Spring is in the air. Ahchoo!
Besides allergies, spring also gives rise to gardening and landscaping.
But gardening in Florida can be tricky—especially for the non-natives among us. Some plants thrive in the summer heat while others can quickly cave to a large tropical storm or by temperatures near freezing.
Wondering what to do with those frost-bitten plants? Not sure what kind of plants will survive in your yard? Have a stubborn brown patch of grass?
Horticulturist Leslie Larmon of Accent Trees and Nursery in Palmetto has the answers. Her nursery not only caters to the gardener in all of us, but also features a butterfly sanctuary for tours.
Larmon has been working with plants for more than 30 years. A Florida native, Larmon grew up in St. Petersburg. She graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Environmental Horticulture and was one of five in her class chosen to do an internship at Walt Disney World. As a student teacher, she taught Plant Identification at the University of Florida.
She has advertised on ProSuzy.com and participated in events created by site founder Suzanne Noe.
As we fast approach gardening season, Larmon helped us dig up some landscape techniques and tips.
For more information on Accent Trees and Nursery, visit AccentTreesAndNursery.com.
Where did the idea to educate and create gardens that are butterfly and bird friendly come from?
Since I’m a Florida native, I learned that’s imperative to keep them flourishing. Birds and butterflies bring so much pleasure to people. It is great for children, especially. They’re quality of life will be better If we get them interested early on and they have a better understanding.
What services do you offer?
Besides farm tours and annual Easter egg hunt, I’ve been working with the University of Florida to develop a low-chill breeding method for fruit plants, such as blackberries, peaches, citrus, mangos and blueberries.
How can someone sign up to get a tour of the gardens and butterfly house at your location?
Simply call ahead and we can accommodate. We have people of all ages; from students to master gardeners.
Do you have any memorable projects?
I worked on a number of projects in St. Petersburg, including Curry Memorial Park. Several of my designs received “City of St. Petersburg Beautification Awards.” I also enjoyed working on my sister’s farm and Van Meter State Farm in Lexington, Ky.
When just beginning, what would be the first landscaping issue that one should look into?
Shade. Establish mature specimens, like trees. The placement is important because what you plant will mature and change the environment. This is important especially if you want a pool. Oak trees are a good tree. They are deciduous and adapt well to changes. Stick with plants that are Florida natives as they are adaptable to sun and shade.
What is the best time of year to begin a landscaping project?
Early spring is good, but fall is the best as there is a smaller chance of fungus developing. High temperatures in the summer cause mycelia from the ground to spread and feed on your plants.
In Florida, is it best to use grass seed or to lay sod in order to begin a lawn?
Sod—but only in limited amounts. I’m not an advocate of grass because it needs a lot of water. Use a nutricote fertilizer. It is slow-release and won’t burn your plants or run into the ground water/lakes. I prefer small areas of grass and use more flowers since they attract birds and butterflies.
What tips can you offer someone who isn’t familiar with landscaping?
I recommend calling a landscape designer to get an idea of what you are working with. Educate yourself. A few books I recommend for Floridians are The Gardener’s Guide to Florida Native Plants, by Rufino Osorio; Native Florida Plants, by Robert G. Haehle and Joan Brookwell; and My Garden, My Eden. And remember, “Right place. Right plant.”
Be cautious of our natural resources, like water. Plant Florida-native/friendly plants. Respect the environment.
