by Zack Pitchford | Mar 7, 2017 | Native Plants
The incredible Monarch butterfly is well known for undertaking long-distance journeys of 1500 miles or more. It’s an amazing feat considering its tiny body size and light weight. Now consider the fact that it undertakes this migration twice in its lifetime; first in autumn, when it flies to a site in central Mexico and back in spring, when it returns north to reproduce.
In Florida, there are also small resident populations of Monarch butterflies that take advantage of the warm climate to breed year-round in southern portions of the state. But the Monarch population is dwindling, with scientists noting a long-term trend of sharp declines due to loss of natural habitat, in particular native milkweeds. (more…)
by Zack Pitchford | Oct 28, 2016 | Native Plants
Let’s preserve Florida native and Florida friendly plants. Here are a few reasons:
by Zack Pitchford | May 18, 2015 | Native Plants
Using aeroponics and our specially formulated Tower Tonic plant food you can grow almost any vegetable, herb, or flower—and many fruits—in less time than it takes in soil. And recent studies have shown Tower Garden to generate up to 30% more produce compared to traditional soil gardening during the same time period.
Tower Garden gives you more control of your and your family’s health by making it easy to grow nutritious, great-tasting vegetables and fruits at home. And it’s a smart choice, both environmentally and economically. Learn More
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by Zack Pitchford | Feb 11, 2015 | Native Plants
Walter’s viburnum (Viburnum obovatum) is a Florida native that can be grown either as a small tree or as a shrub. It stays evergreen in more mild climates, such as Florida.
Though this plant can reach heights of up to 30 feet, it more commonly grows to six to 15 feet – or less. There are several cultivar forms available including popular dwarf forms. It often has multiple trunks and sometimes sends up suckers as it spreads itself into a thicket. Young twigs have a pretty reddish fuzz. Its leaves are small and shiny – only about one to two inches long.
This lovely tree features a mass of small, creamy-white flowers in the spring that attract butterflies, and its fall fruit attracts birds and other wildlife. It’s also a favorite nesting site for cardinals and other song birds.
Location
Walter’s viburnum is native to the southeastern American coastal plain from South Carolina, through central Florida, back up to Alabama. It is usually found in acidic moist woods, near streams or in swamps.
Habitat
Walter’s viburnum blooms more profusely in full sun, but still grows very well in part shade. It can be found growing in moist-to-wet soils, often in swamps. Once established, however, it does just fine in normal landscape situations, even without supplemental watering. Just be sure to water very frequently for the first six months or first year after planting out.
Usage
As a shrub, Walter’s viburnum is very dense and is quite suitable for hedging. It tolerates hard pruning and could be made into topiary or formal hedges. Left to its own growth pattern, Walter’s viburnum becomes a beautiful shrub with a dense, rounded form, eventually developing into a small tree with a broad spreading crown. A group of Walter’s viburnums would make a fine native species hedge or screen.
by Zack Pitchford | Feb 5, 2015 | Native Plants
The slow-growing Native American Holly may reach up to 30 feet with a diameter of 12 inches. Its round shiny red berries are attractive to people and provide food for songbirds.
This lovely tree, with medium-green foliage, is tolerant of urban conditions, salt and drought, which makes it an ideal planting in your yard, here in Florida. Holly trees like acidic or slightly alkaline soils that are clay, loamy or sandy in nature. They prefer sites with partial shade and good drainage.
History and Lore
Holly has symbolized various beliefs to many cultures throughout the ages – such as Greek, Roman and Chinese – with meanings such as insight and goodwill. Many Europeans believed the tree would protect their homes from evil spirits and lightning strikes.
Past and Present Uses
Historically, the holly berries were used as decorative buttons by several American Indian tribes. Other tribes coveted them and bartered for them.
Past cultures also used holly to treat cough, fever, measles, smallpox, kidney disease and pain caused by childbirth.
Today, the wood from the holly tree is used for the manufacturing of canes, scroll work, furniture and inlay work. And, the leaves and berries of the holly tree are very popular as holiday decorations.
