Bountiful Blooms as Winter Looms
While Florida may have a reputation for “endless summers”, there are distinct seasonal changes in our landscapes. Many native wildflowers such as Tickseed, Black Eyed Susans, and Rosinflower go dormant in the winter. But don’t let that discourage you! A prepared planter can have a vibrant, blooming garden all year long. With Florida’s short and […]
Jamie’s Killer Kale Salad
Jamie’s Killer Kale Salad Recipe (for people who don’t actually like kale!) Try this quick and easy recipe that will soon be a staple on the table. Kale is a nutritional superstar packed with vitamins A, C and K. As a leafy green it contains plenty of fiber. But for some of us, the […]
Sensible Garden Hurricane Prep
If there’s one thing that puts a gardener on edge, it’s the threat of a hurricane or tropical storm. Your landscape and gardens are your oasis, your happy place… The threat of a storm wiping that all out in a day is depressing… Follow our guide for some sensible ways to prepare your garden and landscape for a hurricane or tropical storm. It may help you to methodically enter hurricane season and avoid panicking at the last minute.
Composting For Newbies
Composting can seem daunting to beginners, but it is really easy once you get started. So, composting newbies, read on! You can do it!
Urban Homestead Beginner
It’s no secret that the CO-VID pandemic prompted a lot of folks to start gardens. Some people were concerned about the food supply – crops were unharvested, rotting in the field. Grocery shelves were empty. Others were trying to find a socially distant past time to keep themselves and the kids busy out of the house.
For our client, the Urban Homestead Beginner, it was a bit of both. We’d been over for a brief consultation with the Urban Homestead Beginner about a year prior to evaluate the current landscaping at their new home, but they weren’t even considering a food garden at that point. They are a busy on-the-go family so they thought it’d be too much work.
But, they suddenly found themselves at home, wondering what to do with themselves, and two small active children. Solution – plant a garden!
Garden Projects for Kids
You can expose children to gardening even if you don’t have much space. Your space doesn’t actually need to be outdoors. A sunny window or corner on the front porch can be just enough sun to light up young eyes to the magic of growing. While plants themselves are pretty great, you can jazz it up a bit with simple recycled or common household items. These garden projects for kids will help YOU help your child learn more about gardening while upcycling some common household materials.
Tori’s Family Food Forest
One of our favorite consulting jobs was Tori’s family food forest. They had just purchased their first home and dreamed of butterflies frolicking through gardens bursting with fresh food. There were a few mismatched shrubs in the backyard, but it was otherwise a blank canvas.
What to Plant in August
When people tell you “nothing grows in Florida summers” don’t listen! There are so many delicious and easy-to-grow crops that you can enjoy this time of year, and it’s the perfect time to begin planning and planting for your fall Florida garden.
Cocoplum Jam
Several years ago, I became fascinated with this landscape plant that I bought on a whim, red-tipped cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco). I didn’t really know much about it other than that it was a Florida native shrub with pretty leaves that produced fruit I could eat. After a while, it produced so much fruit, that I began researching recipes for cocoplum jam.