Landscaping in SW Florida
If you’ve just bought a new home or if you’re thinking of selling your home, the landscaping around your home should be a major consideration. Landscaping is the first thing that your guests or prospective buyers will see when they approach your home and it’s a worthwhile investment to make in your home. Landscaping doesn’t have to cost a lot and there are a number of great plant choices for your property that can be purchased inexpensively.
The landscaping in SW Florida and the tropics can be vastly different from where you may have originally lived. There are a number of great nurseries in Naples where you can find an almost dizzying array of plants, bushes, tropicals and flowers. We particularly like the selections at Golden Gate Nursery and Driftwood Garden Center.
Now that you know where to go, what to buy? That may depend on several factors. First and foremost, if you live an a homeowners association, you will have to check your rules and regulations to see if they prohibit certain species. There are non-native plants such as the Brazilian pepper which are not native to Florida, are very invasive and take over from native plants. Second, you’ll have to assess the amount of yard that you’d like to dedicate to the plants and trees that you’ll be installing. If you really have no idea what to install or how, it’s good to consult with a landscape architect regarding what the possibilities are for your outdoor space. It’s important to consider how large certain trees will get and whether or not certain plants spread out or grow tall.
Numerous fruit trees will grow in Florida’s tropical environment. Mango trees are found all through Naples, Bonita, and Estero and can grow as far north as Tampa although that is above the frost line which adversely affects their development. Several delicious species include the Bombay (my personal favorite), Kent, Julie, Keitt & Hayden. Other fruit trees that will flourish include oranges, grapefruits, lychee, papaya, carambola (starfruit), guava, lime, passionfruit, and custard apples. Just like any other plant in your garden, fruit trees require maintenance and pruning.
There are an abundance of flowering bushes and plants that you can plant in your garden at your new home in SW Florida. Some regional favorites include the bird of paradise, gardenia, cocoplum, fiddlewood, century plant and more.
Some SW Florida homeowners have chosen to xeriscape their properties and have greatly reduced their water consumption and lawn bills in that manner. Efficient irrigation methods, drought tolerant turf options such as centipede grass, bahia grass and bermuda grass as well as native plants which are not only beautiful but also water sippers have created some beautiful gardens in our area.
Whatever you decide, there are many amazing and attractive options to utilize in the personalization of your new home. Please feel free to contact us and let us know if we can be of any service.
Remember, Mike always answers his phone!
239.293.0246
