Show some love for friends, gardening and our club! Saturday Feb 13th from 1 pm to 3 pm at the First Pavilion in Rotary Park. RSVP by February 5th to Christine Prestella. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. Please observe the following CDC/Covid guidelines:
“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” — Loren Eiseley
Our fresh water is a precious, limited resource and, by seeing to it that our landscapes receive only the amount of water needed, we can have a positive impact on both the environment and our wallets. This is the focus of the second of nine principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping, water efficiently. With only .006% of the world’s water supply potable, making efficient use of that supply is critical.
Many homeowners tend to overwater their turf and landscape plants, with statistics indicating that over half of a residential water bill can be attributed to irrigation systems. Overwatering not only depletes the water supply, but also stresses landscape plants and turf, making them vulnerable to pests, disease and weeds. Additionally, over-watering adds to stormwater runoff and water pollution. Proper watering not only reduces water bills, but pest problems and plant maintenance needs as well.
So, what can we do as homeowners? Watering your garden is a good thing but, since many fungal diseases need water as much as plants/turf do, how you go about it makes a big difference and timing is an important factor. If you water by hand or have an in-ground system, irrigate in the early morning. This will permit root systems to get sufficient moisture before evaporation occurs.
When hand watering landscape plants, apply directly to the root system, rather than from above which results in leaves receiving unnecessary moisture, serving as an invitation to disease. For in-ground systems, always follow local ordinances and make certain to properly check, calibrate and maintain the systems. Perform a zone check periodically to ensure sprinkler heads are operating correctly. Sprinklers tend to go on the blink occasionally and catching problems early on can save considerable water and money.
Calibrating your sprinkler system means figuring out how long you need to run the system to apply the correct amount of water. For most Southwest Florida soils, the correct amount is 1/2 to 3/4 inches per application. Our mostly sandy soil cannot retain more than that and any more will result in runoff. What cannot be absorbed by turf and landscape plants will leach into the aquifers and run off to the nearest body of water, taking soil nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous along with the flow. Based on calibration results, adjust the sprinkler heads/irrigation system/timer to deliver only the amount required.
Rather than applying short bursts of water multiple times a week, which result in shallower root systems, water fewer times for a longer period, up to the 1/2 to 3/4-inch limit. And water only as needed, remembering that rain is free irrigation. Just because a sprinkler system is scheduled to run at a given time during the week doesn’t mean the system has to run if it has rained within 24 hours or is expected to rain within 48 hours. Additionally, because most turf grass and some landscape plants go dormant in winter, water less frequently during that time.
Timing of water application, amount used and irrigation methods are just part of the overall picture. Proper landscape maintenance is also important. For example, mow turf grass correctly.
Provided above is a brief introduction to the second principle of Florida Friendly Landscaping. For additional information regarding irrigation methods/systems and the calibration process, beginning with the placement of empty tuna or similar cans in each irrigation zone, visit Water Efficiently Handbook.
Happy gardening!
Janetta Fox is a Master Gardener volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.
Trees are vital to our environment. As the largest plants on earth, they provide us with oxygen, store carbon, stabilize soil, conserve energy through shade and shelter wildlife. Trees are also a fundamental part of every community; our streets, parks and backyards are filled with trees that create a peaceful and welcoming environment. And trees are an integral part of creating a “sense of place;” what says Southwest Florida more eloquently than a beautiful royal palm tree?
Adding trees to your yard can not only enhance your existing landscape, but also help establish a theme or foundation for your home’s environment. While palm trees may be one of the first varieties to spring to mind, there are many other tropical and native trees that you can incorporate into your landscape. No matter what variety of tree you decide to plant, there are some important considerations to use in choosing the most appropriate tree for your situation.
My personal mantra for gardening is “The Right Plant in The Right Place.” This is particularly important when choosing a big-ticket landscape investment such as a tree. Trees thrive when they are matched to site conditions, and there are a few easy ways to aid you in evaluating your site. First, you can drive around your neighborhood to identify tree species that are growing well in similar sites in your area. You can also visit local public gardens and nurseries to discover different types of trees that are recommended for your area. Finally, there are vast resources in libraries and on the internet that can provide specific information about selecting and planting trees in your area.
The University of Florida has identified five components critical to choosing trees for a site: 1) Site attributes both above and below the ground 2) potential site modifications 3) tree maintenance capabilities. Once these components are explored and noted you can 4) choose desirable tree attributes and 5) select appropriate trees for the site.
Critical site attributes include factors such as the hardiness zone of the planting site; average annual rainfall; light exposure; soil pH; water drainage and available irrigation; soil texture and density. Site features such as swimming pools, buildings, driveways, curbs and sidewalks and overhead wires and lights will also influence your tree selection. Finally, you need to take into account the necessity and frequency of pruning and other maintenance.
Once you have determined the characteristics of your site, you can look for appropriate trees that will perform best in your setting. There are literally hundreds of tree varieties that will thrive in Southwest Florida. The University of Florida website provides data sheets with information on the growth habits, soil requirements and flowering/fruiting characteristics for 680 species of trees! The site also provides a tree selector tool that you can use to identify trees that meet your requirements.
Trees that are identified by the University of Florida as “standout selections” include familiar Southern standards such as the “D.D. Blanchard” magnolia and the “Cathedral” live oak. The “Natchez” crape myrtle is a beautiful summer blooming tree with spires of white flowers. There are also many native trees to consider including Florida elms, maples and pines, flowering dogwood, fringetrees, holly, gumbo-limbo, and redbuds.
Because planting trees in your landscape can be both challenging and expensive, you should minimize the risk of failure by making informed decisions on the optimal species for your garden. Fortunately, we can rely on the vast resources of the University of Florida website to assist us in making these decisions and identify the perfect tree for our site. You can find all the information you will need for your tree selection process at Landscape Plants
Trees are an essential aspect of our environment that provide beauty to our landscape, clean air, shade, fruit, and habitats for wildlife and birds. When carefully selected, planted and maintained, trees can provide many years of enjoyment and enhancement in our landscape. While the selection process can seem daunting, we have an excellent online resource through the University of Florida to assist us in our decision-making. So, take the plunge and begin your tree selection process — I am confident that you will be rewarded for your efforts!
Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and Garden Club of Cape Coral member.
I used to be of the mind set that, if a little fertilizer does the trick, more fertilizer will do an even better job of ensuring happy, healthy plants. As you might imagine, there can, indeed, be too much of a good thing, and my “more fertilizer is better” approach to plant care led to less than optimal results. What I have learned from the experience is that just because I have a big bag of fertilizer doesn’t mean I have to use it all.
Over fertilization can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms, such as micorrhizal fungi, which work hand-in-hand with a plant’s root system, helping plants absorb nutrients and water in exchange for sugars.
Excess fertilizer can also lead to sudden plant growth which, at face value, may seem appealing. After all, who doesn’t want to see plants grow and bloom sooner rather than later? Unfortunately, the excessive growth above the soil level isn’t met by similar root system development. Therefore, flowering/fruiting is actually reduced and the plant becomes stressed and weakens. A weakened plant naturally serves as an invitation to disease and pests to the detriment of plants and our wallets, as well, as we attempt to “fix” issues by purchasing pest/disease control products that we would not otherwise need.
And as if that weren’t enough, excess nitrogen and phosphorus from over fertilization of lawns and other landscape plants need to go somewhere, and that somewhere is our waterways. These nutrients can easily leech into aquifers, travel into sewer systems and work their way into canals, lakes, streams, rivers and bays, ultimately feeding algal blooms and leading to fish kills and other negative environmental consequences.
So, what can we do as homeowners? Applying the appropriate amount of fertilizer according to label directions can provide important nutrients that may be lacking in the soil, and which plants need to manufacture their own food. If you want to find out what nutrients are currently present in your landscape, you can get a soil test done for a nominal fee. For additional information on how to submit samples for testing, visit the UF/IFAS Soil Testing Laboratory.
When using fertilizer always follow label directions and apply only as needed, keeping in mind that, when planted in the right place and conditions, many established shrubs and trees don’t normally need supplemental fertilization.
Palms are the exception, with application of the proper amount of palm fertilizer 3-4 times per year essential to their health and well-being. Not only does palm fertilizer contain standard macronutrients, but also tiny amounts of various micronutrients, such as boron, iron and manganese, all of which are listed on the back of the fertilizer bag. A lack of any of these important micros can easily lead to palm decline in a relatively short period of time.
In addition to the above, there are a number of other actions you can take as a homeowner. Consider organic alternatives such as compost, which help loosen compacted soil and improve soil fertility. Use a broadcast spreader with a deflector shield if you are the one applying the fertilizer on your lawn. When using a lawn maintenance company, ensure the provider is Best Management Practices (BMP) certified. Avoid weed and feed products; herbicides should only be used for spot treatment. Clean up spilled fertilizer. And last, though certainly not least, always follow local ordinances. In Lee County, application of fertilizer containing nitrogen/phosphorus is prohibited June – September.
For further information regarding the third principle of Florida Friendly Landscaping, check out the IFAS handbook .
Happy gardening!
Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.
"You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy succulents! And that is pretty much the same thing."
— Jessica Anna Jones
Huernia schneideriana, aka red dragon flower, is one of my favorite succulents, not only because of its texture and draping habit, but also because it is exceedingly easy to propagate. A few years ago, my husband gifted me a cutting, which had been gifted to him during a morning stroll by a neighbor and, as they say, the rest is history.
The plant is one of 64 Huernia species, named for the Dutch missionary and botanist, Justus Van Heurne, who was reputedly the first collector of Huernia succulents. As an interesting bit of trivia and either by mistake or design, the species name is spelled differently from that of the botanist, with the letters E and U transposed.
Huernia schneideriana is basally branching and has waxy-coated, fleshy, green, 6-7 angled cylindrical stems that conserve water. As with other succulents, water conservation is accomplished through microscopic, mouth-like stomata (pores) that remain closed during the day to reduce transpiration and then open at night for the intake of carbon dioxide, which is used in daytime in the photosynthesis process.
The red dragon flower’s “teeth” (tubercles) appear prickly upon first glance but are quite smooth to the touch. A shallow root system allows the root hairs to absorb water less than an inch below the surface and so a shallow, well-draining container works just fine for growing purposes. Petite inflorescences, or flower clusters, grow from the base or middle of the stems and, although the flower is not particularly showy, its 5-point corolla and velvety, rich burgundy color are lovely to behold.
Huernias enjoys filtered sun/bright shade and plenty of water during bloom season in the summer, with much less water needed in winter. Always make certain to avoid applying too much water, which can easily result in “wet feet” and, ultimately, root rot. The succulent also appreciates an occasional application of half-strength fertilizer.
Because the plant is clump-forming, occasionally removing select stems at the base will allow for better aeration. By taking this action you will also be able to see signs of stress more easily. While caring for the plant, be on the look-out for stem and root mealybugs and conditions of root rot, the most prevalent issues experienced.
Plant propagation can be accomplished by taking stems from the base of the plant or offshoots. After removal, allow the cuttings to dry and callus for a few days. With or without the benefit of a rooting powder application, you can then plant the cuttings upright in a well-draining container of potting or gritty succulent mix. Another way to propagate is to lay stem cuttings on the mix and the undersides will form roots.
Happy gardening!
Janetta Fox is a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral and a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer.
Sources:
Huernia schneideriana (red dragon flower). World of Succulents
How to grow and care for huernia succulents. Inspire Bohemia