South Florida is an ideal location for flowers that bloom year-round, providing vibrant color and
interest when other areas won’t support blossoms. There are a number of flowering plants and
shrubs that gardeners can grow for enticing color and beauty year-round.
Bougainvillea
Available in red, yellow, orange, purple, pink and white, it’s offered as a fast-growing vine and
low-growing shrub that will bloom off and on throughout the year.
Dwarf Morning Glory
When grown in South Florida, the non-vining plant can bloom year-round with brilliant blue
blossoms. It’s drought tolerant, deer resistant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and
works great in rock gardens.
Gaillardia
Also known as blanket flower, it resembles a daisy. The brilliant red and yellow blossoms are a
cheerful addition to the landscape. Flowers are profuse and long-lasting. It can be a skin irritant
to some people.
Firespike
The plant has tubular, unconventional looking blooms, purple stems, and dark green foliage
with leaves that can attain 8 inches in length. Blossoms attract multiple butterfly species and
hummingbirds. It can grow several feet tall.
Gerbera Daisy
Bright, cheerful and welcoming, the flowers are available in red, yellow, orange, purple, pink,
white, and bi-colors. The centers can be light brown or yellowish to black. They’re a staple in
the cut flower industry and can last up to 10 days.
Hibiscus
Available in single and double blossoms, each flower blooms for a single day, but the shrub is a
profuse bloom producer. Colors run the gamut and includes red, yellow, pink, and multicolor,
with contrasting centers. They’re also offered in white and purple, but are less common.
Ixora

Also known as West Indian Jasmine, it’s noted for its ability to bloom year-round. Its flower
clusters can last 6 to 8 weeks. The shrub’s blossoms are available in red, yellow, orange, pink
and white.
Petunias
Highly diverse, the flowers are available in single and double blooms, in erect and cascading
varieties, and in an almost unlimited range of single and bi-color blossoms.

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Everyone has experienced bloom interruption in their garden at least once. It happens when one variety is past its peak bloom season and another hasn’t risen to take its place. That’s when landscape layering can help.

It’s a technique in which a variety of different species are interplanted so when one stops blooming, another species begins flowering. It’s an effective method for ensuring bright, attractive blooms and interest throughout the season.

Landscape layering uses multiple design principles encompassing depth, scale, flow and repetition. Plants can be grouped by size, color, texture and shape to make a dramatic visual display. The strategy can incorporate flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees for a balanced appearance. It’s also effective for highlighting plants, hardscapes and focal points throughout the environment.

Plant Selection

This is a critical element in the process. It’s important to install plants that thrive in the prevailing soil and weather conditions. At the very least, the plants should be able to easily adapt.

Sun and Moisture

Each plant has its own specific sun and moisture requirements to thrive. A plant that requires full sun will perform poorly in deep shade. It pays to research the plants you want to add to the environment. South Florida has a subtropical climate and species that need a drier climate aren’t going to do well.

Visualize

Individuals can choose from multiple types of plantings and it’s important to visualize how the installations will appear when they’re mature. There are evergreen and deciduous trees from which to choose, along with ornamental types and fruit trees.

Their height and size will determine their placement in the landscape. The same is true for shrubs, grasses and flowers. It also applies to groundcovers in areas that are hilly or have poor soil. Another factor is the available area each planting will have in which to expand.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Hanging baskets are a beautiful and welcoming addition for homes or businesses. They provide a bright spot of color and can be suspended from porches, decks and fences. However, the baskets typically contain plants that need frequent watering and it’s easy to forget to water them regularly. The solution is drought resistant flowers that will survive a minor dry spell.

Bougainvillea

Typically used as a climbing vine, it can also be confined to a basket for a brilliant spot of color. It likes the sun and will often bloom most of the year. Multiple colors are available. It’s popular with butterflies, hummingbirds and moths.

Calibrachoa

Often called million bells due to their profuse blooming habit, they spill nicely over a hanging basket. They like the sun, are available in multiple colors, and the flowers resemble miniature versions of petunias. It’s attractive to hummingbirds.

Ivy Geraniums

Trailing geraniums are perennials with single or double flowers in multiple colors. They create a waterfall effect as they trail over the edge of a hanging basket. They prefer full sun to light shade and some are scented.

Moss Roses

The portulaca plant is neither a moss nor a rose. These succulents offer a rainbow of solid and bi-colors. They prefer full sun, will easily self-sow, and drape artfully over the edge of a hanging basket.

Petunias

Available in a multitude of solid and bi-colors, some are also fragrant. They don’t mind full sun and can be grown as perennials in South Florida, even though they’re considered annuals in most of the U.S.

Trailing Lantana

Bursting with clusters of lavender flowers highlighted by white centers, it’s popular with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. Normally used as a ground cover, it will drape nicely over the side of a hanging basket.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Planning a new landscape is fun and exciting, but without a landscape design drawing serious problems can arise. A landscape design drawing is essentially a floor plan of how the property appears. It shows where man-made and natural elements are located, and it’s properly scaled for distance and size.

Without a design drawing, there’s no way of knowing if planned features will actually fit into the landscape, if trees will be too close to structures, or if they’ll interfere with utility infrastructures. A design drawing also enables people to make accurate estimates about the cost of their intended project.

Do-it-yourself fans can purchase software programs to help in the process. The software ranges from simple to extremely complex. However, not all programs provide the needed tools to accurately plan a project.

The landscape design drawing begins with creating an outline of the project area. It may include an entire yard or just a portion of it. Each pertinent facet of the project area should be included from outbuildings and fences to rocks, power poles and other features that won’t be moved. The idea is to create a visual representation of the project area.

Add existing elements slowly and ensure that their size is accurately represented within the plan. Once the design drawing has those features, the new elements for the landscape can be added. That includes trees, flowers, shrubs or hardscapes such as fountains, ponds, patios and walkways.

Bear in mind that wanting a particular tree or plant and being able to have it in the landscape can be two very different things. Professional designers work with plant experts that are knowledgeable about the growth habits of an extensive variety of species. The mature version of a tree or bush may not fit into the allotted space. Installing it would be a waste of money. A professional landscaping company can advise individuals about their choices and suggest alternatives when needed.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Flowering vines add beauty and visual interest to homes, can create eco-friendly privacy, and provide nectar for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. There are dozens of species from which to choose, have a myriad of bloom colors, and some are extremely fragrant. However, not all vines are suitable for planting near a home. Many shouldn’t be planted within 10 feet of a home or other structures and are best positioned to climb a fence or arbor.

Pros

Vines add beauty, character and distinction to homes. Depending on the species, vines can provide privacy, shade, or even edible fruits. They offer living camouflage for unsightly objects such as retaining walls and can transform a flat wall into a three-dimensional visage. Some species of vines, such as clematis, remain diminutive in height, create an oasis of fragrance, and are attractive to pollinators.

Honeysuckle is a popular choice for homeowners, partly due to its sweet scent. It grows fairly slow in comparison to other vines and is easy to keep within bounds. Jasmine is also easy to control and can grow from 10 to 15 feet in height.

Cons

Some vines can attain 20 ft. or more in height without extensive trimming to control their growth habits. There are a number of vines that are aggressive growers, always reaching ever upward. They won’t be happy until they’ve covered the entire house. Some vines will destroy brickwork, take down siding, damage shingles, and pull gutters down, depending on how they anchor themselves for climbing.

Wisteria is an example. Beautiful and sweet-smelling, it’s a rampant grower. It has the power to grow through walls and into homes and can even take down trees. English ivy is a popular vining choice, but the plants also harbor mosquitoes that can spread disease. An additional concern for aggressive vines is that they have no qualms about growing along electric lines and over the delivery systems of other essential services.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

If you’re looking to change or update your yard, but don’t know where to begin, consider the versatility of rock. The use of rock in the landscape isn’t a new concept and is referred to as hardscaping by landscaping professionals. Using rock in your yard can take many forms from gravel to large rocks and encompasses a myriad of opportunities to be creative.

Flowerbeds

Gravel in your flowerbed makes a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery and acts as a form of mulch. Using rocks is an excellent choice for areas where drainage is a problem and one of the most attractive attributes is that stone requires no maintenance.

The material is available in multiple sizes and colors, prevents weed growth, and keeps soil from washing away. If you don’t have in-the-ground flowerbeds, you can create attractive freestanding flowerboxes constructed of stone.

Rock Beds

To eliminate the work involved in beds for live plants, consider a rock bed. They can be used in the same way as a flowerbed to create interest and beauty. Combine rocks with contrasting pottery or statuary to create the semblance of a Greek stone garden.

Pathways

Rocks, stone and gravel are an easy way to create pathways and walkways. Rock can also be combined with pavers in a variety of styles. They’re equally applicable for designing unique, one-of-a-kind mosaics or “rivers” made of stone. Rocks can be utilized to create patios that will be the envy of all your neighbors. Stone pathways help keep people off grassy areas and keeps visitor’s shoes clean for less dirt in the house.

Firepits

A firepit of lava rock or fire-rated brick is an excellent way to dress up your yard. It provides warmth if the weather turns chilly and creates a focal point for festivities with family and friends.

Pond Barrier

An increasing number of people are adding ponds to their yards for relaxation and interest. Even the smallest of ponds can be ringed with stones and combined with small plantings for a fairytale look. The rocks also serve to camouflage the pond liner.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

When most people think about landscaping their properties, they’re focused on the plants with little to no consideration for hardscapes. The features are essentially manmade aspects that can add to the enjoyment of outdoor spaces and make the environment more attractive. One of the most important questions to answer before beginning any landscape project is whether the finished project will reflect a formal or informal look.

Hardscapes can encompass a wide range of items such as walkways, fountains, statuary, and retaining walls, along with decks and patios, swimming pools, outdoor lighting, gazebos and more. Hardscapes also consist of stone, gravel, pavers, concrete and wood. They add interest to the landscape and in larger environments are generally intended to provide a traffic pattern for traversing the landscape. That doesn’t mean that smaller landscapes should be bereft of hardscape features.

People don’t like to step on living plants and hardscapes should be created that recognize that. Pavers, concrete and gravel can create flowerbeds that are completely unique and unconventional. Small stones and crushed rock are effective mulches. Plants work to soften the impact of hardscapes and greenery can be chosen with leaves or blossoms that emulate the shape of hardscapes.

For landscapes that are already highlighted with gravel, boulders or crushed stone, that “natural” look can be complemented by planting small trees or low-growing junipers. Consider tucking a flowering plant here and there among the hardscape to create a burst of color that continues the naturalistic theme.

It’s important to note that stones, crushed rocks, and other types of mulches can change the pH of the soil. It’s a consideration that will need to be taken into account when choosing plantings. Planning a combination of plants and hardscapes is a task that’s best suited to a professional landscaper. The professionals are cognizant of soils types, plant species, and can design a landscape that’s beautiful, functional, and complements architectural styles.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Now is the time to begin planning your summer landscape that will turn heads – and it does require planning. It’s important to understand what you want to accomplish. Some want a place to entertain, while others are just seeking a place to relax from a hard day. Still others are contemplating changes to make their property more attractive to buyers.

Whether you’re going to install new plantings or create an entirely new area, begin with what you like about your current landscape, plan around it, and try to envision what it would look like with the proposed alterations. You may discover that you’re already half way to realizing your dreamscape. If you lack inspiration, ideas are as close as an Internet search.

There are so many things that you can do with a modern landscape and it pays to plan early since landscapers are typically booked months in advance. A landscape professional can also help you with ideas and show you options that you may not know even exist. Planning early also gives you additional time to research options and their cost.

One of the reasons for early planning is that landscapes are dynamic creations with a life of their own. Color themes change, plants die back and new blossoms take their place. Trees may suffer damage from storms and need to be removed. You’ll also need to consider the size of trees and bushes when they’re mature, and how long the landscape renovation project will take to complete.

Hard features in your landscape run the gamut from swimming pools, fountains and fish ponds to patios, decks and outdoor kitchens. You can even host movie nights outdoors with modern systems encompassing video, Internet and streaming services through wireless connections. Installing those types of additions will require more time and be more expensive.

It doesn’t matter whether you just want to make a few changes to accommodate specific needs or want an entire redesign, start thinking about the changes you want to make to the landscape before summer arrives. You may find that with the options and opportunities available, you may arrive at a completely different plan than what you first envisioned.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

When the work is done, a newly installed landscape is a wonder to behold. Maintaining that beautiful environment isn’t as easy. It will take effort and work on your part, along with an understanding of the plants in your care. If you travel frequently or don’t have the time to devote to the task, your best solution is to hire a professional landscaping company.

Lawns

A manicured lawn requires regular mowing, but be sure not to remove more than one-third of the height of the grass. Cutting too frequently or too short stresses the grass and makes it more susceptible to drought, heat, sunburn, insects and weeds. Always make sure lawn mower blades are sharp so they cut cleanly.

Weeds

A weed is a nutrient thief, often deceptively disguised as a flowering plant. Weeds rob the soil of nutrients that desirable plants need to thrive and they find their way into your landscape through multiple means. Remove weed blossoms so more don’t sprout and eliminate the entire plant if it’s possible to do so without causing too much disturbance to lawn or flower beds.

Fertilizer

Different plants have their own unique fertilizer needs. Native plants will require less fertilizer as they’ve evolved to local soil and climate conditions. Non-native plants may need certain combinations of nutrients to keep them healthy. Established plants will have different needs than those that are newly planted.

Pruning and Deadheading

Trees and bushes are pruned to remove damaged branches and stimulate growth. Pruning during the dormant season is essential before new spring growth appears. Trees and shrubs that are actively growing require more water and over-pruning deprive them of their natural ability to shade themselves against the sun. For flowers, deadheading may be required to keep them looking attractive and prevent them from propagating themselves throughout the garden.

Water

Moisture is essential, even in South Florida’s humid climate, and all plants don’t have the same water requirements. Too much or too little moisture is equally damaging. If you’re watering by hand or with sprinklers attached to the garden hose, be sure to water late at night or before dawn to minimize evaporation.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

“You can’t grow cactus in Florida” is a fallacy that many newly minted gardeners will hear. Experienced growers know that there are many types of cacti that grow quite well in the state. While cacti are primarily considered a plant of dry, arid landscapes, they can also flourish in Florida. There are even native cactus species.

Cactus gardening and landscaping has become a trend in the state. The prickly pear cactus is one of the most common types of cactus that individuals will find. It sports yellow blossoms in spring, red fruit in the autumn, can grow up to three feet tall, and spreads readily. It shouldn’t be planted where children or pets will be. However, that’s not the only type of cactus that will grow in the humid environment.

Christmas Cactus

Typically thought of as a short-lived hothouse plant for northern climates, the Christmas cactus is an anomaly that prefers more moisture than desert varieties, along with rich, moist soil. It blooms between February and November and to bloom it requires 13 hours of darkness and cool nights. It’s best grown as a patio plant that can be moved inside if the temperature drops.

Dragon Fruit Cactus

Classified as a member of the cactus family, the most common is Hylocereus Costaricensis. It grows as a vine and will need support. The flowers are one of the largest in the world, extremely fragrant, and bloom for a single night. Moths and bees will be the primary pollinators. It’s best to have two plants for pollination if fruit is desired or hand pollination will be required.

The blossoms give way to bright red, sweet fruits that have a taste described as a cross between a pear and a kiwi. They grow rapidly during the summer months, but rest during the remainder of the year, blooming from July to October.

Night Blooming Cereus

The cactus is unique in that it has no spines and displays a vine-like growth habit. A single plant can grow up to 20 feet in length. The flowers are fragrant, large, and only bloom for a single night.

Triangle Cactus

The Triangle cactus is known by names ranging from barbed wire cactus to sword pear. It has large, white blooms that bloom at night and are attractive to moths and hummingbirds. It features an upright growth habit and can attain a height of 23 feet if left alone. It will also tolerate temperatures of up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760