Monthly Archives: July 2023

Embracing Xeric Landscaping

Embracing Xeric Landscaping

In the bustling city of Jacksonville, Florida, residents are embracing a new approach to landscaping that not only enhances the beauty of their homes but also contributes to the preservation of the local environment. Xeric landscaping, also known as xeriscaping, is gaining popularity in Northeast Florida due to its numerous benefits. By adopting xeric landscaping practices, homeowners can create sustainable and low-maintenance outdoor spaces while conserving water resources and supporting native biodiversity. In this article, we will explore the advantages of xeric landscaping in the context of Jacksonville, Florida.

WATER CONSERVATION

One of the most significant benefits of xeric landscaping in a region like Northeast Florida is its ability to conserve water. The region experiences long, hot summers with occasional droughts, making water scarcity a concern. Xeric landscaping employs water-efficient practices such as using drought-tolerant plants, mulching to retain moisture, and optimizing irrigation systems. By reducing water consumption, homeowners can contribute to the overall conservation efforts and reduce their water bills.

yucca cactus desert plants
Pink Cone Flowers

REDUCED MAINTENANCE

Another advantage of xeric landscaping is its low-maintenance nature. Traditional lawns require constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Xeric landscapes, on the other hand, are designed to thrive in the local climate conditions, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Native plants are well-adapted to the region’s soil, weather, and wildlife, resulting in fewer pest problems and minimal pruning requirements. This allows homeowners to spend more time enjoying their outdoor spaces rather than constantly tending to them.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE

Xeric landscaping promotes environmental resilience by embracing native plant species that are naturally suited to the local climate. These plants have evolved over time to withstand the specific challenges posed by Northeast Florida’s weather patterns and soil conditions. By utilizing native flora, xeric landscapes contribute to the preservation of regional biodiversity, provide habitat for local wildlife, and promote a more balanced ecosystem. Moreover, xeric landscaping reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, reducing environmental pollution and promoting healthier soil.

Xeric Jacksonville Beach landscaping
Xeric landscape lava rock and granite

COST SAVINGS

Xeric landscaping can also result in long-term cost savings for homeowners. By reducing water consumption and maintenance requirements, homeowners can significantly lower their utility bills. Additionally, xeric landscapes often require less frequent replacement or repair, resulting in savings on plant replacements and lawn care equipment. Over time, these savings can add up, providing homeowners with a more sustainable and cost-effective landscaping solution.

AESTHETIC APPEAL

Contrary to the misconception that xeric landscaping lacks visual appeal, these landscapes can be incredibly beautiful and diverse. By incorporating a variety of native plants, homeowners can create vibrant and colorful gardens that complement the natural surroundings. Native flowers, grasses, and shrubs can provide a visually stunning display throughout the year while attracting local pollinators and wildlife. Xeric Landscaping encourages homeowners to embrace the region’s unique beauty while adding a touch of personal creativity to their outdoor spaces.

xeric beach landscape cactus and rocks

A few great plants for xeriscaping in NE Florida

Xeric landscaping offers numerous benefits to homeowners in Northeast Florida, particularly in Jacksonville. By conserving water, reducing maintenance, promoting environmental resilience, and providing cost savings, xeric landscaping is becoming an increasingly popular choice for sustainable outdoor spaces. Embracing this approach not only benefits homeowners but also contributes to the preservation of local ecosystems and supports the region’s native biodiversity. As we strive for a more sustainable future, xeric landscaping is an excellent way to create a beautiful and eco-friendly environment right in our own backyards.

Heliathus

Heliathus

Commonly known as the beach sunflower, this cheerful, low-growing plant has bright, sunflowerlike blooms. A mature plant can cover several feet in diameter, so it makes great ground cover. It will attract many species of butterflies.

Fakahatchee Grass

Fakahatchee Grass

A Florida native grass that is drought tolerant but able to deal with those rainy summer days here in N.E. FL. It is somewhat salt tolerant as well and likes full sun. Many grasses are considered drought tolerant and are perfect for xeriscaping. Others include Pampas, Fountain, Muhly, and Cord grasses

Sunshine Mimosa

Sunshine Mimosa

This is also known as the powderpuff mimosa, because of its distinctive pink flowers that resemble little fiber-optic puffs. It has deep roots, so once you get it established, it requires very little maintenance. A healthy, mature plant can spread as much as 12 inches in a day, providing excellent ground cover. It can even be mixed with grass and mowed without damaging the plant.

Agave & Yucca

Agave & Yucca

Few plants can match the bold and dramatic landscape impact of agave and yucca, both excellent choices for truly low maintenance low water gardening. These amazingly tough plants endure the extremes, hot sun, sandy soil, dry conditions, and salty spots with elegance and style. Combine with landscape boulders for a finishing touch.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis

Its sunny, daisylike flowers are beautiful and great for butterflies and pollinators. Once it is established, it’s sun- and drought-tolerant. A mature plant will re-seed itself, which means you don’t just have it once, you have it all the time. Fun fact: The coreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower.

Gaillardia

Gaillardia

Also known as the blanket flower, it has distinctive bright orange and red flowers. It is highly salt-tolerant, prefers sunny locations, and it will seed itself. As an added bonus, the pretty blossoms can last a long time in flower arrangements.

Services

  • Landscape Design & Installation
  • Paver Patios, Paver Walkways, Paver Driveways
  • Firepits, Retaining Walls , Seat Walls,
  • Landscape Lighting, Drainage design & Installation,
  • Lawn Care Services, Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Fertilization
  • Lawn Pest Control, Lawn Weed Control
  • Aeration and Top Dressing
  • Water Features, Koi Ponds,
  • Waterfalls, Bubbling Fountains
  • Garden Center & Pond Supply Store

General Services Areas

Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day • Easter • Memorial Day
July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day

Rain Gauges for Efficient Irrigation & Lawn Care in Jacksonville, FL

Rain Gauges for Efficient Irrigation & Lawn Care in Jacksonville, FL

In Jacksonville, FL, where our St. Johns River is central to the vibrancy of our city, the importance of efficient water usage cannot be overstated. As a resident who appreciates the harmony between suburban life and nature, my morning neighborhood strolls often include sightings of sprinklers dousing lawns, even after an overnight downpour. While reflecting our love for lush landscapes, this scene also points to the need for more intelligent irrigation in Jacksonville.

Landscaping in Jacksonville, FL, like many parts of Florida, demands an irrigation system that is both effective and mindful of water conservation. An effective irrigation system is an efficient one. Because overwatering is not only wasteful of a precious resource but can also harm our lawns and landscapes. If you’ve searched for “irrigation Jacksonville FL” or “landscape services Jacksonville FL,” chances are you’ve seen a great deal of information. Still, they might have missed the significance of a small yet powerful tool: the rain gauge.

Sprinklers in the rain
Screen Shot 2023 07 11 at 3.52.25 PM

While Earth Works Unlimited recommends Three weekly watering events during peak temperatures. The three waterings include any rain event over a half inch. For example, if it rains a half inch one day, you should only run your irrigation system twice that week. During periods of daily or nightly rains running your system could weaken your lawn’s resistance to fungus diseases.

integrated into your irrigation system, rain gauges can make a difference. Often overlooked, these devices measure the quantity of rainfall and adjust watering schedules to reduce water waste when connected to your sprinkler system. They are the unsung water conservation heroes, silently ensuring our lawns and landscapes stay healthy.

St. Augustine grass is a favorite for lawns among Jacksonville homeowners, loved for its hardiness and ability to create a thick, lush carpet of green. However, even this robust variety has its Achilles heel, susceptibility to certain fungal diseases, primarily associated with overwatering.

By measuring the amount of rainfall and adjusting the sprinkler activity accordingly, rain gauges prevent unnecessary watering, a primary culprit of St. Augustine grass issues like Brown Patch, sod webworm, and Gray Leaf Spot.

Brown Patch (or Large Patch) fungus and sod web worm thrive in wet conditions. Similarly, Gray Leaf Spot, which show up as gray or brown spots on the grass blades, multiplies rapidly with excessive moisture. By implementing a rain gauge in your irrigation system, you’re taking a major step toward preventing these diseases from gaining a foothold.

Depositphotos 69442233 XL
Gray leaf spot
rain sensor installed on gutter

A smart irrigation system in Jacksonville, FL, should incorporate these rain sensors. Along with maintaining healthy sod, rain sensors lead to noticeable savings on your water bill and contribute significantly to conserving our precious resources. Therefore, installing a rain gauge can protect your investment in “landscape design Jacksonville FL”, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of your lawns.

 Integrating rain gauges is a step in the right direction in the quest for balance between maintaining our beautiful landscapes and preserving water. As a Jacksonville resident, I hope that my morning walks will soon include fewer sights of post-rainstorm sprinkler activity. After all, each conserved drop signifies a win for our environment.

As we continue navigating the complexities of irrigation and landscaping in Jacksonville, FL, let’s ensure our systems are as efficient as possible. With rain gauges, we can make strides towards responsible water use, setting a great example of environmental stewardship in the Sunshine State. Let’s make every drop count together.

 

Terri McGregor, Earth Works Marketing Director.

Services

  • Landscape Design & Installation
  • Paver Patios, Paver Walkways, Paver Driveways
  • Firepits, Retaining Walls , Seat Walls,
  • Landscape Lighting, Drainage design & Installation,
  • Lawn Care Services, Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Fertilization
  • Lawn Pest Control, Lawn Weed Control
  • Aeration and Top Dressing
  • Water Features, Koi Ponds,
  • Waterfalls, Bubbling Fountains
  • Garden Center & Pond Supply Store

General Services Areas

Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day • Easter • Memorial Day
July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day

Skip to content