Xeriscaping Your Lawn In Florida

Prices for water are rising with increased demand on aquifers, water storage areas and rivers. Instead of trying to keep water- hogging plants alive, switching your landscaping theme will help keep your water use and cost down.

 

Xeriscaping is the process of choosing and planting native plants. In arid climates, this means choosing succulents, shrubs and cacti that use very little water. In mountain areas, local wildflowers, trees and shrubs grow vigorously. Xeriscape plants not only use less water, they also use less fertilizer. This keeps streams, rivers and the ocean clear of pollution from the run- off.

 

Xeriscaping in Florida is not difficult. It takes a little research to find the plants native to your part of the state, the type of soil you have and how to obtain and care for them. If you have replaced the native soil with topsoil from other areas, you can learn how to amend it for your native plants.

 

To find xeriscape plants for Florida, follow these tips:

 

• Find your growing zone. Look at government websites instead of seed catalogs. The zones were recently updated to match the climate changes.

• List native plants in your growing area. Many have colors, shapes and textures far more beautiful than those offered in a catalog from other states or countries.

• Make a map of your growing area and list what you would like to have growing in each spot.

• Look for the plants at local nurseries, online and from private growers. If a plant is listed by the state as illegal, leave it alone. Other plants may have the same color or shape you are looking for.

 

If you are unsure about xeriscaping, your local landscaping company will be happy to help you create a native garden that will become the envy of the neighborhood.