The Landscape
Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma Capensis) explodes with brilliant color every fall. PHOTOS:OIP
Fertilizer ban in effect from May 15 to October 31
Homeowners who want a green lawn, better start doing the rain dance. Miami-Dade, along with many coastal counties, prohibits the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers during rainy season, May 15th through October 31st .
While fertilizers are heavily relied on in the agricultural industry and used in urban settings to enhance landscaping, they contain nutrients that are harmful to aquatic and marine systems in lakes, rivers and the bay. The runoff, which becomes more frequent in rainy season, causes nutrient pollution that kills sea grass and develops algal blooms damaging the bay and killing marine life.
The ban, enacted in 2021, was in response to substantial increase in algal blooms in lakes, rivers and bay waters throughout the state in recent years.
South Floridians should take steps to help protect Biscayne Bay and other waterways by reducing excess nutrients and avoid improper fertilizer use. The ordinance’s general guidelines include:
Use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer is prohibited during the summer rainy season. May 15 – October 31, when nutrients are more likely to be carried in water flowing off the urban landscape.
Application of fertilizer near bodies of water is prohibited.
Not using fertilizer containing phosphorous unless a soil test determines it’s needed.
Limit the amount of nitrogen used at any one time or during the year. Prevent yard clippings from affecting streets, sidewalks, stormwater drainage systems or water bodies.
While the ban is in effect throughout many Florida counties, “bona fide farm operations, livestock grazing pastures, food gardens, golf courses or certain athletic fields are exempt.” For more information, visit DERM@miamidade.gov
Planting native foliage benefits and protects the environment
O. Figueroa
UPinprint.com
The past hurricane season left parts of Florida with a barren landscape. It may not have happened where you live, but it can. Those who’ve lived through major storms like Andrew, Wilma, Charley and Irma can attest to that.
Planting native and sturdy species of trees and shrubbery will lessen the possibility of trees being vulnerable in a storm. Although no specie is guaranteed to survive the tornadic activity that comes along with hurricanes, many native species will withstand the heavy winds that come with it.
After hurricanes Andrew and Wilma, cities like North Miami and Miami opted to plant mid-size sturdy trees that bloom that are more resistant that the fast-growing black olive which easily snaps or Ficus which can be easily uprooted. Other trees being removed and replaced with sturdier species include invasive species like Australian Pines, Melaleuca and Norfolk Pines.
The Miami-Dade County website, miamidade.com provides a list from the Florida Plant Society of native trees that are more beneficial to the Florida environment.
The large tree category includes the fast-growing Gumbo Limbo, the moderately fast-growing Buttonwood and the popular and fast-growing Live Oak. These trees grow anywhere from 15 to 60 feet. They provide shade, food and nesting areas for birds and attract butterflies. With proper pruning, they can withstand heavy winds unscathed
The medium tree category, which includes species that can grow anywhere from 10 to 40 feet, include Pigeon Plum, Seagrape and Short-leaved Fig.
The small tree and bush category include species that can grow anywhere from three to 10 feet. Among the listed species that attract birds and enhance the South Florida landscape are the Cocoplum, which produces sweet fruit and makes an ideal hedge; the fast-growing Firebush which has bright blooms and attracts butterflies and the slow-growing Simpson Stopper which can be cultivated as a bush or tree that produce red berries birds love.
Those looking to relandscape or add to the existing landscape can look over the alternatives available through the seasonal adopt-a-tree program and private nurseries year-round. Since its inception in 2001, the county’s program has distributed more than 225,000 trees.
The county’s website also has information on proper pruning, prohibited species of trees and plants, mulch and other related topics.
To learn more about native trees, view the list from the Florida Plant Society and fore-mentioned topics, or sign up for updates on the adopt-a-tree program, visit miamidade.gov/environment/trees-list.asp
Australian pines have surface roots and are more prone to snap in a storm. The tree is on Miami-Dade County's prohibited trees list.
A tree canopy can be a tremendous asset to a neighborhood. PHOTOS: UIP
The bright orange larvae with tufts of black hair, above, are poisonous to birds and give humans an itchy reaction. When mature, at right, they turn into a harmless beautiful blue moth with white polka dots. PHOTOS: OIP/ GFIGUEROA
Hairy, poisonous oleander caterpillar has a hearty appetite
UPinprint.com
One of Florida gardeners’ nemeses are oleander caterpillars. The bright orange larvae with tufts of black hair are poisonous to birds and give humans an itchy reaction. They devour Oleander plants and Allamanda vines until there is nothing left. When mature, they turn into a harmless beautiful blue moth with white polka dots.
A native of the Caribbean region, it’s a year-old inhabitant of South Florida and the Keys, but’s usually killed by cool temperatures in Northern Florida only to recolonize in the spring.
Using diluted dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn, may discourage their presence temporarily. The most effective, and safest, way to rid them is removal using tweezers or gloves and place them in a resealable bag to dispose or in a bucket of soapy water.
Keeping the plant where you can access all of it, is another way to control the larvae’s presence.
Natural gardening hacks protect the environment and save money
Olga L. Figueroa
UPinprint.com
Avoiding chemicals in the garden is not only better for the environment and safer for children and pets, but also much cheaper.
Basic ingredients, like dishwashing soap, vinegar Epsom salt, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells and banana peels can make a stark difference in your garden and in your wallet.
While name-brand weed killers are heavily regarded on to eradicate weeds everywhere from driveway cracks to along wall edges, their toxicity is dangerous to humans, pets and the environment, not to mention the expense adds up.
Got weeds? Get vinegar and a spray bottle. Generously spray the weed under bright sunlight and wait. While some shrivel up to nothing within hours, others may require a second application.
To permanently get rid of weeds, nothing beats pulling them from the root. It’s tedious and backbreaking but it’s what works best.
Fungus, insects and other plant diseases can be treated with regular sprayings of soapy water. Simply fill a spray bottle with water and an ounce of a dish detergent, like Dawn. Several applications may be necessary.
Yellowing palms can be treated with Epsom salt and water.
Coffee grounds are recommended for acid-loving plants. They also fertilize plants, repel cats, keep weeds away and kill slugs.
Salt can “speed up” the decay of a stump or root.
To prevent mosquitoes from reproducing in bromeliads during the rainy season, add a few drops of an oil, like canola, in the core of each plant
Crushed eggshells and banana peels make great fertilizers. Eggshells give plants extra calcium while houseplants love potassium-rich banana peels.
Instead of reaching for chemicals next time you are in the garden section, reach for a few reusable spray bottles.
If you want to attract wildlife, plant the appropriate foliage
Those who grew up in big cities are amazed at how much wildlife is right outside their doorstep in South Florida. From native birds, like the mockingbird and blue jays to the diligent ibis are always eager to eat the grubs on the lawn. There are things you can do to put out the welcome mat for the large variety of birds, butterflies and other creatures.
If you want to attract more birds, start with a bird feeder or two. Most birds love sunflower seeds, for that matter so the squirrels.
To attract both birds and butterflies consider planting foliage that appeals to them. Butterflies love an array of blooming plants like milkweed, buttercup, and lantana that can grow in the ground or in pots where there are space constraints.
Choose native plants that bloom year-round
South Florida's beautiful foliage can be hard to maintain in the sweltering summer heat. Choosing hearty, drought-resistant native plants will keep your paradise blooming year-round. Deterring insects, particularly mosquitoes, will also enhance outdoor time. In the yard, avoid standing water where mosquitoes can breed and invest in plants mosquitoes hate like seagrass, marigolds and lavender. Below are a few samples of hearty choices for the yard that are also easy to manage.
Top: Turn the backyard into your very own tropical oasis. Above: Some drought-resistant alternatives for the garden: Jatropha ornamental tree attracts birds, bees and butterflies. The Pink Tropical Hibiscus is hearty and drought resistant; Bougainvilleas are a colorful South Florida favorite. PHOTOS: OIP
Bottom row: Yellow Allamanda vine will make any fence disappear; The colorful Fireball Bromeliad loves to climb and Lantern Hibiscus are delicate looking, but can withstand the South Florida heat and drought.
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