YOUR HOME® MAGAZINE | 21
Coconut palms swaying in the
breeze—an iconic Florida image that
says home. While not exactly native
to the state, they come from climates
so similar to our own and have been
here since the late 1800s.
Native plants also offer a range of environmentally friendly benefits. First,
they require very little attention once established in terms of chemicals and
resources. For anyone concerned with water quality issues, native plants are a
way to help mitigate some of the problems we face in Southwest Florida. Water
your natives daily for two weeks until established, then cut back to about three
days a week until rainy season arrives. Then let nature to the work for you. Also,
because they have evolved to thrive here, disease and infestations don’t usually
plague these plant varieties. This means less pest control, fertilizer, and synthetic
spraying. Not only does this save you money, it helps with water runoff hazards,
keeping harmful chemicals out of our lakes, rivers, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Native plants also attract native wildlife. With our constant loss of habitat,
offering birds and beneficial insects correct vegetation options means you
are less likely to have pests overrun your yard and home. A careful selection
of native vines, ground covers, wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and palms can be
combined to create a “real” Florida style landscape.
If you’re convinced that native plants are the way to go, you might be asking
“what is actually native to Florida?” On the next page I’ve made a quick list
of some great choices. While you can of course purchase these through local
landscape companies, if you feel you need a little help with the design, please
give me a call! I would love to show you how we can increase your yard’s natural
beauty while giving you a hassle-free options that will save you time, money,
and the environment.
The Bismarck palm
strikes a grand focal
point in a sea of green.