In today’s urban environments, space is a luxury that not everyone can afford. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the beauty and tranquility of a well-designed landscape. Small-scale landscaping design is the perfect solution for maximizing your limited space and turning it into a stunning outdoor oasis.

When it comes to small-scale landscaping design, creativity is key. Think vertically by utilizing walls and fences to create a vertical garden. Hanging planters, trellises, and climbing vines can add a lush and vibrant touch to your outdoor space without taking up valuable floor area. Additionally, incorporating mirrors strategically can create an illusion of depth and visually expand your small area.

Another crucial element of small-scale landscaping design is selecting the right plants. Opt for compact and slow-growing varieties that won’t overgrow and overwhelm your space. Carefully consider the color scheme, choosing plants that complement each other and create visual harmony. Remember to also pay attention to the overall maintenance requirements of the plants, as low-maintenance options will save you both time and effort.

Lastly, don’t forget about incorporating functional elements into your small-scale landscape design. Multipurpose features, such as built-in seating with hidden storage, can serve both as a practical seating area and a way to keep your outdoor space organized. Additionally, maximizing the use of natural light is essential, whether it’s through clever placement of windows or the use of reflective surfaces.

With the right mindset and strategic planning, a small outdoor space can become a stunning landscape design that provides both beauty and functionality. Small-scale landscaping design offers a world of possibility, allowing you to create a retreat that maximizes the limited space available to you. So, embrace the challenge, unleash your creativity, and transform your small outdoor area into a captivating oasis that will leave your guests amazed.

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When it comes to landscaping design, trends are constantly evolving. People are putting more emphasis on outdoor living spaces, transforming their backyard into a sanctuary where they can relax and entertain. So what are the hot trends in landscaping design for outdoor living?

One popular trend is the integration of eco-friendly elements. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate sustainable practices into their landscaping designs. This includes using native plants, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and creating green roofs. By being environmentally conscious, homeowners can not only reduce their ecological footprint but also create a beautiful and lush outdoor space.

Another trending theme in landscaping design is the concept of creating outdoor rooms. Just like interior spaces have different areas for different activities, such as a living room, dining room, and kitchen, outdoor spaces are now being divided into distinct zones as well. This can be achieved through the strategic use of hardscaping materials, such as pavers or decking, to create separate areas for lounging, dining, and cooking. By creating defined spaces, homeowners can make the most of their outdoor living areas.

Lastly, a popular trend that’s emerging in landscaping design is the use of technology. Smart technology is now being incorporated into outdoor living spaces, allowing homeowners to control lighting, irrigation, and even entertainment systems with just a few taps on their smartphones. This seamless integration of technology not only enhances convenience but also adds a touch of modernity to the space.

In conclusion, landscaping design trends for outdoor living are constantly evolving. Eco-friendly practices, the concept of creating outdoor rooms, and the integration of smart technology are among the hot trends in the industry. By staying updated with these trends, homeowners can create a stunning outdoor living space that not only reflects their personal style but also provides a place to escape and connect with nature.

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Even if you hire a professional to keep your garden, flowerbeds or lawn in pristine condition, there are times when you may want or need to do some tasks yourself. There are some basic tools that every homeowner should have at their disposal. If you don’t have them, now is the time to begin working them into your budget for spring time. Some tools can be expensive, depending on the brand and design.

Garden Fork

They’re excellent for digging into dense soil. Forks with a slight curve to the tines also makes it easy to turn compost piles or scoop mulch.

Garden Hose

This is essential for watering plants. You’re going to need an adjustable nozzle attachment, along with a spray wand to gently water delicate plants.

Gloves

Not only will gloves minimize blisters, they’re also effective for preventing splinters and injuries from thorns and sharp leaves. They should be durable and allow freedom of movement. Gloves help prevent soil-borne infections.

Hand Trowel

This is essential for planting or transplanting. A slim blade is best for digging up weeds, while a wider blade works best for installing plants.

Hoe

A hoe with a wider blade can be more effective for working in a vegetable garden. A hoe with a thinner blade is best for working around delicate plants that don’t like to be disturbed. Hoes can create rows for planting or cutting/digging up weeds.

Loppers

The long-handled shears are used to prune woody growth of bushes, vines and trees.

Pruning Shears

These are essential for reigning in plants that are overgrowing their allotted space.

Rake

Choose a garden rake for lawn debris or a leaf rake for moving leaves.

Shovel

A round-point shovel can cut through compacted soil. A square-point shovel is handy for scooping dirt or scraping weeds from paths or walkways.

Spade

The square shovels have short handles and are very effective at moving dirt, digging holes or lifting sod.

Watering Can

This is invaluable for transporting water to plants that can’t be reached with a hose. They’re offered in metal and plastic styles.

Wheelbarrow

This is the essential tool for transporting plants, bags of fertilizer, soil and any other material around your property. They’re available in plastic and metal models.

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The Florida citrus industry has been under attack by one of the most serious bacterial infections in the world – citrus greening disease. Homeowners with citrus trees in their landscape should be aware that their trees are also at risk. The disease is spread by tiny insects called psyllids. The disease is not contagious to people or pets.

About the Disease

The systemic disease affects all parts of a tree, from fruits to roots. It impacts all citrus varieties encompassing tangerines, kumquats, lemons and limes, oranges, and grapefruits. Some ornamental plants and bushes are also at risk, representing about 2,070 species. It includes trees, woody shrubs such as boxwood and orange jasmine, and a few types of herbaceous perennials.

Citrus greening disease occurs around the world. It’s particularly prevalent in locations such as South Florida that has a warm, subtropical climate.

Signs and Symptoms

You may see psyllids, evidence of their waxy droppings, or eggs. Fruits may appear lopsided, be hard, have a bitter flavor, and contain dark seeds. Affected fruits may remain green, even after ripening and leaves display blotchy spots. Other indications include:

• Yellow shoots
• Twig dieback
• Stunted or sparse foliage
• Trees and bushes may bloom out of season

There is No Cure

If you suspect your trees or bushes are infected, the best solution is to call a specialist. A landscaping expert will be ablet o make a definitive diagnosis. There is no cure for citrus greening disease. Once a planting has been infected, it will continue to deteriorate. It’s vitally important to remove any plantings that are affected.

The Impact

The bacterial disease has hit the Florida orange industry particularly hard, leading to record high prices on fresh citrus fruit and juices. The disease is a major factor in reduced production, but other elements are also in play. They include hurricanes, trees that aren’t adaptable to adverse weather conditions, and other diseases. The same factors that are influencing commercial growers can affect homeowners that just want to grow a citrus tree or two in their back yard.

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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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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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