The Four Seasons of Landscaping

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Spring - In this season we begin to see the rebirth of certain plants, flowers, and trees in the St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and Ormond Beach areas. We may have a few minor frosts but nothing that discourages the citrus blossoms, amaryllis (pictured), azaleas, lilies, and crape myrtles that emerge during our Florida spring. Faded plants are often switched out for fresh varieties and color comes back to our yards with aplomb.  

Summer - As the heat descends upon northeast Florida, the importance of proper watering becomes paramount. Improperly timed and zoned sprinkler systems can be devastating for your grass and landscaping. Having a licensed and insured professional check, set, and service your irrigation will protect you from burned out lawns and possibly save you money on your water bill.

Fall - Because our weather remains very warm during the "second spring" of Florida and hurricane tinged storms can bring an abundance of rain, our lawns are simply glowing with green life and growing so quickly you can almost see the blades expanding upward. Many of us are relieved to have hired a professional lawn maintenance company to keep our lawns under control throughout the summer heat and into the exuberant fall - the rest of us are wishing we did!

Winter - In Florida this is when we enjoy spending cozy family and social times on our patio, as we sit in front of a warm, softly burning fire pit. With days often mild and glorious in the midday sun, hardscaped areas within the landscape become very inviting. During the Florida winter you may find yourself ready to plan a winding garden path, a trickling waterfall, or an al fresco dining area within the beauty and sanctuary of trees.

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

Facts About Landscaping and Insurance Coverage

Landscaping is an investment in your home's appearance that increases its value, curb appeal, and your enjoyment of your property.  Homeowners insurance covers some aspects of this investment but not others, although you may be able to purchase additional coverage. 

What landscaping is covered by standard homeowners policies? Your basic policy may offer protection for trees, shrubs, and plants against specific problems such as fire, lightning, explosion, vandalism, riot, theft, or damage caused by someone else's vehicle.

How much does homeowners insurance cover for landscaping? Policies usually have limits on how much landscaping coverage is available, for example they may limit coverage for landscaping to a percentage of the dwelling protection and each particular tree or shrub may have a limit.

Is my landscaping covered in a hurricane? Damage to the plants themselves caused by weather disasters is typically not covered, but if falling trees damage your home or other structures on your property, repair to those buildings would be covered by your homeowners.

Damage to your landscaping caused by insects, pests, or diseases is not covered by homeowners insurance, which is why your investment in landscape design is best served by hiring a landscaper so these factors do not become an issue.

You will most likely pay a deductible before any coverage begins for damage to your landscaping, home, or structures.  One of the most important things to keep in mind is if someone else's tree falls on your home, your homeowners insurance will be the one to cover this damage.

If you are found negligible for not taking care of a rotting tree on your property that falls, your structures may not be covered by your homeowners insurance.  Have a professional arborist observe the health of the trees for you.   

We recommend that if you are concerned about coverage for your landscaping, you contact your homeowners insurance agent.  Inquire about additional coverage because some insurers offer options that could help provide additional protection for your valuable landscaping.

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

Coming to the End of a Year in Flowers

2016 had several milestones for the world of trees, plants, and flowers.  Swedish botanists discovered seeds from the oldest flowering plants known to science: Cretaceous flower seeds dating back 110 million to 125 million years.  Another team of plant researchers discovered a fascinating way that blue leafed plants use their color to achieve photosynthesis in low light conditions.

A study by American health scientists proved that women who have the most vegetation around their homes have on average a 12 percent lower death rate than those that have little vegetation. The most striking differences were seen with 41 percent lower death rate from kidney disease, a 34 percent lower death rate from respiratory disease, and a 13 percent lower death rate from cancer.

GreenFlex Landscaping completed its series of Flowers of the Month for each of the twelve months this year.  We invite you to revisit these beautiful North Florida landscaping plants, many unique to our special region of Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, Daytona, and St. Augustine.  As the new year of 2017 dawns soon, we will get to enjoy each of these upcoming highlights again:

January: Camellia

February: Bogainvillea

March: Azalea

April: Soap Aloe

May: Gardenia

June: Passionflower

July: Crepe Myrtle

August: Firebush

September: Blanketflower

October: Hibiscus

November: Chrysanthemum

December: Christmas Cactus

Do you love flowers as much as we do?  

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

Flower of September: Blanketflower Covers the Dunes with Wheels of Fire

We have selected the blanketflower, Gaillardia, as our Flower of September. You will see it blooming everywhere in North Florida, especially the colorful dunes of our beaches, well into the fall months. This native wildflower is also called firewheel, Indian blanket, Indian blanketflower, or sundance.

There is an abundance of subspecies of this flower but the one that grows the best in Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona, and Ormond is Gaillardia pulchella.   This flower grows either as a short-lived perennial, annual flowering plant, or sometimes year round.  Blanketflower is a relative of the sunflower family.

Gaillardia pulchella is a hardy plant that will grow in almost any soil but it tends to appreciate soil that is sandy and well-drained. It thrives in our region in summer and fall because of its high drought tolerance and predilection for a dry, hot climate and full sun. It spreads beautifully (like a blanket) and you will see expansive patches of its bright fiery colors.

Blanketflower is loved by honeybees, butterflies, and caterpillars - in fact some species of caterpillar will eat only Gaillardia.  Blanketflower produces plentiful seeds for replanting and self-seeding, and the seed heads are very popular with wild birds.  If deer are damaging your landscaping, you will be pleased to note that blanketflower is deer-resistant!

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

Arbor Day is the time to celebrate our trees

Begun all the way back in 1872 as a designated day for everyone to plant a tree, Arbor Day is commemorated in special ways all over the United States.  

The Arbor Day Foundations suggests many different species of trees for our Agricultural Zone 9 climate including certain magnolias, crepe myrtles, dogwoods, cypress, maples, and oaks.  Some palm trees are also a favorite for our area, especially the Florida state tree, the native Sabal Palm. Professional landscapers will advise you as to the best trees for your landscape design, and will provide professional and dependable maintenance of your lawn and plantings.

Without a doubt, perfectly beautiful and thriving trees make the supreme focal points for a landscape design.  Find out more about the benefits of trees in your landscaping and other information here:

Landscape Design: Planting Trees has a Host of Benefits

A Few More Important Facts About Trees in Landscape Design

Amazing Facts About the Live Oak Tree

The Official Flora of Florida

Hurricane Preparedness Includes Your Landscaping

Florida Holly is Not So Festive After All

Crape or Crepe? This Myrtle Tree is Florida Friendly

🦚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 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 March: Azalea is a Sea of Color

Azalea is a welcome sign of spring in so many parts of the world, and based on the beautiful colors this shrub has brought to North Florida, we can confirm that spring has sprung!  Azalea, with varieties both technically deciduous and evergreen, is the star of the show in the month of March.  Seas of color are visible in shades of red, pink, purple, white, and more.

The blooms of azalea, a shrub that is considered part of the rhododendron family, last for weeks at a time.  These flowers are shade tolerant and they especially love being planted near or under trees.  Popular as a garden plant for hundreds of years, azalea has at this point approximately 10,000 different cultivars!

It is possible to propagate azalea by both cutting and seeds. Native to Europe, North America, and Asia, the fertilizer needs of azalea are low and most respond very well to pruning.

The plant is slow growing and likes acidic soil, and all parts of it are highly poisonous.  There are many spring festivals and events that celebrate the azalea.

Would you like a landscape design full of brightly blossoming azaleas? 

Enjoying the Flower of Month series?  Check out our other blog posts for standout flowers:

Flower of November: Chrysanthemum

Flower of December: Christmas Cactus

Flower of January: Camellia

Flower of February: Bougainvillea


🦚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 🦚

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 🦚

   

Accent Lighting for Your Florida Landscaping

Landscape lighting will provide glowing accents that make your home or establishment equally as captivating once the sun goes down.  This type of lighting is decorative but can also be functional: lighting pathways and driveways for safety while walking or driving, or to provide added security around the perimeter of the property.

If you are putting your home on the market for sale, keep in mind that most interested buyers will be driving by the property before ever contacting your agent.  And many of them will be doing so after work, when it may have already gotten dark.  Professionally designed, well maintained landscaping is proven to increase curb appeal so make sure it is evident at night as well.

Accent lighting throughout the landscape will be lovely to look at from your windows, from your pool, or from your outdoor lounging and entertaining areas.  We think you will find the benefits of incorporating this nocturnal art form will be an investment that pays off for years to come.

Looking for inspiration for landscape lighting styles?  Check out these articles on Houzz.com or explore your options by searching "landscape lighting" on HGTV.com.

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

Get inspired by hardscaping design

Brick is classic, stone is elegant, pavers are modern...no matter your preferred style of hardscaping, the most important fact to remember is that well maintained hardscapes are inviting and contribute major curb appeal to your property. If gravel areas are bare in patches, pavers are cracked, or weeds have crept into spots they should not have, then you might be wise to hire a professional landscaper to remedy the situation.  Start with hardscaping upgrades:  the result will be a beautiful design and the impression of a home that is immaculately maintained.

Looking for ideas?  What moves you?  It is always advisable to choose what you like and let your landscaping company know ahead of time.  Here are some places to start:

Do a "hardscaping" search on Pinterest.

Take a gander at Pinterest boards such as Landscape Inspiration - you will notice that the most popular landscape designs pretty much always involve some type of hardscaping.

Read and enjoy these amazing, photo-rich articles on Houzz that pertain to hardscape design.

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

Well Maintained Landscaping for Safety and Curb Appeal

Thinking about trimming those palm trees yourself?  Keep in mind, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that unless you have the professional skill and experience to do so, you should not perform household tasks that require you to climb anything higher than a six foot ladder.  Reportedly, ladder injuries have become a major factor in emergency room visits.

There are so many reasons why you should consider the services of a landscaper to maintain the grounds of your home or business.  Did you know that untrimmed bushes and shrubs could give coverage to a burglar attempting to break in through your doors or windows?  Or that one of the things that thieves look for is a home with a lawn that has not been mowed, indicating that the homeowner is on an extended absence?  

In a previous Florida Landscape Design post, we went over the ways that professional landscaping design and care will raise property values in areas such as St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and Ormond Beach, where motivated sellers are looking for ways to give their houses added curb appeal.  There are other facts to consider when making the choice to trust your lawn and landscape's maintenance to a company such as GreenFlex Landscaping:

• Studies have shown: 75 percent of interested buyers drive by an available property and 63 percent look at photos online before walking through. You simply must have the exterior appearance at peak perfection.
• Outdoor landscape lighting gives your property curb appeal at night!  This is becoming evidently more important as so many potential home buyers drive by homes for sale during the evening hours, after work. 
• It is recommended that to look its absolute best, a home must have its lawn mowed twice a week in the summer.  Along with that it is necessary to pull weeds from beds and sweep or blow walkways clear of trimmings and debris. 

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

Facts About Commercial Landscape Design and Maintenance

Landscapers specialize in both residential and commercial landscape design with an emphasis on Florida friendliness, elegant water features, expert hardscaping, outdoor low wattage lighting, and successful lawn maintenance. We take into consideration important components of a commercial landscape design that you may not realize:

1) Seasonal color changes - The flowers in bloom are different with each season. It is of paramount importance that a property have an eye catching amount of color no matter what time of year. Professional commercial landscapers have a well tuned knowledge of the flowers that thrive with each new season and will ensure they are planted at the right time and encouraged to their peak of beauty.

2) Handicapped accessibility - It is not just indoor spaces that must follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gardens and hardscaped areas of the landscape plan must be designed with disabled visitors and residents in mind. The most attentive property owners want a space that is inviting and comfortable for customers and dwellers of all ages and abilities. A landscaper determines a site plan that follows these restrictions with no effect on the gratifying overall result.

3) Ongoing maintenance - It is a rare business owner or property manager who cares for their own landscaping. We keep the lawns green, the trees trimmed, the mulch fresh, the flowers lively, and your property looking its absolute best throughout the unexpected climate shifts that can feel like a rollercoaster in our part of north and central Florida. A landscaper knows the best plants for your soil, light, and water conditions and once planted the upkeep such as pruning and fertilizing will be on a schedule for maximum success.

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

Fire Pits Add Cozy Heat to Florida Evenings

A professionally designed landscape for your home will incorporate hardscaping elements such as natural stone, pavers, walls, or stone paths and beds. This aspect of design offsets the soft organic plants and flowing edges of trees so that the eye moves pleasingly through the composition.

Seamless hardscape design in Florida is also of paramount importance when pools, hot tubs, and decorative water features are integrated into the landscape plan. These additions should never look like a sloppy afterthought or the whole design suffers. Outdoor living can be taken to the next level by having a professional landscape designer build a fire pit and enhance its appearance with stone or brick.

As the temperatures fall during our mild Florida winter, the appeal of sitting around a bonfire becomes stronger. The options available for fueling the fire pit make it possible to build a wood burning fire, or simply hit a switch and enjoy the convenience of gas powered flames. There is also the possibility of popping a grate on top when you would like to grill food right over the fire pit!

A fire pit can be the focal point of your entire patio design - contact a landscaper to discuss your ideas for a warm, inviting fire pit built permanently by our licensed, insured professionals. Then surround it with comfortable seating of your choice, either custom made of a similar hardscape material or other outdoor furniture, and invite your guests outside to enjoy a beautiful star-filled Florida night around the fire.

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