Right Plant, Right Place

Photo Credit: American Orchid Society, Michiko Kurisu

Putting plants in the right place is the key to ensuring they survive and remain healthy in your landscape. You can reduce the need for water, fertilizer, pesticides and pruning if you plant Florida friendly plants.

Try the following things to Green your landscape:
· Understand the soil, sunlight and water conditions of the area you are planting.
· Plan grass areas to be functional and for easy maintenance.
· Learn about problem or invasive plants and avoid planting them at all cost.
· Plant a variety of Florida-friendly plants, including flowering and fruiting plants that attract butterflies, birds, beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Many Florida native plants are especially good at attracting wildlife. Florida-friendly plants will attract beneficial insects and butterflies to your yard and garden.

Source: http://www.floridayards.org/

Attracting Wildlife

We are going to start a series of monthly green tip posts. These tips will reflect on a new way to help infuse your garden and life with green living!

Green Tip #1:

Attract Wildlife to your Garden

                                      Photo: Award winning Jacqueline Fiske Healing Garden                Photo Credit: Michiko Kurisu

Florida has a diverse wildlife population, but rapid growth throughout Florida is destroying native wildlife habitat. But, make some basic changes to your landscaping and you can create a yard that will provide habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

• Increasing the variety of plants in your landscape design.
• Creating natural corridors with bordering properties to allow wildlife to move through the larger neighborhood.
• The easiest way to attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects is to select and plant flowers, shrubs and trees that bear fruit, seeds or flowers that birds and other wildlife depend on for food.
• A birdbath, fountain or pond is an important source of fresh water that will attract birds. Constructed ponds provide important water resources for a variety of wildlife.
• Avoid using pesticides and other chemicals on a regular basis without reason. When necessary, choose the least toxic controls to minimize harm to birds, butterflies and beneficial insects in your landscape.

Source: www.Floridayards.org