by Amanda Rose Newton When America is faced with challenging times, we garden. In the 1940s during the War, growing food brought control, security, and a sense of purpose to people across the country. Most books on victory gardening focus on large plots of plants, leaving out thousands of us who may just have a […]

by Amanda Rose Newton With the continued uncertainty brewing in the citrus industry in Florida, the shift to consider other fruit varieties has begun. If you have been longing for the stone fruits you might have enjoyed further North or West, you are in luck. The University of Florida has crafted 5 varieties of the […]

by Amanda Rose Newton Whether your backyard is several acres or a concrete slab, you can create a beautiful garden to entice important butterfly pollinators to stop by for a quick visit. When creating a butterfly garden, the same rules apply despite your amount of space. Understanding which plants your favorite butterfly prefers as a […]

By Amanda Rose Newton Groundcovers simply refer to plants that are low growing and have a spreading habit. Most of us grew up with traditional turf grass lawns and may have never considered the abundance of other options that exist. Many of the alternatives discussed below come with added benefits, such as not having to […]

By Amanda Rose Newton Florida boasts a unique geology that provides many coastal areas with sandy, well-draining soil, but also creates low-lying patches where water naturally accumulates. Brevard County is no exception, and with the rainy season on the horizon, many may think those slow to drain spots are doomed to be empty and boring […]

By Amanda Rose Newton Florida is unique in having typical temperate as well as exotic subtropical species all in one place. Embrace what makes living here so special and dedicate a portion (or all) of your yard to native plants. There are many reasons to consider natives, the variety of colors, sizes, and shapes alone […]

Put Your Yard to Work For You! By Amanda Rose Newton If the thought of making a simple raised bed garden makes you overwhelmed, having your backyard serve as a food ecosystem may seem out of the question! However, creating your own food forest is not only obtainable but it’s built around a few classic […]

by Amanda Rose Newton If you were to ask someone what fruit comes to mind when they think Florida, chances are, it would be a type of citrus. Throughout the 1900s, the citrus industry was booming, and the result could be seen by sprawling orchards of beautiful tees producing oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. Many beloved […]

by Amanda Rose Newton Roses are the quintessential flower of love. However, it takes more than just love for successful roses in Florida! Luckily, we have established time-honored techniques that have kept our roses successful from Valentine’s Day to Mother’s day and beyond. Follow the steps below and you will be armed with all the […]

By Amanda Rose Newton Houseplants are an incredibly thoughtful and memorable gift that can be enjoyed for years to come. But before you go and pick out a random houseplant plant to give as a gift, it is important to note that different houseplants require different levels of care – ranging from basic water and […]