September 6, 2012 Newsletter

It's so peaceful to watch hummingbirds and butterflies flit about the garden in search of the best nectar. Or to watch a group of squirrels and a family of cardinals vie for the best position at the birdfeeder. Whatever your favorite critter is, how you plant and tend your garden can have an impact on the type of wildlife you'll see. So as you are planting and pruning, think about how it may affect the wildlife that you enjoy watching. See our tips below or check out Kerby's information sheets on wildlife gardening and butterfly gardening for even more information. And come out to Kerby's his Saturday, September 8th at 10am to go wild in your garden at the Wildlife Gardening Workshop.

Provide a food source - For butterflies and hummingbirds, red, tubular flowers are a favorite. Pentas, firebush, firecracker plant and coral honeysuckle have lots of nectar and are frequented by both butterflies and hummingbirds. For other wildlife, fruit and nut trees as well as berry bushes can provide some food, as long as you are willing to share. There are plenty of plants that aren't edible for people, but that birds and critters love like, hollies or simpson's stopper. Of course, for birds, it is hard to beat a birdfeeder for getting a good look at the variety of birds that come through our area.

Provide a water source - Food is important, but water is critical for all animals. A birdbath is a great way to give birds a place to clean themselves, get a little water and play around too. Ponds or fountains can be used too, as long as you don't put harmful chemicals in the water.

Limit lawn areas - A lawn provides no cover and no food or water, so it is for all practical purposes, useless to wildlife. Consider replacing grass with groundcovers, which are much easier to care for and provide wildlife with cover and shelter. Also plant different areas of shrubs and trees to break up lawn or groundcover areas

Provide cover - Many neighborhoods have very little area for cover, shelter and nesting. In your own garden, plant trees and large shrubs that over time will make great spots for birds to nest, butterflies to go into chrysalis and that will create a food source for a variety of wildlife. Even a simple privacy hedge can be a place that birds can nest in or other animals like bunnies and squirrels can use to keep out of the rain. Keep in mind, your yard doesn't have to look wild to have wildlife. Nectar plants and shelter plants can easily fit into a landscape design, creating both a garden of beauty as well as a place for your favorite wildlife to call home. Need help designing a wild garden? Come in and see us. We'll make sure that you unleash your wild side.

Gardening to Attract Wildlife
Saturday, September 8th at 10am

Fall is a great time to see many different birds in Florida as they migrate south for the winter. At this workshop we'll teach you tips and tricks to make your garden the place for birds (and other wildlife) to stop on their way south.

Fall Veggie Gardening in Raised Beds
Saturday, September 15th at 10am

Florida is a wonderful place to live, because while our northern neighbors are starting to hunker down for winter, we are planning our fall vegetable gardens. Fall is a great time of year to grow leafy favorites, like cabbage, collards, mustards and broccoli. We'll talk about all of the great vegetables that grow through the winter in Florida, and we'll also discuss gardening in raised beds (a great way to grow veggies in smaller yards).

Fall Porch Pots
Saturday, September 22nd at 10am

Your front porch is the first thing friends and guests see when they enter your home, so why not make a stunning first impression. Porch pots are an easy way to create amazing, colorful displays that will invite everyone into your home. We'll show you how to create and maintain an amazing porch pot. Come early to pick out your pot and we'll even help you plant it!

Rose Care in the Fall and Winter

Saturday, September 29th at 10am

Roses always need a little TLC after the summer time. At this workshop we'll talk about pruning and caring for roses in the fall and winter. We'll also talk about pest & disease control and fertilizing to get the best blooms out of your rose bushes.


Discover the Fun of Gardening	September 6, 2012