4 Great Florida Landscaping Ideas to Try on Your Yard

If you’re looking for some exciting Florida landscaping ideas, Weatherables has you covered. Thanks to the Florida sunshine and the hot climate of the state, turning your yard into a hub of activity and leisure is not only possible, it’s an opportunity you can’t pass up.

We know that as a homeowner you want to get the most out of your property, so we’re ready to give you the tips and tools needed to make that a reality. In no time at all you’ll soon be having plenty of fun in the sun!

1. Plant Local Fruits and Vegetables

With Florida’s warm climate, those with a green thumb will have their work cut out for them because there are so many delectable treats that can thrive in the state.

The numerous fruits and vegetables that are native to or able to flourish in Florida include:

Remember, when it comes to planting any fruit trees, you’ll want to consult local zoning laws.

2. Incorporate Local Flora

Another great way to get the most out of your Florida landscaping is to incorporate local flora into your garden’s design. Choosing the right flowering plants can really give your property an aesthetic boost and make it a focal point for your community.

When landscaping in Florida, though, you’ll need to be mindful of the state’s unique weather and climate concerns. Before selecting any plants, you’ll want to make sure they can tolerate hurricane-force winds, high humidity, torrential downpours, blistering summer temperatures and, potentially, salt spray.

Here are some of best plants to work with when formulating your Florida landscaping ideas:

• Scarlet Calamint: This 1-3-foot shrub is a perennial that boasts beautiful scarlet and dark red blooms and is known for attracting hummingbirds.
  
  
• Carolina Petunia: Another perennial, this plant produces lush, purple blooms throughout the summer months.
  
  
• Atamasco Lily: This flowering plant is so perfect for the Florida climate that it’s often called the “rain lily.” When in bloom, white bulbs slowly morph into a lovely pink as the plant ages.
  
  
• American Wisteria: A great plant to utilize with trellises, this vine grows to lengths of 25-35 feet and is known for attracting local butterfly species.
  
  
• Blue Daze: Useful as groundcover, this plant grows up to ten inches and produces gorgeous, bright blue flowers.
  
  
• Bulbine: Another great option for groundcover, or alternatively as a border plant, the sandy yellow flowers of this plant attract butterflies, much like the Wisteria.
  
  
• Cat’s Whiskers: This plant is terrific as an accent piece with its wispy aesthetic and lavender blooms.
  
  
• Vinca: With many color varieties to choose from, this plant produces lush, full blooms that any nature-lover will appreciate.

With hundreds of other options available, it’s clear to see that Florida landscaping offers a wealth of flora possibilities to enhance your property.

And don’t forget to utilize planters and arbors along with rain catchers when designing your flower arrangements. A little bit of presentation goes a long way!

3. Build a Recreation Area

Working with local flowers, fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to ensure that your Florida landscaping is as attractive as possible, but incorporating installations is also a valuable option.

Dedicating a portion of your yard to fun and leisure is great for family bonding, entertaining and increasing the value of your home. And remember: You’re not just building a recreation area – you’re building memories.

 Consider these home improvement projects:

• Tennis Court: We’ll start with a costly option, but also one of the most rewarding. A tennis court not only provides plenty of vigorous exercise, but it’s a perfect accent and status symbol to enhance your property. Opt for the clay or hard course and avoid grass to save on maintenance needs.
  
  
• Backyard Play Areas: From sandboxes to tree swings to jungle gyms to trampolines, the sky’s the limit when considering an activity center the little ones will love. But best of all, having a great area for kids will help increase your home’s resale value.

• Volleyball Court: This option can be attained with a simple net and chalk lines, or if you’re a purist, a full court could be installed. Either way, a volleyball court offers hours of fun and vigorous athletic activities the whole family can enjoy.

• Shuffleboard Court: Shuffleboard is a great low-intensity activity, and installing a court is relatively cheap compared to many other home improvements. Also, with St. Petersburg home to the International Shuffleboard Association, you’ll have plenty of partners to choose from!

• Putting Greens: With Florida being home to more golf courses than any other state, keeping up on your golf skills is essential. Installing a putting green is a terrific way to keep your short game up to par and is the perfect accent for the sportsman’s yard. One note: A high-quality turf is usually preferred over grass to avoid undue maintenance.

• Croquet, Badminton or Horseshoes: These options won’t break the bank and are great leisure activities to enjoy during parties or downtime with the family.

4. Add Useful and Fun Accents

Some projects you might want to take advantage of for your Florida landscaping ideas go beyond recreational areas.

Think about sprucing up your home with features like:

• Swimming Pool: With Florida being one of two states to lay claim to more than 40% of America’s swimming pools (the other being California), it’s no secret that Floridians love their fun in the sun. Installing a pool is terrific for leisure and health, and adding a tasteful pool fence will keep the area safe for pets and kids.

• Fire Pit: You’ll get hours of enjoyment with a fire pit, from hosting events for guests to snuggling up on chilly nights to telling stories and memories with the family.

• Florida Vinyl Fencing: If you want your Florida landscaping to utilize a classic, homey aesthetic, incorporating a classic picket fence will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of a Rockwell painting. Another great option is including a privacy fence to give added security and peace of mind.

• Gazebo: To properly accent all the hard work you’ve put into your garden, choose a gazebo for an elegant, finished aesthetic you and your whole family will love.

A Beautiful, New Property is Within Your Reach

We hope you’ll find plenty of these Florida landscaping ideas worth exploring as you fine-tune your home and garden. If you have any questions about installations or what might work best for your property, make sure to contact Weatherables today!