings. There are some dos and don’ts of decorating plants that should be observed, along with etiquette that won’t start a feud with your neighbors.

Lights On Plants

Holiday lighting that remains cool to the touch is generally safe for plantings, whether it a tree or bush, but don’t use lights designated for indoor use outside. For delicate plants, try to limit the amount of light they receive. It’s never a good idea to string heavy lights on a young tree as it can damage limbs and buds.

A popular adornment is net lighting that can be draped over a bush.

Some ornamentation can be difficult to install and you may be tempted to leave it up year-round to avoid the hassle next year. Don’t given in to temptation. The cords on light strands can result in girdling on tree trunks that expand in size each year.

Decorating Etiquette

Holiday decorating has moved from the realm of restraint to productions worthy of a large budget Hollywood spectaculars. Dozens of people are featured on social media each year for their elaborate designs, lighting synchronized to music, and range of inflatables.

Illumination and Traffic

The glow from that many lights can be extremely annoying to neighbors, especially those of school age children. It can also result in an unwelcome and unsafe increase in traffic as people come to view the presentation.

Observe the Rules

Some homeowner’s association (HOAs) have very strict rules about the types of decoration that can be installed. All homeowners are well advised to check local ordinances to see if there are any restrictions.

Even more important, if you intend to have an elaborate holiday display, it’s a good idea to talk with neighbors first. Even if there are no ordinances against the display of your dreams, your neighbors may not appreciate it or be understanding. Be sure and turn it off at a reasonable time.

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Differentiating Shade Levels

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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Westport RTM again eyeing leaf blower restrictions

5 Winter Herbs for South Florida

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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2022 Army Tenant Satisfaction Survey shows Knox Hills improving in almost every category

What’s the Rarest Plant in South Florida?

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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backyard waterfall

Create a Backyard Waterfall

The sound of water is soothing and relaxing, and many people are constructing backyard waterfalls to rest and recharge. The design includes a small pond. The array of premade pond liners makes it easy to create an aquatic retreat, even for those that have little space.

The Pond

Choose a pre-made pond size to accommodate the space available. The pond is where the water will fall into. Individuals will also need a pump to circulate the water when the cascading wall is complete. Choose where the pond will go.

If there’s a small slope in the yard, it can be utilized to attain more height for the water to fall. A small slope can be created if desired. Dig a hole, place the pond, and fill in around it with the dirt that was removed. A slight incline is needed for the water to run down and back into the pool.

A channel will need to be established between the waterfall and the pond. There are premade channels that can be purchased where the pond was bought. Individuals can also use a flexible liner laid on the ground between the falls and the pond. Rocks can be placed on the liner to hold it down and hide it.

The Waterfall

There are a number of premade waterfalls that can be purchased and easily incorporated into the design. Some are made of precast plastic or concrete. For those that have access to approximately 30 rocks, a waterfall can be constructed, but the rocks will need to be fairly flat with squarish, sharp edges to facilitate water moving over them.

Plastic tubing will need to be run between the pond and the falls. A clay flowerpot works well to anchor and hide the pump, and hold the tubing in place while other work is performed. The tubing will run from the pump to the top of the rocks, where it will cascade over the rocks, down the channel and back into the pool.

Power

A pump is critical to move the water and that will necessitate access to electricity. Individuals will need to have a certified electrician install a line of power to the pond. It’s important to turn off the power whenever individuals are gone or the backyard waterfall isn’t in use.

RCH Landscaping is a full-service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians has an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

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