By Amanda Rose Newton If you're trying to attract butterflies — especially monarchs — to your Florida garden, milkweed is a must. But with so many varieties available at garden centers, it’s easy to get confused. Pink? White? Swamp? Tropical? … [Read more...] about Milkweed 101 for Central Florida: Pink, White, Swamp, Native – What’s the Difference?
garden blog
Grafted vs. Own-Root Citrus: What Florida Gardeners Need to Know
By Amanda Rose Newton If you’ve browsed a Central Florida nursery looking for citrus trees, you’ve likely seen the term “grafted” thrown around — and maybe even spotted tags that say “own-root.” But what do those terms mean, and which is … [Read more...] about Grafted vs. Own-Root Citrus: What Florida Gardeners Need to Know
Salty Shrubs: 10 Native Shrubs That Thrive Near Salt Water in Central Florida
By Amanda Rose Newton Living near the coast or along one of Central Florida’s many canals, beaches, and lagoons can feel like paradise—until you try to plant a landscape. Salt spray, brackish water, and sandy soil can make gardening feel like a … [Read more...] about Salty Shrubs: 10 Native Shrubs That Thrive Near Salt Water in Central Florida
Garden Habitat Heroes: Creating a Space for Solitary Bees in Central Florida
By Amanda Rose Newton As spring arrives in Central Florida, our gardens come alive with buzzing pollinators. While honeybees often steal the spotlight, solitary bees are the unsung heroes of the garden. These hardworking native … [Read more...] about Garden Habitat Heroes: Creating a Space for Solitary Bees in Central Florida
Veggie Pests in Central Florida: How to Identify and Treat Them Naturally
By Amanda Rose Newton Growing vegetables in Central Florida is incredibly rewarding, with long growing seasons and plenty of sunshine providing ideal conditions for home gardens. However, the warm, humid climate also creates a perfect … [Read more...] about Veggie Pests in Central Florida: How to Identify and Treat Them Naturally
Berry Blast! Growing Strawberries, Blueberries, and More in Central Florida
By Amanda Rose Newton Few things are more satisfying than stepping outside and plucking a fresh, juicy berry straight from the plant. Whether it’s a handful of sweet strawberries or a bowl of plump blueberries, growing berries in Central … [Read more...] about Berry Blast! Growing Strawberries, Blueberries, and More in Central Florida
Daisy Guide: Types of Daisies for Central Florida & Look-Alikes
By Amanda Rose Newton Daisies are some of the most recognizable flowers in the world, known for their signature ray-like petals and central disk. But did you know that daisies belong to the Asteraceae family, the largest family of flowering … [Read more...] about Daisy Guide: Types of Daisies for Central Florida & Look-Alikes
Garden Habitat Heroes Series: Pollinator-Friendly Perennials for Early Spring
By Amanda Rose Newton As the warmth of spring stirs life in Central Florida, our gardens can become a critical resource for pollinators just emerging from their winter rest. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects depend on … [Read more...] about Garden Habitat Heroes Series: Pollinator-Friendly Perennials for Early Spring
Hearts + Hoyas: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Plant
By Amanda Rose Newton February is the month of love, and what better way to celebrate than with a plant that has heart-shaped leaves? Hoyas, often called wax plants, are beloved for their thick, glossy foliage and fragrant, star-shaped flowers. … [Read more...] about Hearts + Hoyas: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Plant
Caterpillar Control in Central Florida: Identifying Friends and Foes in Your Garden
By Amanda Rose Newton Caterpillars are a common sight in Central Florida gardens, especially during the warmer months when butterflies and moths are actively laying eggs, making caterpillar control an important task for gardeners. While some … [Read more...] about Caterpillar Control in Central Florida: Identifying Friends and Foes in Your Garden