9 Native Alternatives to the Generic Landscape
Similar to the way a chef approaches the creation of a meal, everything starts with the ingredients. Their quality, where they came from and the benefits the ingredients provide all make sure the dish prepared delivers those dining with a memorable experience. Garden design and the landscapes we create in our garden spaces can be approached the exact same way. If you are looking for something that sits different on the eyes, nurtures both humans and the environment – a Florida native plant palette will give the tired generic landscape a boost.
Benefits to the Native Plant Palette ________________________________________
Energy Efficient // They are adapted to soils and climate, therefore they generally require less irrigation and fertilization.
Low Maintenance // They are generally resistant to pests and disease.
Ecological and Educational Factor // Implementing native garden design techniques draws attention to our states wide bounty of flora and fauna. With the increase of population and development it’s easy for our state’s natural resources to be forgotten. Planting and increasing the demand for revegetating our outdoor spaces with native plants is of great value to the longevity of our State’s natural environment.
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1. Robellini Palm // Key Thatch Palm
2. Ficus // Stopper Family
3. St. Augustine Grass // Florida Wildflower Mix
4. Schefflera // Bahama Coffee
5. Croton spp. // American Beautyberry
6. Ixora // Horizontal Cocoplum
7. Gold Mound // Tickseed
8. Copper Leaf Plant // Myrtle of the River
9. Hibiscus spp. // Jamaican Caper
Information compiled by Rebecca Bradley and Gage Couch of Cadence for Tropic – Florida Living & Design magazine, January 2015.
