By Amanda Rose Newton Florida’s yards can be more than lawns—they can be living habitats. In Central Florida, wildflower meadows are one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to boost biodiversity while adding color and movement to your landscape. … [Read more...] about Garden Habitat Heroes: Building a Wildflower Meadow for Biodiversity
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Garden Superfoods for Central Florida
By Amanda Rose Newton Central Florida’s long, hot growing season is perfect for tropical greens and herbs that pack a nutritional punch. These “garden superfoods” are easy to grow, resilient in our climate, and bring both beauty and health … [Read more...] about Garden Superfoods for Central Florida
Why You Should Have Your Wedding Amongst a Living Backdrop
By Amanda Rose Newton Planning a wedding in Central Florida? Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant seasonal blooms, and organic textures—what we like to call a “living backdrop.” This concept not only brings a cinematic feel … [Read more...] about Why You Should Have Your Wedding Amongst a Living Backdrop
Everglades Tomatoes! The history and lore of Florida’s heat-proof cherry, plus how to grow it like a pro.
By Amanda Rose Newton If you garden in Florida long enough, someone will hand you a tiny, candy-sweet tomato and say it's an “Everglades.” The name usually refers to a small, wild-looking cherry/currant tomato that shrugs off our heat, humidity, … [Read more...] about Everglades Tomatoes! The history and lore of Florida’s heat-proof cherry, plus how to grow it like a pro.
Pruning Those Crispy Summer Leaves: Helping Plants Survive the Heat
By Amanda Rose Newton By August, even the most resilient garden favorites can look a little weary. Crispy, brown edges on leaves, wilted stems, and stalled growth are all signs of heat stress. While your first instinct may be to let nature take … [Read more...] about Pruning Those Crispy Summer Leaves: Helping Plants Survive the Heat
Avocado Time! Growing A + B Type Avocados in Central Florida
By Amanda Rose Newton Avocados are one of the most rewarding backyard fruits you can grow in Florida — but if you’ve ever wondered why some trees are loaded with fruit while others barely produce, the secret lies in A and B type flowering. … [Read more...] about Avocado Time! Growing A + B Type Avocados in Central Florida
Garden Habitat Heroes: Supporting Beneficial Insects in Central Florida
By Amanda Rose Newton In Central Florida, our gardens can do more than look beautiful—they can serve as safe havens for the tiny heroes that keep our ecosystems in balance. Beneficial insects such as pollinators, predators, and parasitoids help … [Read more...] about Garden Habitat Heroes: Supporting Beneficial Insects in Central Florida
Garden Controls in Central Florida: What to Use and When
By Amanda Rose Newton Central Florida's lush, subtropical climate is a dream for gardeners and a haven for fruit trees, flowering ornamentals, and tropical foliage. But with the abundant growth comes an inevitable challenge: managing pests and … [Read more...] about Garden Controls in Central Florida: What to Use and When
Lizards in the Landscape: Friend, Foe, or Just Sunbathing?
By Amanda Rose Newton Summer in Central Florida brings a lot of things: sizzling temps, afternoon storms, and, if you've glanced at your patio lately, a whole lot of lizards. If you’ve ever wondered whether these quick little critters are … [Read more...] about Lizards in the Landscape: Friend, Foe, or Just Sunbathing?
Water-Gardening in the Summer: A Cool Way to Garden in Central Florida
By Amanda Rose Newton Looking for a relaxing, low-maintenance way to garden this summer? Consider water-gardening — an often-overlooked option that thrives in our hot Central Florida climate. Whether you have space for a small patio container or … [Read more...] about Water-Gardening in the Summer: A Cool Way to Garden in Central Florida