Florida and Orchids Naturally Go Together

What is is about orchids that is so undeniably attractive?  Perhaps because their mystical presence has been part of nature since before man and they span all of the continents of the Earth except for Antarctica.  Science has shown that the Orchidaceae family of flowering plants may go back as far as 100 million years or more.  One orchid species that has been traced back to at least 60 million years, the dried seed pods of the Vanilla Orchid are the source of vanilla for baking and perfume!

How many types of orchids are there?  The Orchidaceae family of uniquely beautiful flowers has about 28,000 natural species: this equals the number of bony fishes and is more than twice the number of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species on Earth. Since the introduction of tropical orchids into cultivation in the 19th century, horticulturists have produced more than 100,000 additional hybrids and cultivars.

Why do the flowers of the orchid last so long?  The complex mechanisms that orchids have evolved to achieve cross-pollination, which were once investigated by Charles Darwin himself, are highly specialized therefore the chances of being pollinated are often unlikely, so orchid flowers usually remain in bloom for very long periods.  You will find orchids in flower for months at a time, giving endless enjoyment.

What about orchids in Florida?  Our state is host to about half of the native orchid species found in the United States! Almost all orchid species will thrive in the climate and conditions of the Sunshine State because we are at a nexus of both temperate and semi-tropical to tropical regions.  Our native species of orchids include the fabled Ghost Orchid as well as four species that are so rare, they originate only in Florida.

What are the four main types of orchids?  Orchidaceae are broken down into Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis), Dendrobium Orchids, Slipper Orchids (shown above), and Boat Orchids (Cymbidium).  All of these orchids can thrive in the right setting in and around your Florida home.   Phalaenopsis are the most common variety that you see sold just about everywhere including the local grocery store.  Dendrobrium have long narrow leaves and are often found decorating restaurant tables or garnishing elegant plates of food.  The rarely sold Lady Slipper orchid is pictured above and comes in many other colors.  Cymbidium orchids are large and tall with heavy, elaborate flowers.

How can orchids be incorporated into North Florida landscape design?  There are several ways to add orchids to your landscaping.  Because some species are air plants, they are often grown on trees as they would be found in nature.  Dendrobrium orchids are known to grow well in our soil and bloom once or twice per year.  Cymbidium and moth orchids enjoy the conditions of pots on outdoor patios and lanais.  

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Landscape Design: Planting Trees has a Host of Benefits

Landscapers are not just landscape designers, but experienced consultants and "fixers" as well.  This is because we have seen the undesirable long term effects of having planted the wrong tree in the wrong location.  We have seen overgrown branches covering windows or disturbing utility lines, or trees with roots that damage a driveway.

Keep in mind, studies have reported that homeowners get a 100 percent or more return on the money they put into landscaping if it is done correctly.  If you have a completely bare lot, it will take many years for your plants to mature, so begin your landscaping immediately.

We begin by viewing your entire site plan comprehensively before planting anything. Then we will provide a landscape design that visualizes the size and shape of all its elements once the trees and shrubs mature.  This ensures that your investment in professional landscaping gives you the full return, as opposed to negating the value of your property.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of June: Passionate about Passionflower

What is the vine with the exotic purple flowers that pops up in the North Florida area in the summer months? It is no other than the stunning plant Passiflora, also called passionflower or maypop. Passiflora incarnata is the most common species in the southeast but you will most likely encounter other examples of this plant, with varieties in the many hundreds.

Passionflower when used in landscape design looks best in natural and informal plantings, as its vines tend to go where they please and are typically deciduous as opposed to evergreen. It is especially valued in butterfly gardens, as it is the food plant of many different types of Florida caterpillars. Passionflower is a fast growing perennial that can grow as high at 12 feet!

The unique purple flowers of passionflower are about three inches in diameter and each blossom only lasts 24 hours.  Our local passionflower vines, considered a wildflower, have hardy roots through very cold weather and their fruits are edible, although so popular with wildlife you will rarely get a chance to see them ripen to the orange color they attain in the late summer and fall before they are eaten.  

Passionflower is the food of a number of butterfly species, including the zebra longwing and Gulf fritillary. Bumblebees are known to become intoxicated from the nectar of passionflower (look closely at the photo at the top), and will stay on the blooms all day long, sometimes falling to the ground in a stupor.

The fruit was a favorite of colonial settlers of the South and Native Americans alike; the Cherokee called it "ocoee" and some people still know it as wild apricot.  To this day eating passionfruit is a favorite of Cajuns: they call the plant liane de grenade, or "pomegranate vine".

Native Americans taught European colonists to utilize leaves of passionflower to make a calming medicinal tea, and it is still used this way in some Central and South American cultures. There are studies currently being done to investigate whether passionflower leaf extract is a better alternative to anxiety medications than the current pharmaceutical treatment.

And finally - why is this lovely flower named for "passion"?  The label refers to the passion of Jesus in Christian history: in the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish missionaries chose the physical structures of this flower, especially the numbers of its various parts, as symbols of their faith.  You may notice the passionflower sometimes appearing as a decorative element in Christian artworks over the centuries since.

Passionflower will always be found in areas with lots of available sunlight, never in shady areas beneath a forest canopy. Other species you could likely encounter in North and Central Florida include the Passiflora racemosa, a large evergreen vine with long clusters of bright red passionflowers, about five inches each in diameter. Also growing in gardens and forests of Palm Coast, St. Augustine, and Ormond Beach is the blue passionflower, Passiflora caerulea.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of May: Love for Gardenia is No Secret

We know that deep red roses are for True Love; bright yellow roses are for Friendship.  The symbolism of a flower is often a testament to its character, but not in the case of the elegant and stunning gardenia, which is the floral symbol for Secret Love.

This evergreen flowering shrub has just begun its fragrant show of blossoms this month in North Florida landscape designs.  That being said, gardenia is not salt tolerant so we would not advise you to incorporate it into beach landscaping.

Also sometimes growing in the fashion of a small tree or a hedge, gardenia have very shiny dark green leaves and its flowers are a pure white that eventually fade to yellow as they end their brilliance.  With its heavenly scent and a classic shape, gardenia are often used in weddings.

Botanists know that gardenia will continuously bloom for several months of late spring into mid summer.  Selective about its conditions and placement, gardenia does best with a professional landscaper's guidance in regards to installation and maintenance.

Gardenia is part of the coffee family of plant species, Rubiaceae, and the most common gardenia is Gardenia jasminoides, found growing wild in Vietnam, Southern China, Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar, and India. Gardenia is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and has been in cultivation in China for at least a thousand years.

You may hear gardenia sometimes called "cape jasmine" or "cape jessamine".  The flowers eventually become oval fruits, and these are still used in Chinese medicine.  Gardenia is also used to make yellow dye in Asia.  It is a flower with a rich history and a popularity all over the world, either as a landscape design element or as a houseplant.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of April: Soap Aloe is in Exotic Bloom

This month we have aloes flowering in Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties' landscape designs, especially the Florida friendly aloe maculata that many mistakenly identify as aloe vera.  These red/orange flowers we are enjoying in North Florida are also called zebra aloe, aloe saponaria, or most commonly soap aloe because the plant is used to make soap in its native Africa.

At current count there are over 500 species of aloe and soap aloe is one beautiful species uniquely set apart because of its fat, thick leaves and exotic looking spikes of orange or red flowers in the spring.  This plant is waterwise and tolerant of just about any soil, making it a home run for landscape designs in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, and the surrounding areas.

Warm desert regions enjoy the beauty of soap aloe and it will also be seen in Arizona and California landscaping.  Along with being drought tolerant and therefore xeriscape friendly, soap aloe is a rock star in beach landscape design because it is so salt tolerant.  You just can't go wrong with this stunning plant if you enjoy the look of an exotic species, but with low maintenance needs.

We can assist you with all aspects of beach-beautiful landscaping: design, installation, and maintenance are the services we offer, with specialties like water features and outdoor lighting also in our realm of expertise.  Oceanside landscape designs are a challenge that very few professional companies are prepared to meet, and we do it with years of experience and a trusted reputation behind every beachfront property.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of February: The Eye Catching Bougainvillea

Even in the Sunshine State, there are minimal flowers blooming in the winter month of February.  But one eye catcher can remain evergreen and colorful: the bougainvillea, a vine like shrub that adds a taste of the tropics to any landscape design in Flagler, St. Johns, or Volusia Counties.

Establishing a bougainvillea in the proper soil with the proper light and drainage is the difficult part, and many who love the plant depend upon the expertise of a professional landscaper to install and maintain it to its ultimate beauty.  Colors include whites, purples, reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks.

The flower of the bougainvillea is actually a tiny white one in the center, but the surrounding three leaves of color are the real show stoppers.  This plant, which can grow in tree, vine, or bush form, is native to South America.  Beware of one thing about this beauty: it has thorns!

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of January: The Beautiful Camellia

Have you noticed the camellias in bloom around northeast Florida this month?  If you would like to enjoy the camellia during its season of stunning flower, visit Washington Oaks State Park in Palm Coast, Florida, where there are several cultivars blooming right now.

Camellia originated in eastern and southern Asia, and its beautiful image is frequently featured in Asian art. In Chinese the name translates to "tea flower".  On the Indian subcontinent and in Asia, leaves of Camellia sinensis are in fact the basis for tea.

There are 100–250 known species of camellia and the ornamental varieties are generally Camellia japonica, Camellia oleifera, and Camellia sasanqua, with over 3,000 hybrids and cultivars. Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees that can grow over 60 feet tall.

Their leaves are glossy and the flowers range from white through pink colors to red and blends of these shades.  Rare yellow camellias are found in South China and Vietnam. Camellias prefer rich, acidic soils and a large amount of water, usually not tolerating drought at all.

Camellia plants have a rapid growth rate and are food plants for many butterfly species.  Along with tea, camellia is also used to make a cooking oil that is widely used in Asia.  Camellias were not found in gardens outside of Asia until 1739 in England, then America in 1797.

Frequently planted in woodland settings (such as Washington Oaks), camellias are highly valued for their winter flowering, setting them apart in cold weather. Flower forms include single, semi-double, double, anemone form, rose form, and formal double.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of December: The Christmas Cactus Lives Up To Its Name

If you live in North Florida, you will notice that the plants called "Christmas Cactus" truly do bloom around Christmastime here, if left to their own devices.  It is sign of the season in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, or St. Augustine to see the plant Schlumbergera begin to bud and flower in its unique and beautiful way in December.

Christmas Cactus is native to the coastal mountains of Brazil and grows there on trees and rocks as an epiphyte, or air plant.  This flowering succulent plant enjoys humidity and shade, making it a perfect plant for our North Florida homes and patios, and slightly different than its desert relatives who enjoy sun and dry conditions.  

In its native Brazil, Christmas Cactus blooms in May.  All around the world, as a houseplant it has been very popular and it can live for a long time, being passed down through generations.  For many areas of the United States, careful steps are taken to make the plant bloom during the holiday season.  That is not the case here, as it does not demand much care and is perfectly suited to our climate.

Florida landscape design is very customized and our clients have found that the assistance of a professional landscaping company leads to success in planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance of a well landscaped home or commercial property. 

If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to read about other Florida winter plants of interest:

Amaryllis:
http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-truth-about-amaryllis-flowers.html

Poinsettia:
http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/flower-of-holy-night-all-about.html

Florida Holly:
http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/florida-holly-is-not-so-festive-after.html

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of November: The Chrysanthemum for Fall

Chrysanthemum indicum, the autumn flower chrysanthemum, is sometimes called mum or chrysanth and the number of varieties at this point are literally countless. Native to Asia and northeastern Europe, for us the mum symbolizes the fall season, November, and Thanksgiving. Whether you are enjoying the flowers of chrysanthemum in your garden or on your table, it is a plant that is synonymous with this time of year.

Here are some fascinating facts about this lovely flower:

The name of this flower comes from the Greek words chrysos meaning gold, and anthemon meaning flower.

Mums were first cultivated in China as far back as the 15th century BC.

This flower came to America in 1798 when Colonel John Stevens brought in a variety known as 'Dark Purple' from England.

Mums are edible, but it is advised you only use the flower petals and blanch them first for the best flavor.

Yellow or white chrysanthemum flowers are boiled to make a sweet drink in some parts of Asia called chrysanthemum tea.

In Korea, there is a popular rice wine flavored with chrysanthemum flowers. 

Mum leaves are steamed or boiled and used as greens or aromatic flavors in many Asian cuisines.

Chrysanthemum is used as a natural source of insecticide: its pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of all insects, and inhibit female mosquitoes from biting.

The NASA Clean Air Study showed that chrysanthemum plants reduce indoor air pollution.

The term "chrysanthemum" is also used to refer to specific fireworks that produce a pattern of trailing sparks similar to the flower.

The chrysanthemum is the official flower of November in the United States.

King Tut of Egypt was buried with floral necklaces of chrysanthemums!

In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of its Emperor: for example the Chrysanthemum Crest and Seal, and the Emperor's position on the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Mums are composed of many individual flowers (florets), each one capable of making a seed.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚 

Managing a Landscape to Look its Absolute Best

What can you expect when a landscaper maintains your commercial or residential landscaping?  Here is a general idea of the elements of good landscape management by a professional, experienced company:

1) Shrubs will be pruned and trimmed approximately six times per year.  We will use proper horticultural techniques so that the integrity of the plant is maintained.

2) Any dead, diseased parts of plants will be removed as well as any plant material obstructing walkways or roadways.  Clippings and cuttings will be removed from the site.

3) Small trees (up to 10 feet in height) will be trimmed and shaped to their optimal condition approximately six times per year and checked for proper growth.

4) Medium trees (10-16 feet in height) will be trimmed to maintain clear trunks from ground to lower branches, giving them a clean look and healthy growing condition.

5) If necessary, chemical treatment will be used on plants with infestations of pests or disease.  This will be done very carefully and paying attention to whether the chemicals are working.

6) Thorough weeding will occur, especially in open areas of plant beds.  The soil in these beds will be tested once per year to evaluate pH and nutrient content.

7) Fertilization of shrubs and ground cover will be done twice a year, typically in Spring and Fall.  The fertilizer used will be based on soil testing evaluations.

8) Trees will be fertilized based on size using a balanced formula, and though usually done once a year the initial application will usually be in the spring.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

What It Means to Manage a Landscape

A landscaper is a company that not just designs and installs landscaping for residential and commercial properties, but one that goes beyond just maintenance to management of the landscape design.  They follow strict guidelines so you can have peace of mind:

Mowing

Mowing frequency is customized based on the different growth rates of the seasons.  Certain grasses will be mowed more than others: for example, St. Augustine turf will be cut up to 44 times per year and Bahia turf will be cut up to 21 times per year.

Rotary mowers will be used and the blades will be kept sharp and maintained so grass is not torn.  Height of grass will be determined for optimal health of lawn.

Mowing patterns will ensure an even distribution of clippings for appearance and protection, and clippings will remain on turf to restore nutrients for a healthy lawn.

Edging and Trimming

Plant beds, curbs, roadways, driveways, trees, and buildings will be neatly edged and trimmed to maintain a desirable shape.

After edging and trimming, walkways and patios will be cleared to maintain a clean, well-groomed appearance.

Edging and trimming will coincide with mowing and areas inaccessible to mowers will be maintained with other equipment.

All debris created by our company will be promptly removed.

Fertilization and Control of Weeds, Insects, and Disease

Various percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will be determined based on different seasons and environmental conditions.  St. Augustine turf will be fertilized four times per year.

Soil tests will be performed once per year to evaluate pH and nutrient content.

It is the sole responsibility of our company to treat for insects, disease, or weeds.

All state and federal regulations will be strictly followed when applying pesticide or herbicide products.  These treatments will be performed by trained technicians only.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Hurricane Preparedness Includes Your Landscaping

Hurricane season is right around the corner, and this year it begins June 1st.  This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week and we have several tips to get your landscaping and the area around your home ready in case of major storm.  Keep in mind that you can contact a landscaper regarding hurricane readiness and safety of your landscaping, and services cover many of the suggestions below.

1) Make sure if you have a shed, greenhouse, or other outbuildings that the doors and windows are secure and will not detach in heavy winds.

2) Prune your trees so that large branches are not hanging over your home or car, and away from power lines.  Do not engage in the inappropriately named "hurricane cut", which removes most of the fronds and can severely damage, or even kill, your trees.  Instead trees should be pruned to provide for air flow, which inhibits uprooting.  If a tree is obviously unhealthy and therefore weak, it should be removed.

3) Consider planting trees that are more likely to withstand heavy winds in the first place.  Native growing trees such as the live oak in Florida are standing all these years because they are strong, hard, resistant to winds, and their roots grow deep.

4) Clear your gutters and downspouts and ensure they are firmly attached and that your drainage system is fully functioning.

5) Be ready to stake tall plants in case of a storm, and if a storm is on its way you should be ready to harvest vegetables or flowers beforehand as those fragile plantings will most likely be damaged anyway.

6) Take inventory of all your lawn ornaments, outdoor furniture, potted plants, grills, flags, awnings, and other loose items around the home.  These can become flying projectiles in strong winds and should be stored when a storm is imminent.

7) Consider replacing your gravel beds with softer wood mulch.  Small stones can be hazardous if they become airborne in extreme weather conditions.

8) If you live close to the beach and the possibility of flooding is high, keep in mind that salt tolerant plants and trees are most likely going to be the few survivors of a major storm. When saltwater creeps up higher than usual on the coastline and blows its spray through the air, salt tolerance is severely tested.

Stay safe!  Hurricane season ends November 30th.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Focal Points May Be What's Missing in Your Landscape Design

What brings this landscape design to the professional level?  What is the first thing you see, what draws your eye?  The fountain in the lake is your focal point - without it your eye would pass over the photo quickly and find nothing to stand out in your mind.

Focal points are a key aspect of a successful landscaping plan.  In fact, focal points are an important element in all types of design because they create a sense of emphasis or point of view.  So a beautifully decorated room or amazing piece of art will have a focal point too.

A focal point with its strong visual impact is a timeless designer's tool and if not utilized to some degree, landscaping will seem ordinary or even haphazard. This is because the principle of emphasis gives the important focus and flow that good design must have.

An eye engaging element uses light, direction, height, position, color, or a combination of any of these characteristics.  Examples of focal points for landscape designers in Ormond Beach, St. Augustine, or Palm Coast may include:

Water features - as evidenced by the dramatic fountain in the photo above, water is very expressive.

Statues - including modern shapes, figurative pieces, and unique planters that stand out from the crowd.

Trees - palm trees are obvious focal points, but so are other various species of trees and large plants.

Fire pits - often built as works of art in themselves, a fire pit or fire bowl adds the enticement of warmth.

Outdoor lighting - used in conjunction with any of the above, your focal point comes alive at night as well.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Sturdy Pavers Create Smooth Hardscape Design

If pavers are installed properly, they are more durable and low maintenance than just about any other hardscape material.  Pavers are used to build smooth surfaces for patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, fire pits, and even retaining walls and other landscape design features.

Pavers give a property a much more upscale look than typical concrete and elevate the entire landscape design in the process.  To have a successful installation of pavers, you must have a perfectly flat prepared area to lay them and they must be then compacted and the cracks filled so that weeds cannot grow between them.

For pavers in Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, or St. Augustine, we use a variety of stone types including bluestone, fieldstone, flagstone, or slate.  Each one has its own characteristics and cost - we are happy to provide all the information you may need to make your decision when choosing which pavers to have installed.

We recommend that you look around for ideas in landscaping magazines or on the internet on sites like Pinterest or Houzz, so that we can design and build something that fits your style as well as your budget.  Pavers are incredibly strong and durable and if installed properly, they will be very low maintenance as well as attractive.

If you would like to find out more about having pavers as part of your property's landscape design in Palm Coast, St. Augustine, or Ormond Beach contact a landscaper for more information or we will gladly answer any additional questions you may have.  

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚





   

Flower of the Holy Night: All About the Poinsettia

Poinsettia plants are everywhere around the holidays but do you know the story behind this festive bloom that is synonymous with Christmas itself?  With its bright red, pink, or white "flowers" (which are actually colored leaves called bracts), the poinsettia is the most popular potted plant in the United States with its wholesale contributing over $250 million dollars to the U.S. economy each year.    

The poinsettia got its name here from Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American botanist, physician, and diplomat to Mexico who in 1828 sent cuttings to his home in South Carolina. The poinsettia is native to Mexico (its Spanish name translates to "Flower of the Holy Night") where as a wild tropical tree it can reach heights of more than ten feet. The ancient Aztecs called it cuetlaxochitl and used it to make a reddish-purple dye as well as a medicine for fevers.

One of 2013's holiday season U.S. Postal Service Forever stamps features artwork of the lovely poinsettia. “The image of the poinsettia has proven to be so timeless that the Postal Service has featured it on two previous holiday stamps, one in 1964 and one in 1985,” stated Stamp Services Director Susan McGowan.

Typically the plant is for indoors only, as it is sensitive to freezing.  In Florida, the poinsettia can be planted outdoors as well. If you have poinsettias that you would like to transfer outside, wait until the weather begins to warm, then bring the pots outside and put in a shady place so they can acclimate.

After a few weeks, plant your poinsettias in full sun in well drained soil and keep in mind that in order to flower they need 14 hours of complete darkness each day for 6 to 8 weeks, so keep away from bright street lamps or other outdoor lighting.  Pruning poinsettias after they bloom in spring promotes a fuller plant and in our area you will have a thriving poinsettia if you fertilize it once a month from May to September.

Contrary to what many people have been led to believe, the poinsettia is not toxic to humans or animals.  Eating the poinsettia will cause stomach upset and being exposed to the milky sap of the plant can irritate the skin, but the commonly held notion that poinsettias are highly poisonous is an urban legend.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Mulch is a Must in Landscaping

One component of landscaping installation you can be assured will not be ignored by a professional landscaper is the necessity of mulch, initially applied and continuously maintained, for your garden beds.  Mulch is the material, usually organic, that covers the soil around your plants.  In nature, mulch is created by leaves and other decomposing matter and it is part of what encourages the growth of plants in both wild and structured landscape plans.

The basic purposes of mulch are to conserve moisture, improve the soil, discourage weed growth, and enhance visual harmony and beauty.  The next time you notice a property with an especially attractive landscape design, look a little bit closer and you will see how important the use of mulch is when it comes to an appealing flow to the design.  And of course, any thriving and healthy landscape will have proper mulching to thank for it.  There are even brightly dyed mulches that add a dose of color to entice the eye.    

Different mulch affects the soil in different ways and a professional landscaping company will be familiar with the prime choices of mulch for your particular landscape design.  Bark chips, shredded mulch, wood chips, and wood chip mulch are some examples of what may be used locally and these materials vary in appearance, cost, availability, and effect on the soil underneath.  Rocks, crushed stone, and gravel are also considered a material for the process of mulching, with its own special accommodations.

Mulch is applied as deep as six inches to keep soil temperature and moisture at a stable level.  Application of mulch decreases evaporation so plants get properly watered, and blocks sunlight so that weeds cannot sprout.  Mulch slowly decomposes into the soil, which is why it needs to be replaced periodically. 

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚   

    

Flower of October: Hibiscus is the Rockstar of Florida Landscaping

The hibiscus flower is ubiquitous with Florida landscape design in so many ways: hibiscus flowers are pictured being scattered by a Seminole woman on the official Florida state seal and in reality can be found growing all over the state.  This colorful beauty, available in literally hundreds of varieties, is used as a focal point in landscape design as well as a uniquely Floridian hedge option.  Our summers are heralded by the eye catching blooms of hibiscus in almost every color of the rainbow, and these beauties keep blooming all the way through fall.

Hot weather, humidity, rain, and abundant sunshine bring out the best in the hibiscus (which is why it is still blooming in October for Floridians).  These plants need to be properly fertilized and pruned at the appropriate times, making the services of a professional landscape maintenance company an added bonus because not only will they care for your lawn and shrubbery, but a landscaper is also equipped to enhance the health and appearance of blooming plants like hibiscus.

Hibiscus is comprised of a vast genus of plants in the mallow family (hibiscus is also called rose mallow); the hundreds of species are native to warm-temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions all across the world!  There are both annual and perennial herbaceous hibiscus and these plants with their large showy flowers can be woody shrubs or small trees.  Flower colors may change in some species as the plant ages and most hibiscus are magnets for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Because this flower is found all over the world, it is appreciated by many different cultures for its beauty and symbolism.  Tahitian women wear one red hibiscus behind their ear to indicate they are available for marriage.  The flowers are dried and eaten in Mexico and a tea can be made from hibiscus that has been proven to reduce high blood pressure.  Varieties of hibiscus are the official national flowers of Haiti, Malaysia, and South Korea.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

   

The Official Flora of Florida

This year, Florida celebrates 500 years since Ponce de Leon first landed upon our shores.  He proclaimed the peninsula (which he believed was an island) would be known as Florida, the "flowery land".  This arrival by a European explorer occurred in the vicinity of St. Augustine and you might like to imagine the flowers, plants, and trees that were most likely present.

Landscaping in this area is full of tropical and semi-tropical blossoms and a variety of palm trees, among so many other varieties of unique flora.  Ponce de Leon's landing occurred during the Easter season, also known as Pascua Florida, the Feast of Flowers.

When it came time to create an official state seal in 1868, it is not surprising that hibiscus flowers being scattered by a Seminole woman were the focal point of the image chosen to symbolize Florida.  Because of the times, a cocoa tree was also used to represent Florida agriculture.

Many years later the cocoa tree was replaced in the seal with the native sabal palm tree, which is now also the designated state tree of Florida.  The state flag of Florida is comprised of the seal superimposed over a red St. Andrew's cross on a white background.

What other flowers have come to stand for our beautiful land of blooms?  The official state flower since 1909 is not hard to guess: no other flower could symbolize the Sunshine State as perfectly as the lovely, fragrant orange blossom.

And there is an official state wildflower as well: selected and announced just recently in 1991, Coreopisis can be seen thriving along roadsides as part of highway beautification programs.  This native wildflower is usually bright yellow but can be other colors such as pink.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

How will you design your landscaping?

You have your property and you know you need a new landscape design planned, installed, and ultimately maintained.  There are options available to you when beginning this project - a project that can be so significant that it basically creates the very first impression everyone who visits your home will experience.  Consider these starting points:

1) Design it yourself.  This is an acceptable idea if you are by trade a professional landscape designer.  If not, you will need more understanding of your property's soil, climate, and weather patterns than you probably realize.  You will also need to know the growth schedule and needs of the plants you use for your landscaping so that you can create a year round design.  Watering and pest control are important components of successful landscape design in Florida, so you should be well versed in these factors as well.

2) Utilize feng shui concepts.  Perhaps this Chinese method of decorating will be a good guide to how your landscape should be set up and designed.  Feng shui takes into consideration directional placement, color meanings, use of water features and lighting, the flow of "energy" through the garden, and the elements of wood, fire, water, earth, and metal.  Feng shui is not for everyone, but it may be the way you want to design your landscape, although it leaves out important maintenance considerations.    

3) Duplicate other landscape designs.  There is such an abundance of material to peruse when designing your landscaping.  Magazines, web sites, books, and other sources will give you a wealth of ideas when you are collecting your personal landscape inspiration.  Perhaps you will decide to copy some plant and design choices found in your own geographic area, taking into consideration how well this works for the local climate.  Keep in mind: soil, sun, and watering can be very different for each particular property and you may have very little idea of how much regular maintenance is required.  

4) Hire a professional landscaper.  Most successful landscape designs either begin with a professional designer or continue indefinitely with one.  This is because with an established, licensed company, you know that you are hiring someone who knows the conditions and climate of your property better than most and will create beautiful gardens that reflect this knowledge.  Landscapers have not just the initial design to think about, but the long term performance of the plants and trees that are selected for each unique project.  Another benefit of utilizing the services of a professional landscaper is that you can also incorporate your own design ideas, whether they come from feng shui or other sources, and work together in harmony to create something amazing and personal!

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚 

Striking Signs of Spring: Bottlebrush in Bloom

What flower is one of the most eye catching elements of Palm Coast landscape design?  If you have taken note of the striking Bottlebrush trees and shrubs that are currently in bloom, with their unique brush shaped red blossoms, you will agree this is a special plant.  So many beautiful Palm Coast landscapes incorporate the evergreen Bottlebrush, or Callistemon, and its lovely shape is an elegant addition to your yard year round, although many would say it is at its peak while blooming.

Red in the landscape is a powerful design component and nothing attracts attention like the hot hue of the Bottlebrush.  The tree or shrub has an Asian style as its delicate leaves cascade downwards, adding texture and movement among other stronger, thicker landscape plants and trees.  Some Native American cultures believe the red bottle brush shaped flowers catch evil spirits before they can enter a home, giving Bottlebrush a whimsical story behind its attractive appearance.

What do you need to know about the Bottlebrush from a botanical point of view?  This plant is perennial, relatively easy to maintain, and drought resistant, although it does best with regular watering, as most Palm Coast landscape designs, because of our unpredictable weather patterns, tend to thrive as well.  A relative of the crape myrtle, Bottlebrush is native to Australia and was introduced in European gardens in 1789. If you have a Bottlebrush blooming, expect to see lots of nectar feeding birds, like hummingbirds, as well as insects, especially butterflies!

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚