A Florida Wildflower Garden

Recently I had the joy of visiting a private garden in Plant City with my fellow Hillsborough County Master Gardeners. The owners have created a remarkably extensive wildflower garden in the area surrounding the house on their 8+ acres of open woodland. It was one of the most unique gardens I've ever had the pleasure of walking through.

Patches of golden yellow and bright lavender flowers from wild phlox and (Rudbekia) black-eyed Susans created flowing waves among the fields of grass.  

Winding pathways made from brick pavers and some of crushed shell meander through the front garden. Florida-Friendly foundational shrubbery like neatly trimmed Ilex Schilling contrast perfectly with lanky yellow native Rosinweed that blooms profusely in spring. Every space in between was a mix of Gaillardia, Narrow-leaf sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, Pentas, coonties, frost weed, gardenias, milkweed and many more. The huge, ancient live oaks with their broad, long limbs reaching into the blue sky act as strong architectural features around the perimeter. As the day progresses the shifting shade they provide creates a canopy of relief.

Relief the wildflowers don't need. They are quite happy to thrive beyond the oaks in the wide open heat and sunlight.

A pergola in the front garden is well placed along one of the pathways.

Every part of this garden was artfully designed by the owner. The butterly bench! Wow.

More Rudbekia along the side garden.

Butterflies everywhere.  This one, a permanent and perfectly hovering structure.

The back was an open field with wildflowers thickly planted in a huge bed and heavily mulched. Beyond the tended beds are self-seeded mounds of golden Rudbekia that draw your eye toward the horizon.

A mix of sun and shade is a blessing in any garden. In this one it seemed to be perfectly distributed. In truth, it was this wise gardener who used her sunlight and her shade to the best possible advantage. She put her signature on her land by installing the right plants in the right place and created an amazingly artful and beautifully designed one-of-a-kind garden.



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10 Easy Steps :: Making A New Planting Bed

There are so many variables and random elements to deal with in any garden. In Florida I think it is fair to say our conditions are unique from any other state. Our ridiculously sandy soil is a relatively consistent factor. The heat, humidity, spring droughts, summer rains and winter frosts are generally widespread aspects Florida gardeners manage to work around.

All of which contribute to the difficulty of dealing with the monoculture of a lush green St. Augustine lawn. It is one element I am resigned to quit fighting against.

My solution? Simple. Make more planting beds.

I've been eyeing the space in front of the northside berm since last spring; thinking of ways I could claim it for planting a few more edibles as well as some sun loving flowers. Hesitation factors include the obvious encroachment on lawn-play-space and the fact it is out in the open ... not protected from wildlife. My edible garden is fenced on all sides to keep digging/damaging critters out. I'm taking my chances with this one.

Florida's January spring-like weather was the nudge I needed to get me in gear. Today I'm going to walk you through the steps of how I make a new planting bed from start to finish.
1. Rather than dig out the layer of grass where I want to plant (like I spent so many hours doing in the past) I begin by layering newspapers (6 or more sheets overlapping each other so there are no spaces) or cardboard down next to the grass in whatever shape I've determined to make the new planting bed.

2. Sometimes I mark the area with spray paint, a hose, or even stakes depending on the plan I have in mind. Do whatever you feel comfortable with and what works for you.

Tip: watering down the papers as you go is recommended to keep them in place.

3. Next comes a few wheelbarrows full of black gold from the compost pile. This stuff has been breaking down all summer/fall and is ready to be the bottom layer.

4. On top of the compost I pile on several inches of potting mix. Potting mix is much lighter (airier)than top soil which I would not recommend for a planting bed.

5. I happened to have a couple of bags of Mushroom Compost on hand (because I try to always have a couple of bags on hand) which became my next layer. I've used aged horse manure and saw dust in the past. You want to keep in mind that building the soil up with natural organics is going to save you lots of headaches in the long run. You can read my article on building soil here if you want to know more about why it is the wisest way to get started.

6. Next I sprinkle on some blood meal and bone meal. I'm not fussy about this. Well, I'm fussy about the fact that it has to be done but I'm not fussy about measuring.

I sprinkle on a generous layer ~~~ a few handfuls of each. More organic goodness!

Because I let this settle for a couple of weeks before I plant anything I'm not too worried about the amount being too much. ** Please see the note on step 9. Very important to wait to plant.

A closer look at the dusting of both products.

7. I use my steel rake to gently massage it together and into the top layer of potting mix.

8. Mulch for the pathway.

Edit added to answer a great question from daisy in the comments section::
For the pathway I layer with newspaper and then mulch. I don't put soil down on the pathways first.

Tip::When making new planting beds it is really important to leave room to access existing beds as well as the new one(s). I want to be able to walk through plantings by way of paths. Because I extended this area out from an already 15' deep planting it was necessary to leave ample room (about 3') for a pathway between the berm and the new space. Again, it is worth the forethought to be sure the materials we plant can be reached easily by the gardener. :-)

The dirt section is about 20' in length and 4' at the widest point.

9. Now I soak it down with water and I wait a couple of weeks at least to let all of it *cook* together in the warm sun. ***It is really important to wait a couple of weeks because Blood Meal is high in nitrogen and it can burn new seeds and seedlings. It breaksdown fairly quickly so let it sit before planting.

10. It is a happy day when it is time to plant.


Because I'm putting some edibles in this area I surrounded it with folding fencing. It is a deterrent. I realize it won't keep all animals out.

The first plants I put in is the edging. With pieces of bulbine I divided from other plants in the front garden I planted along the front border. I like to include in every planting bed foundation plants that will sustain the bed year round no matter what is planted behind them. Bulbine is hardy in the winter and very tolerant of drought also. It has a low habit to work for the size of this bed and complement the one it is connected to.

The obelisk adds structure and gives a sense of height and balance to the berm behind it like a very small tree or specimen plant would. Sweet peas and pole beans were planted from seed around the base of it to climb as they grow. I bought some basil, chives, cilantro, and lobelia plants to put around the obelisk.

Broccoli starts (from seed) were moved from the edible garden. Also some gaillardia transplants, some nasturtium transplants, and I planted new seeds of squash and zinnias.
Pine straw is great for covering seeds. It isn't too heavy and it serves as mulch to protect the soil from drying out too rapidly.

Good soil, good drainage, and the right plants in the right place make for a happy new space.

Here is another view from the opposite side looking back toward the edible garden (behind the jasmine on the fence). So far, so good.

Edit added due to some discussions on my FB page. Just want to add this note about soil (to help us keep our goals in mind) from Colorado State University Extension::
Rather than being an inert material, soil houses a dynamic living ecosystem. The1-5% organic matter found in soils includes 0.2% living organisms. Although most soil organisms are invisible to the naked eye, they help gardeners in multiple ways. One major benefit to gardeners is their ability to help improve soil tilth. Soil tilth is the suitability of a soil to support plant growth, especially as it relates to ease of tillage, fitness for a seedbed, impedance to seedling emergence and root penetration. Soil organisms also play a central role in making nutrients available to plants. The community of soil organisms is varied, versatile, and adaptable to changing conditions and food supplies.


Stay tuned for my next post when I'll share another new planting bed I recently finished.

Are you working on some fun projects while the weather is still nice? Or are you waiting for your weather to be nice enough to get in gear?

Winter's Mild Disposition

This winter reminds me of Florida winters of long ago. Winter has been kind to us. No significant damage in the garden from freeze or frost. In keeping with Winter's mild temperament and ample sunshine the garden calls for attention during this season.

I love the constant quest for placing the right plant in the right place always keeping in mind the specific microclimates within the microclimate that is my garden. These things fuel the creative me.

One of the downsides about transitioning my garden into a more naturalistic style is the tendency this style can have to get cluttered. Untidy happens when sections run together without some delineation. It might be caused when branches intermingle excessively or fall over onto one another creating confusion to the eye, or when seedlings drop where they will to impede a walkway or seating arrangement.

I don't like messy. That's just me. If you like messy don't hate me. I'm good with your messy. It's just not me.

The challenge to mix in Florida-Friendly plants with natives and tropicals in a pleasing arrangement for my eyes AND to also benefit wildlife is both satisfying and inspiring.

In any intensely planted areas messy can happen. Which takes us back to right plant, right place. When planning these crowded spaces it's even more important to take into consideration the mature size of the choices we make. We want to minimize the burden of increased maintenance when the goal is to keep that foresty, tropical-ish, naturalistic look without constant pruning.

Occasionally it is necessary to purge these crowded conditions along the narrow places. Otherwise all sight of navigating abilities through the central garden is lost. As you can see from the above before and after photos, it was mostly self-sown impatiens impeding the route.

Love seeing the rocks on the side of the pathway now that most of those impatiens were extracted.

With all that 'messy' out of the way the mondo grass that is slowly crawling its way around the flagstones is visible. I adore those indestructible tufted mounds of deep green.

The tropical plants are showing little sign of retreating this winter. I'm happy they are hanging around this winter.

Taking a look down the tropical pathway it is difficult to discern that we are in the middle of winter. I'd like to give a big hug to winter for gifting us with so many beautiful days. Fingers are crossed for Florida's winter splendor to remain.

Happy gardening... Meems

Florida Gardening:: A Seasonal Re-Cap

It's the time of year when it seems Florida either has loads of rain or none at all. Our plants already have to adapt to sandy soil, sweltering temperatures, and unbearably high humidity. By this time, they've recovered fully from winter's random freezes, waited patiently (with help from irrigation) through our dry season (which is oddly during spring), and summer rains have kept them nourished in plenty. Plants and humans alike breathe a sigh of relief once the atmosphere is right for the 'hit and miss' pattern of rains to get started.
We learn to choose plants sutiable for our summer heat and humidity because we know at the outset they have to endure a long period of these tough conditions. Right plant, right place is a Florida-Friendly principle to practice for the greatest success rate in any Florida garden.

All the summer rain means the plants we chose to survive sunny, dry conditions (Mexican sage, bulbine, beach sunflower, sedum gold, achillea to name a few) can become very unhappy with days-on-end of rain. Other plants can suffer from the onset of fungus and disease with so much moisture.

Gardeners are well aware our fall season is likely to feel and act just-like-summer with the added factor of hurricane season in full force. Once in a while some of the cool air from the northern states might push its way this far south; then we enjoy some refreshing dry air for a brief visit. It's all random. The cool (dry) air doesn't stay very long.

Nevertheless, these September days are ever-so-gradually getting shorter and the sun is obviously making its rotation into the southern sky. I revel in the beauty of the autumn shifts in light and shadows.

The understated changes in Florida's seasons are keenly noticed by gardeners. Dormant caladiums that sprouted in March/April are gradually fading and going to sleep for the winter. Although the bulbs I planted in July/August remain perky and bright. That's why I like to hold some of them back to plant in mid-summer. It extends the foliage display well into fall.

Thanks to Classic Caladiums for giving me many new selections of bulbs to trial this year I've had a blast experimenting with them. Many of them are from their 'Sun Series' exclusive varieties which you can read more about here.

From the sun series 'White Wonder' has decidedly captured my attention and my heart. Giving it the ultimate test, by taking the chance it would perform exceedingly, I planted it in my front garden. More precisely, at the driveway entrance and along the roadside. It has not disappointed from any aspect.

This variety is bred for full sun exposure~~an amazing quality for any caladium. It has a mounding habit and tops out at 18" tall which makes it ideal for borders. They are planted on a slight slope where the soil drains rapidly. Flourishing with rainfall alone all summer and quite a bit of sun exposure 'White Wonder' passed the love-test in my garden. I will miss them greatly when they fade away for a winter reprieve.
Some beauties hold out for autumn to begin their bloom time. Such is the case with this young Brugmansia suaveolens grown from a small cutting that Chris from the Great Wall of Lutz passed on to me two summers ago. The first-ever buds on it froze in last December's early freezes. So this is actually the first time it has flushed out with success.

Intriguingly simple beauty from these complex trumpeted blooms.

After two weeks of virtually no rain we've gotten about 3 inches in the last 3 days (loads or not-at-all). I'm grateful and so are the plants that thrive on moisture like the magnificent Australian Tree Fern.

In the midst of end-of-summer dry/wet conditions and the continually high heat index ~~even though it is officially fall ~~ now is the time to crank up the vegetable garden again. It is always a guessing game depending on your location in the state. My green beans are putting on their second set of leaves. If it stays too hot they won't like it. A warm season vegetable that seems to like it less humid. Slightly cooler, drier air would be perfect for them to live a stress-free life. At least that's been my experience. Seeds are cheap so I keep trying even when conditions are not ideal.

[Take a look at this vegetable planting guide for dates of when and what to plant.]

Okra on the other hand respects the heat AND humidity ... growing well in the worst part of summer. It's a good thing we happen to like this odd vegetable. It's one that causes many noses to scrunch up in distaste at the mention of it.

The Cuphea ignea is taking up lots of valuable real estate in one of the framed beds in the back corner of the edible garden. Hummers and butterflies favor the long tubular flowers that bloom almost all year long. They visit frequently so the flowering shrub remains even though veggies would vie for that sunny spot. It's all about the choices we make.

Learning what grows well in our own gardens and placing them where they will be happy is what makes Florida gardening so thrilling. We do our best with the conditions thrown our way and we learn as we grow. All that said... I'm looking forward to some drier, cooler air... what about you?

** All photos are from this past week in my garden. Clicking on them individually will take you to captioned photos on my Picasa Website.

Florida-Friendly Plant Choices

Being in the garden this week with Easter activities was especially nice. Taking a look back at last year's photos from April there is no question the garden is much further along THIS April. Probably due to our 'early' freezes in December and then a steady warm-up in February recovery was quicker and earlier.
Choosing the best plants for our own specific climate (or micro-climate)becomes even more crucial in these times of unpredictable weather patterns. In my garden I've found I'm leaning more and more towards designing with the endurable characteristics of each plant in mind.

Florida-Friendly Dietes iridioides 'Arican Iris' blooms repeatedly all spring (and sporadically throughout summer)with each rainy day being the encouragement it needs to open a new flush of pristine white flowers.

In my zone 9 garden it is also:
~cold hardy
~drought resistant
~divides easily for transplanting
~maintenance needs are limited (pruning dead/dried foliage)once established
~grows in sunny situations or shifting shade

A dapple here and a dapple there of sunshine that shifts and moves around during the course of the day proves to be a challenge for "just the right plants" in "just the right place". But don't be discouraged. In Florida I've found these conditions to be an advantage. Our full spring/summer sun can prove to be brutal on certain plants. High shifting shade from mature oaks offers a great opportunity for tropicals and Florida-Friendly plants that thrive in humid conditions.

Just a few ideas for plants I've found that cherish these conditions and don't require additional water or maintenance:
~Begonias (heracleifolia and rotundifolia)
~Stromanthe sanguinea
~Impatiens (will wilt in the evening sun but perk up by next morning)
~'Variegated' Shell Ginger Alpinia zerumbet (often you'll see this one planted in too much exposure ~~I find they flourish best with shifting shade)
~Variegated Arboricola (Scefflera)(same scenario as shell ginger)
~Blackberry lily
~Queen Emma Crinum
~Buddha Belly (jatropha podagrica)
~Blood Leaf (Iresine)(sited on the edges of shade to receive some late afternoon sun)
~Spathiphyllum
~Lemon lime dracaena
~Cordylines
~Selloum
~Xanadu philodendron
~Coleus
~Apostle's Iris Neomarica caerulea 'Regina'(also can take more sun)
~Bird's Nest Fern
~Caladiums
~Fox tail fern (also performs well in lots of sun)
~Alocasia (Polly & Plumbea)
~Flax lily Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata'(also performs well in lots of sun)
~Variegated Aztec Grass
~Rojo congo philodendron
~Artillery Fern Pilea microphylla
~Holly Fern Cyrtomium Falcatum

Closely observing the specific hour(s) of the day and length of time the sun's rays peek through the branches of trees in each area is invaluable for correct placement. With each season the angle of the sun can also change.

Placing containers of favorite combinations on the outer edges of my tropical pathway adds focal points of brightness where 'pockets' of sunshine are adequate for growth. One of the beauties of contained plants is the flexibility they offer to move them around if needed.
Above photo:
~Macho fern (keep contained or it will be everywhere)
~Coleus 'rose kong'
~Lysimachia 'Golden Globe'

There are a few 'corners' of my garden that receive a full 4-5 hours of beaming sunlight. In these situations I've purposely chosen to group species of plants that prefer dry, hot sunshine. I view these rare places as an opportunity for plants that otherwise won't do well elsewhere in my shady garden.

The damsel fly above is resting on a thin blade of purple muhly grass. Muhly grass REQUIRES a goodly amount of sunshine to thrive. Next to it is white yarrow. Its bright green foliage resembles an airy fern. This yarrow (not sure its name) has a much different foliage than Achillea millefolium. After transplanting divisions of it to several partially sunny locations this site next to the street in the front garden seems to make it the happiest. It's blooming! That makes me happy.

One of the thrilling aspects of healthy gardening that allows predator bugs to eliminate harmful bugs is finding all kinds of new critters that haven't been seen before. I'm thinking this caterpillar is some sort of moth. Anyone know???

The new and exciting compared to the very familiar in an established garden. My garden wouldn't be the same without the dozen or so cardinals that freely flit to and fro from morning until night.

The archway on the perimeter of the circle garden is laden with profuse blooms of Confederate Jasmine.

They only last about 6 weeks so I'm savoring drifts from their sweet fragrance daily.

Below the blooming ligustrum and next to the archway is the grafted Miami Supreme Gardenia. A grafted specimen will have better chances to avoid the nematode problems our Florida soils are often rife with. Intensely fragrant flowers of gardenias are a classic symbol of springtime.

Creating an inviting environment in our garden contributes to the ease in which we make the most of our outdoor life around here. This week we colored eggs on the back lanai with the little ones.

And then while playing in the garden the youngest one discovered a newly emerged monarch. While drying its wings before flight it was willing to sit on our little guy's finger much to his utter delight.

Not the same monarch but another one resting in the dappled sunlight of an Oakleaf hydrangea leaf.

The blooms of the native Oakleaf hydrangea are large and brilliantly white this month. Another shifting-shade-loving plant that requires no additional attention once established.

I'm not sure if bromeliads are officially considered Florida-Friendly.

But my UN-official determination is they are SUPER Florida-Friendly in my garden. I've been using them as easy-to-care-for container plants since they require very little irrigation and they don't shed messy flower petals.

Satisfying the conditions a plant requires will always, in turn, satisfy the gardener. There are many areas of my garden that are nearly self-sufficient after getting fully established.

Sure there is weeding, some soft-pruning, and occasional fertilizing. In general, it's remarkable how much easier life in the garden becomes when we master "right plant, right place" in any given area.

For more ideas on Florida-Friendly plant choices check out Riverview Flower Farms' plant database and the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods' database.

And don't forget to have fun! A most essential ingredient to choosing the right plant for the right place!