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Creating your Florida yard

More About Soil

In much of Florida, soil and sand are almost synonymous terms. Typical soils allow rapid, downward movement of water and many nutrients. Thus, they dry out quickly and are not compatible with plants having high water and nutritional requirements. Sandy soils are more likely to allow leaching of chemicals into groundwater and waterways.

The simplest way to avoid these problems in the landscape is to use only plants that are compatible with the site. If you want a vegetable or rose garden, be prepared to modify, or amend, the soil. In that case, frequently add organic matter, such as compost, to the planting bed. This will retain moisture, provide nutrients and attract beneficial organisms like earthworms.

It is helpful to have your soil's pH (acidity/alkalinity) tested. Sandy coastal areas are usually alkaline (high pH), and inland areas are usually acidic (low pH). However, many lots contain fill dirt from other areas, so site-specific pH testing is a good idea. Knowing your soil's pH will help you make better use of plant reference guides, which often provide this information along with other requirements of the plants listed. Many plants will tolerate a wide pH range, but will do best when planted in the right soil.

Modifying the soil's pH is not recommended. Alkaline soils will not stay acidic if chemically altered. In general, slightly acidic soils need not be modified as most landscape plants will tolerate these conditions. Contact the University of Florida Extension Service for information on soil testing services in your area.

When planning your landscape be aware that different areas on the same property may have vastly different soils because of imported fill. Another variable factor in your soils may be the presence of a sub-layer of hardpan, rock or shell. This is one reason to examine your soil to a depth of about 18 inches before making final plant selections.

More About Plant Selection

Plant selection is undoubtedly the fun part of landscaping. Florida's climate supports countless varieties of plants, and many are grown by local plant nurseries.

The plants you select determine the wildlife value of your yard, the level of maintenance required, how much money you'll be spending on water or electricity to run a pump, and how much fertilizer or pesticide may be required. Plant selection also will determine how long your landscape will last. For example, fast-growing plants often have a shorter life-span than slower-growing species.

Here are some guidelines for selecting your Florida Yard plants:

• Plants already on your property, particularly native plants, may be well-suited to the site and should be retained. Avoid disturbing the root zone (at least to the drip line) of these plants or driving over them with heavy vehicles. Saving existing plants reduces costs and leaves valuable wildlife habitat undisturbed. For those building a new home, retaining existing plants also limits erosion by reducing the amount of clearing required.
• Select from a plant palette that includes suitable native plants. Once native plants are established in the right location, most require little, if any, supplemental water, fertilizers or pesticides.
• If you don't want to continue irrigating after plants become established, select drought-resistant plants that are right for your soil.
• Consider wildlife. Providing native flowering and fruiting plants can bring birds and butterflies into your yard and your view. Florida is a stopover for many migrating and wintering butterflies and birds.
• Limit the number of showy plants that require high water and maintenance, and place them where they'll have the most visual impact.
• Don't plant noxious, invasive species. The State of Florida prohibits planting of Brazilian pepper, Australian pine and melaleuca (cajeput or punk tree). These plants should be removed from your yard, if possible. They crowd out native plants and are seriously threatening Florida's ecosystems and wildlife. Several other plants commonly used in landscaping are starting to take over here and in other parts of Florida. A few examples are wedelia (a ground cover), carrotwood tree, Java plum and Chinese tallow. For a list of plants you may want to avoid, contact the Exotic Pest Plant Council. Also, contact your local government planning department to find out which plants are restricted by landscaping codes.
• Aim for diversity. Strive to create a mosaic of trees, shrubs, ground covers, native grasses and wildflowers. Monocultures, which are large expanses of the same species of plant, are prone to disease and insect infestation and do not provide the same benefits to wildlife as a diverse plant community.
• Turf areas should be functional and designed for easy maintenance. If the grass dies or you aren't using a turf area for play or other activities, consider replacing it. Good alternatives are ground covers or landscaped beds including the mosaic of plants described above. Ground covers can be especially useful in shady areas where turf may not thrive. Fertilizing, watering, mowing and pesticide use will be reduced.
• Don't be fooled by the quick-fix appeal of fast-growing plants. Such plants require more pruning, resulting in more yard waste. Lush, green shoots also attract pests. Slower-growing plants may take longer to fill in your landscape picture, but they'll last longer and create less work.

Matching Plants to Your Yard

Determine site characteristics
Remember that these may vary throughout your yard:

SOIL

• Sand
• Loam
• Clay
• Alkaline pH
• Acidic pH
• Compacted
• Well-drained
• Poorly drained

DRAINAGE

• Well-drained
• Poorly drained

LIGHT

• Full sun
• Partial sun
• Shade

TEMPERATURE

• Exposed to freezes
• Exposed to extreme heat

STRUCTURAL LIMITATIONS

• Power lines
• Underground utilities
• Septic tank
• Roof overhangs
• Paved surfaces

OTHER

• Exposed to salt spray or salty well water
• Exposed to strong wind
• Exposed to wet/dry seasonal extremes

Consider plant characteristics that reduce maintenance and prevent pollution:

• Drought-resistant
• Pest-resistant
• Native
• Non-invasive
• Slow-growing
• Wind-resistant
• Thrives without supplemental fertilizing

Select plants with wildlife-attracting characteristics:

• Berries
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Acorns
• Fleshy fruits
• Butterfly plants: nectar and larval food
• Red tubular flowers for hummingbirds

Also consider the following characteristics:

• Provides shade
• Human food source
• Deciduous
• Evergreen
• Screening for privacy
• Attractive flowers or foliage

Consult with these expert sources to develop a plant list for your site:

• University of Florida Extension Service
• Florida Native Plant Society
• Division of Forestry
• Water Management District
• Garden Center or Plant Nursery
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Landscape Maintenance Professional
• Libraries

 

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