I’m one of those people who loves all four seasons. And yes, I even love winter. I guess growing up in the suburbs of the windy city of Chicago then living on the west coast of Canada for 20 years has made me a hardy weather survivalist. I really don’t consider it cold until I can see my breath hanging in the air. But in early January, Marty and I celebrated our anniversary and when he suggested we fly down to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to celebrate it, I jumped at the chance. And I must admit, it was nice to feel the warm sun on my face and swim in water which didn’t freeze my nipples off. So, for eleven days, I swam, relaxed, and checked out as many beautiful gardens as time permitted.
Gardening in Florida is unique due to the state’s warm and humid climate. Plants which can only dare to dream of growing in such conditions can thrive in Florida year-round. However, this also means a cold snap or unanticipated freeze can wreak havoc on orange groves or other tropical plants. Gardening in Florida can also be tricky because it has 4 USDA Zones:
Zones 8a and 8b – Most of the Florida Panhandle regions such as Destin and Tallahassee.
Zones 9a and 9b – The top two-thirds of the state including Orlando and Jacksonville.
Zones 10 – Most of the coastal cities such as Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Naples, and part of Miami.
Zone 11 – The rest of Miami and the Florida Keys.
Other things for Florida gardeners to consider include:
- Soil – Florida soil can vary, but it’s often very sandy. Amending the soil with organic matter is often needed to improve its fertility and water retention.
- Water – This may be obvious, but in Florida’s climate, gardeners are often plagued with either having too much or too little water. Here’s where a drip irrigation system can prove to be invaluable.
- Mulching – In addition to balancing a garden’s water requirements, mulching can help to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Pest control – Florida’s warm and humid climate is a haven for a variety of pests. Also standing water can be a perilous breeding ground for mosquitoes and other noxious insects.
- Sun exposure – Full sun in Florida means something entirely different than full sun in Wisconsin. The brightness and heat from a tropical zone 10 sun at mid-day can easily fry even the hardiest plants.
- Hurricanes – Florida living means being prepared for the possibility of hurricanes. Florida gardeners know they should regularly prune trees to reduce the risk of storm damage and plant wind-resistant plants or shelter areas to protect gardens from high winds and rain.
If you’re interested in flowers that grow well in Florida – or hope to give your northern garden a tropical Florida look in the spring and summer – here are some options:
Blanket Flower or Gaillardia – A tough flower known for its use in floral arrangements and its bright red and yellow petals which can bloom year-round.
Lantana – This plant is a popular choice for Florida gardens due to its vibrant colors and its ability to attract butterflies.
Mexican Heather – A lovely low-maintenance option that produces small, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
Hibiscus – A flower which is a staple in Florida gardens and comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white.
Ixora – A beautiful plant which produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers and is a popular choice for hedges and borders.
I’ve highlighted five different flowers which are garden staples in Florida, but there are many other beautiful choices. For more information, check out the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ gardening calendar for more vegetable and flower gardening ideas.
Also, for more images of my trip to Florida, check out my latest reels.
Stay warm!
