Garden Like a Superhero

by Mary Adams

In the comic book world, words like zap, bam and zowee are affiliated with superheroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Among gardeners, those words usually relate to an unintentional collision between a person working in the yard and a long-handled tool they forgot was lying nearby.

After the bump on the forehead recedes, Florida gardeners might find themselves wishing for some superhero intervention to solve their other landscaping problems. Today’s gardening champions, the experts at the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), have collaborated on a program called Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. This program consists of 9 inter-related principles. The following introduction to these principles will get you started. Much more information can be found at your county Extension Office or on http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/.

The first 3 principles will enhance the aesthetic quality of your landscape and reduce maintenance in the long run.

Right plant, right place, or as realtors like to say, “location, location, location.” Know the USDA zone for your part of Florida. Buy plants accordingly.

Does a plant need full sun or shade, wet or dry conditions? If it must have “wet feet,” consider planting near a water source for convenience. Or better yet, locate the plant near a rain spout or in a low-lying area that puddles after a heavy rain. Some Florida natives can handle occasional standing water.

Take into account the mature size of the plant, especially if there is a view that might be blocked. Choose wisely; don’t plant something that gets too large and needs constant pruning when a different plant choice would have eliminated this chore.

Attract wildlife. This is primarily about birds, butterflies and beneficial insects. A healthy yard is alive. In a balanced environment, pesticides and herbicides are rarely necessary. Bushes with berries attract birds, trees provide nesting sites and some water is appreciated. Bees, of course, are attracted to anything blooming. And while they are busy pollinating, female butterflies are looking for very specific host plants on which to lay their eggs. Lady bugs, in both adult and larval forms, like to eat aphids! There are many others; plant diversity encourages insect diversity.

Mulch not only looks good, it works wonders. Photo by Mary Adams — *Mulch not only looks good, it works wonders.* Photo by Mary Adams

Mulch. A 2- to 3-inch thick layer will inhibit weeds, conserve moisture and prevent erosion. Almost any kind of organic mulch will break down and add nutrients to the soil. Leaves and pine needles are free sources of mulch, but large leaves, like sycamore, take too long to break down.

Mulch keeps the soil warmer in winter and cooler in summer. However, don’t apply it directly against tree trunks or plant stems. Torrential rain fall and high humidity promote rot. Flower beds or islands of plants take on a more finished look when mulched. Mulch also works well beneath trees where there’s not enough light for grass or other plants. Pathways of mulched leaves give landscapes a natural look.

The next 3 principles will help homeowners save time, energy and money.

Fertilize appropriately. Plants don’t necessarily need fertilizer if they are getting enough nutrients from other sources. Try amending your soil with compost instead. And when you do use commercial fertilizers, use slow-release versions.

Depending on proximity to large bodies of water, different counties have different fertilizer restrictions. For example, Pinellas County bans the sale or use of any lawn or landscape fertilizer with nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) from June 1st through September 30th each year. Homeowners, landscapers or lawn care services can be fined up to $10,000 per day for violating this ordinance.

Manage yard pests responsibly. If you follow the 9 principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, there might not be many yard pests left to manage. But if you do have to get rid of a bug or two, instead of grabbing a can of pesticide, try using thumb and forefinger. Yep, the old-fashioned route: pick and squish. Got a birdfeeder? They might enjoy having dinner delivered. However, when you absolutely must use a pesticide or herbicide, carefully read product directions and never spray on a windy day.

Recycle. When cutting your grass, leave the clippings on the lawn. They’ll decompose and return nutrients to the soil. Consider composting, even if just kitchen scraps. Compost provides a healthy amendment for your soil.

Rain barrels and cisterns are popular again, but now it’s called rain harvesting. What if you could collect the rainwater that falls on your roof and use it to irrigate your plants, re-fill a swimming pool or wash your car? It is estimated that a 1,000 square-foot roof and 1 inch of rainfall results in 600 gallons of water. Free.

“Water, water, every where, nor any drop to drink!” The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge reminds us that our state is surrounded by water on 3 sides, plus rests on a thin aquifer. The St. Johns River alone is almost 300 miles long. We have over 600 miles of beaches, a 1,200 mile coastline and almost 8,000 lakes — and those are just the ones over 10 acres in area. It’s no surprise that the last 3 of the 9 principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ have to do with how we, as gardeners, use our water.

Water efficiently. Micro-irrigation systems deliver a small amount of water directly to plant roots. They work well for landscape beds and trees. Soaker hoses likewise are a good choice. Don’t forget that overwatering is as unhealthy for plants as underwatering. After new plants are established, cut back or eliminate watering. Keep your eye on the newbies, they’ll let you know if they’re not getting enough water. Hand-watering works.

Reduce storm water runoff. Storm drains aren’t garbage cans; they are not connected to water treatment plants. This water — and anything mixed in, like lawn fertilizer or pesticides — goes directly into our aquifer. Nintey-percent of our drinking water comes from groundwater.

Protect the waterfront. If you live directly on a waterfront, designate a 10-foot, maintenance-free zone between the waterline and the rest of your property. Do not fertilize or apply pesticides and herbicides in this area. Waterfront property is usually protected by local or state agencies. Contact your county for information on permits before making any changes.

“Surfs up! Cowabunga, dudes!” the Ninja Turtles shout as they head for the beach. Superman organizes the remaining superheroes, “Batman, install the rain barrel while I sweep up the fertilizer I spilled. Cat Woman, get away from the birdfeeder! That’s good, Wonder Woman. You’re planting the right plant in the right place. Spiderman, you’re in charge of the beneficial insects. One more thing, could someone please pick up the metal rake before I step on it again. That bump on the head almost made me forget...we’re all in this together.”

Mary Adams earned her degree in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida, Gainesville.