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
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.
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
Garden Habitat Heroes: Shade-Loving Plants for Cool Wildlife Havens in Florida’s Heat
By Amanda Rose Newton Florida summers are no joke—not just for us, but for the wildlife too! As temperatures climb, shady spots in the garden become vital oases for birds, butterflies, lizards, frogs, and beneficial insects. If you’ve got a … [Read more...] about Garden Habitat Heroes: Shade-Loving Plants for Cool Wildlife Havens in Florida’s Heat
Rocks or Mulch? How to Choose What’s Best for Your Florida Landscape
By Amanda Rose Newton In Central Florida, where summers are long and scorching, choosing the right ground cover for your garden isn’t just about looks—it’s about plant health, moisture retention, and maintenance. Whether you’re a fan of sleek … [Read more...] about Rocks or Mulch? How to Choose What’s Best for Your Florida Landscape
Mycorrhizae Explained: Helping Roots Thrive in the Summer Heat
By Amanda Rose Newton If you’ve been gardening in Central Florida for a while, you’ve probably seen the word “mycorrhizae” on bags of potting mix, soil conditioners, and fertilizers like Espoma’s Bio-Tone Starter Plus. But what exactly are … [Read more...] about Mycorrhizae Explained: Helping Roots Thrive in the Summer Heat
Garden Habitat Heroes: Nectar-Rich Flowers for Hummingbirds
By Amanda Rose Newton If you’ve ever spotted a flash of iridescent green zipping through your backyard, you know the thrill of seeing a hummingbird up close. These tiny, energetic pollinators are a delight to watch—and even better, you can invite … [Read more...] about Garden Habitat Heroes: Nectar-Rich Flowers for Hummingbirds
Rain Barrels in Central Florida: Why Collecting Rainwater is a Garden Game-Changer
By Amanda Rose Newton Florida’s summer rains can feel relentless—but what if you could turn that runoff into a resource? For Central Florida gardeners, a rain barrel is one of the most affordable, sustainable, and garden-friendly investments you … [Read more...] about Rain Barrels in Central Florida: Why Collecting Rainwater is a Garden Game-Changer
