home sectionhome section
Many Florida residents and government officials understand that improperly landscaped yards in Florida can negatively impact the quality and balance of Florida's many natural waterways. You generally don't need a license to landscape your own property in Florida. You do need licensing to perform landscaping duties professionally for others. Different types of licenses are required, depending on the landscaping services offered.
Polk County, Florida, is beneficiary to a number of landscaping initiatives in Florida that educate the public about the principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping while adhering to aesthetically pleasing standards. This sustainable landscape approach is protected by Florida statute.
You may be able to obtain funds for a beautification project in your community, through grants made available for civic improvements. Choose a place to beautify, and make it happen with a little help from far-sighted community leaders..
Blessed with an abundance of sunshine and rainfall, gardens flourish in Florida. Almost any native plant makes a great addition to the landscape. University of Florida horticulture experts recommend more than 380 palms, trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines and flowers that do well in the state's growing conditions. Florida includes U.S. Hardiness Zones 7 to Zone 9 and Zone 9 to Zone 11. Look for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and hardy plants.
Natural landscapes are outdoor yards containing plants that are native to an area and require less pest control, fertilizer and water. Florida governor Charlie Crist signed the Water Rights Bill on June 30, 2009. This bill sets guidelines for future water management in the state of Florida. As part of the bill, the University of Florida and the Southwest Florida Water Management District set up the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program. There are no official regulations under the program; rather the district gives Floridians tips on how to improve their landscape and protect Florida's ecosystem under the Water Rights Bill.
When designing a landscape, it's important to take in to consideration not only what plants you'd like to grow but which varieties thrive in your area. Northeast Florida is located in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 and 9. The weather is typically mild in the winter and hot in the summer with a high level of humidity. Many plants grow well in this climate, which, when combined, create a stunning garden.
Central Florida has warm temperatures combined with sunshine and a moderate amount of rain throughout the year. If you live in the area year-round, your landscaping should take into account the climate as well as the layout of your yard and your preferences. Incorporate water features, outdoor lighting and other elements into your landscaping to create curb appeal and spaces for outdoor entertaining.
Florida is a landscaper's paradise because this sunny state is teeming with exotic tropical plant life. Some tropical plants are brought in from other countries, while others are native to swamp lands and other areas within the state. The rich nutrient-dense soil and sunny weather allow plants to thrive, creating a cascade of color in your yard.
Landscaping grants in Florida are available for non-profit citizen groups and local governments to beautify public spaces in neighborhoods and along roadways. Projects should incorporate using plants, shrubs and trees that are native to the state. Each grant has an application process and specific guidelines that must be followed.
There are two challenges to landscaping in south Florida; the first, is the lack of salt tolerance of the plants, and the second, is the soil type. The most recommended way to overcome these challenges is to use strictly native plants, shrubs, trees, grasses and groundcovers. These can be combined in a variety of ways, to produce unique, habitat-friendly landscapes.
Orlando is a good place to landscape a yard. With its wet, humid climate and abundant sunshine, many different types of subtropical plants can grow there. This, in turn, can make for some beautiful gardens. If you are looking to landscape your yard or garden and happen to live in Orlando, the climate offers a diversity of fun and creative ways to landscape.
The state of Florida includes USDA planting zones 8 to 11, each with its own individual differences. Northern Florida has a distinct winter season, the southernmost part of the state is tropical and coastal areas have wind and salt to consider. Landscaping ideas for Florida vary somewhat from zone to zone, but abundant sunlight and lack of persistent cold ensures that a wide variety of plants will grow successfully in every area.
