Boca Raton gardening services
Gardening in Boca Raton, FL
Florida is known for its nightlife, beaches, and entertainment. But it's also rife with beautiful natural areas and preserved lands. The Miami region, for instance, is the only place in the US that has borders within multiple national parks. Visiting Florida's state and national parks is a great way to experience its natural plant and animal life. It's also a good way to learn about the species that are native to the area. Some you can even find in your own yard. Gardening in Boca Raton brings many opportunities for a diverse array of beautiful, hardy, and low-maintenance species. Despite Florida's warm climate, not everything grows well in its tropical environment. In the winter months, temperatures can drop to freezing, which is not conducive to warm-season species. If you're looking for inspiration to create a garden, you'll be best off planting native species.
Gardening in Boca Raton
The University of Florida notes that varieties endemic to Florida will give you the best results. You can start a garden in several ways. One is planting seeds directly into the soil. You can also use transplants or start plants indoors first, then move them outside six to eight weeks before planting time. If you're planning a garden in the spring, experts at the University of Florida recommend waiting until March, when the threat of a winter frost has passed.
Native Florida Flowers
The Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) recommends a variety of flowers for Boca Raton. Here are some species that the IRC recommends for a picturesque, low-maintenance property.
- Begonia
- Cat's Claw
- Creek Bottlebrush
- Penguin Balsam
- Scrub Pine
- Frog Fruit
The Begonia family contains over 1,800 species. There is quite a bit of variety in the physical appearance of Begonia plants. However, all are characterized by brilliant bright flowers. They do well in gardens and traditional flower beds. They can also be placed in hanging baskets and containers, too. Begonias hail initially from tropical and subtropical locales. They prefer humid, warm growing environments, but they also do best with some shade. They range in size from six inches to five feet or taller.
Cat's claw is a woody vine with bold, bright yellow flowers. This vine can reach impressive heights of up to 50 feet. Its name is derived from its "climbing" leaves that have a three-pronged shape, much like a cat's climbing claw. This species does best with full sun to partial shade.
Creek bottlebrush is historically a tropical plant. It grows prolifically in wet or damp conditions, and it blooms twice in a growing season, once in the spring and again in the summer. Creek bottlebrush, many agree, is a perfect flower to sprout blooms twice each year. Its feathery flowers range in color from off-white to scarlet red. This flower belongs to the myrtle family. It does best in full sun with well-drained soil.
The names "Lady's slipper, Forget-me-Not, and Jumping Betty" all refer to one plant, which is the Penguin balsam. This plant has been a fixture in gardens across the US and in Europe for centuries. It was a favorite flower with the nobility for years, and it will still stand tall and proud in your own yard. These plants reach a full-grown height of 1-2 feet, which makes them a good option for a flower border. Versatility is a hallmark of this flower, which grows equally well in sun and shade.
Scrub pine is an aromatic shrub with bright green foliage and broad leaves. Although pine trees are commonly associated with northern climates, the Scrub pine is indigenous to Florida. It is a hardy species that can tolerate soil with poor nutrients and drought. It also does remarkably well in the sun and heat. Scrub pine adds a beautiful green shade to your yard year-round. It is one of the smaller species of pine, which makes it more appealing for ornamental landscaping than forming a border on your property, as pine trees commonly do.
Frog fruit is a flower known for its prolific growth patterns. If left uncontrolled, it can easily become a weed. However, it can also be contained and used to create eye-catching groundcover. This flower features exquisite star-shaped flowers with white and pink flowers and a dark purple center. Frog fruit is an herbaceous warm-weather flower that flowers during the warmer summer months. Frog fruit is part of the Verbena family, and it is classified as an herbaceous species.
Getting a garden started in Boca Raton can be hard work at first. Knowing the right plants to grow, however, is half the battle. Having a professional like Lawn Love help you out also takes time and effort out of garden work. In turn, that leaves you more time for fun things, such as checking out the amenities near Boca Raton.
What to do in Boca Raton
Year-round, Boca Raton's mild climate means there is no shortage of things to do. From Japanese gardens to butterfly centers, here are some of the top places to check out in Boca Raton, regardless of whether you live here or you're entertaining friends.
Morikami Museum and Gardens
This tranquil, serene setting is designed with art, culture, and nature in mind. It is a peaceful property located near a lake. A highlight of the property, naturally, is the stunning Japanese gardens featuring an array of exotic and mesmerizing species. But traditional tea ceremonies, classes, a sushi cafe, and periodic festivals add to its appeal.
Butterfly World
Perhaps you love butterflies, or maybe you want to know what flowers to put in your yard to attract these lovely pollinators. Either way, a trip to Butterfly World is in store. A marvelous botanical garden onsite features many plants that sustain butterflies.
Growing a garden is quite easy in Boca Raton. But still, you'll need to find species endemic to the area for optimal success. You can try on your own or contact Lawn Love for assistance, today!
