Central Florida-Friendly Plants with Healing Histories By Amanda Rose Newton For centuries, gardens have grown not just food and flowers — but healing. A home garden apothecary allows you to step outside and harvest fresh, natural remedies for … [Read more...] about Garden Apothecary: Simple Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow at Home
native
Climbing Plants — Best Vines for Trellises and Privacy
By Amanda Rose Newton If you’re looking to add vertical charm, lush privacy, or a touch of wild beauty to your Central Florida garden, vines are the perfect solution. They grow up instead of out, turning fences, trellises, and arbors into living … [Read more...] about Climbing Plants — Best Vines for Trellises and Privacy
Garden Habitat Heroes: Attracting Bats
Evening Blooms and Insect Habitats for a Thriving Night Garden By Amanda Rose Newton When the sun slips below the horizon, the work of nature continues in the soft hum of wings. In Central Florida, twilight brings a change of shift — moths, … [Read more...] about Garden Habitat Heroes: Attracting Bats
Garden Habitat Heroes: Building a Wildflower Meadow for Biodiversity
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
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
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
Seed Starting in the Summer: What to Grow in Central Florida’s Heat
By Amanda Rose Newton Think seed starting is just for spring? Not in Florida! Central Florida’s long growing season means you can grow productive crops from seed, even in the heart of summer. With a bit of planning and heat-smart choices, summer … [Read more...] about Seed Starting in the Summer: What to Grow in Central Florida’s Heat
Garden Habitat Heroes: Creating a Frog and Toad Sanctuary in Central Florida
By Amanda Rose Newton Suppose you want to reduce pests naturally, support native wildlife, and create a peaceful backyard retreat. In that case, it's time to roll out the green carpet for some of Florida’s most underappreciated garden heroes—frogs … [Read more...] about Garden Habitat Heroes: Creating a Frog and Toad Sanctuary in Central Florida
Habitat Heroes: Butterfly Gardens – Plants for Every Stage of Life to Support Pollinators Year-Round in Your Central Florida Garden
By Amanda Rose Newton Butterflies aren't just beautiful—they're essential pollinators and indicators of a healthy ecosystem. This edition of Habitat Heroes is about creating a butterfly garden that supports every stage of a butterfly’s life—from … [Read more...] about Habitat Heroes: Butterfly Gardens – Plants for Every Stage of Life to Support Pollinators Year-Round in Your Central Florida Garden
Milkweed 101 for Central Florida: Pink, White, Swamp, Native – What’s the Difference?
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?
