Adding natural beauty to your South Florida Home

By Alexandra Tarallo

Much of the beauty of South Florida homes resides in the incredible variety of tropical plants and flowers that strive in our warm climate adding character and natural grace to local residences. If you would like to add a garden to your home but don’t know where to start, here are a few tips.

Potted flowers are affordable, easy to care for, and have the potential to brighten up the appearance of your entire home. Ask the specialist at your local gardening store for tips on care and placement within your specific property. Many flowers need direct sun however South Florida sun may too much to endure for some species.

Native species will naturally adapt to our climate and will be easier to care for. Some of Florida’s native vines include the passion flower, Florida native azalea, and beach morning glory. Trees that are native to Florida include wild tamarind, Atlantic white cedar, red mulberry, and Florida sugar maple. Your South Florida home may have already had a number of trees, plants, and vines when you purchased it. If so, you can just add a personal touch. If it didn’t then you have a beautiful canvas to work with.

Many books about gardening offer tips on location and the variety of plants you could add to make a remarkable difference to the appearance of your South Florida home.
Feng Shui gardening for example incorporates the delicate balance of elements designed to raise the “chi” of your home. Feng Shui means wind and water which according to traditional Chinese beliefs are the main sources of life.

If this sounds too sophisticated or complex, just use your instincts to bring amazing color and renewed life into your home with a new garden.