Ponytail palms abound in pots and nurseries, but try finding them in Florida landscapes. Sure, you’ll spot them occasionally, but the Hollywood types of foxtails, wild dates and Cuban royals seem to be overshadowing them lately. And that’s too bad, because ponytails are perfectly fine specimens that have their own fun, quirky style. For starters, ponytail palms are a great accent choice and show off best when they’re not on center stage. Try them at an entrance to a walkway. Near an alcove. Continue Reading
Lanai Landscaping in Sarasota: Think Outside the Pool Cage
Lanai landscaping looks easy enough, doesn’t it? You plant pretty things inside your pool cage and then plant more outside for extra beauty and privacy. All looks great, so you start hosting pool parties. But months later your lanai looks like it’s taken a dive. What’s up? It’s the most common mistake Florida homeowners make -- forgetting that plants grow and make messes. The blossoms of those flowers you planted are falling into the pool. Hibiscus is staining the deck. Palm fronds are jammed Continue Reading
Wrong Landscape Maintenance Company Can Cause Domino Effect
“Wrong landscape maintenance company,” the landscape chair thought, watching crews race through the yards and whacking hedges. His HOA community had directed him to find a low-priced provider, but they wanted a high-quality product as well. The landscape chair eventually got his price, suspecting a few minor corners might be cut. It was just grass and hedges, after all. But he unwittingly caused a domino effect. First domino down His first miscalculation overlooked a basic fact. Awarding a Continue Reading
Copperleaf Shrubs Show Their Mettle in Southwest Florida Landscapes
Copperleaf shrubs are show-offs. They seem to know how good they look and will work it for all they’ve got. If you live in Southwest Florida – say the Sarasota/Bradenton area – you’ll see these fiery beauties flounce everywhere. No wonder you can’t take your eyes off them. Why? Also known as Acalypha wilkesiana, copperleafs are most admired for colors that would even inspire French painter Claude Monet to break out his brushes. There’s coppery crimson stroked with pink. Creamy whites stirred Continue Reading
