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A History of Palm Trees

The palm, with over 2,500 different species, has long been revered for its rich history. Back in the day, a famous botanist commissioned by the Crown to research the plant life in the English colonies, described a wide array of palm species in Florida and its surrounds. Palms are so prevalent here that the palm tree is currently Florida’s state …

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Best Florida Plants

We are very lucky to live in Florida. Our growing season is nice and long, ensuring that we can enjoy our plants for so much longer than northerners can. There are so many plants that flourish here… Tulips, hyacinths and some irises and lilies need a cold, dormant period, so you are out of luck if you planned on planting …

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How to Best Care for Your Yard in the Summer

While spring is more about yard preparation, summer is a time for maintenance. Proper lawn maintenance promotes healthy root systems, so that your lawn will be more drought-tolerant and resistant to pests and disease. Here are a few tips for summer yard maintenance in Florida: Fertilize only when grass is actively growing. In Florida, that would exclude winter months. Do …

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Best Plants for Spring

Spring has sprung! Florida gardeners can grow plants and vegetables year-round, but spring is the time when warm weather returns, temperatures have not reached their hottest and everything restarts its growing season. Some great summer annuals that can be planted in the spring are caladium, which requires full to partial shade; salvia, which is more partial shade to partial sun; …

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Different Types of Mulch

Mulch has a host of benefits. Of course it can prevent the germination of weeds, but it can also protect the soil from extreme temperatures which can damage root systems. Mulch keeps soil damp longer after it rains, which can help tremendously during dry periods. It can also keep soil from compacting in heavy rains, and it helps retain oxygen …

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Checklist for Summer Landscaping

Summer is a great time to have parties by the pool, entertain guests and simply enjoy your yard…so now is the perfect time to start preparing your yard for fun in the sun! Planning ahead and keeping up with yard maintenance all year long can also help keep your yard maintenance responsibilities from piling up. First, you want to make …

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Timing is Everything When Planting Grass in Florida

There are many types of hearty grasses that grow well in Florida, including Bahia, Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia. There are, however, some rules of thumb and suggested steps for successful grass planting in Florida. First and foremost, it is imperative to plant grass at the right time of year. It is common to plant year-round in Florida – as …

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It’s a New Year – Time for a New Yard, A New Look!

Our yard is a large part of our lives. It’s what greets us as soon as we return home; it’s what our neighbors see when they drive by; it’s where we barbeque, frolic in the pool and enjoy quality time with friends and family. It’s a New Year – time for a new yard, a new look. The right landscaping …

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Grass vs. Mulch

Growing grass in Florida can be challenging due to the heat, sun, soil and certain prolific insects. There are some grasses, however, that are more tolerant of this unique environment. St. Augustine is one of the most commonly used grasses because it has adapted to warm, humid conditions and can grow in many types of soils. There are various types …