Tucked into woodland edges and sun-dappled clearings across the southeastern United States, the American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) stands out with its vivid clusters of purple berries. More than just eye-catching, this native shrub carries a legacy of folklore, healing, and resilience—rooted in centuries of use by Native American tribes and early settlers. A Native Treasure … Read more
If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a garden center feeling overwhelmed—or worse, spent weeks planting a garden that never really took off—you’re not alone. That’s exactly where a garden coach comes in. Most people are familiar with the idea of a personal trainer or a life coach, but a garden coach? That’s still … Read more
If you’ve ever tried to grow a garden in Florida and felt like your plants were drying out, wilting, or simply refusing to thrive—despite your best efforts—you’re not alone. Florida’s sandy soil drains quickly, holds little organic matter, and doesn’t do your plants many favors. But here’s the good news: with a little strategy and … Read more
When most people think of bees, they picture honeybees buzzing from bloom to bloom, but the truth is far more fascinating—and local. Florida is home to over 300 species of native bees, most of which are solitary and stingless. These unsung heroes are essential to the health of our ecosystems, gardens, and even our dinner … Read more
World Bee Day is the perfect time to go beyond planting and think about providing safe spaces for pollinators to nest. While many gardeners are familiar with feeding bees through native plants, fewer know that over 90% of bee species in Florida are solitary—they don’t live in hives. These bees, like mason bees and leafcutter … Read more
Dreaming of a garden that won’t overwhelm you—or wither after a month? You’re not alone. Many first-time gardeners in Florida are eager to grow something… until the heat, bugs, and confusion set in. The good news? You can skip the stress and start strong with a little planning. Here’s how to design a garden that’s … Read more
If you’ve ever planted a tender new herb, stepped back to admire your handiwork—and then found it nibbled to the nub by morning—this one’s for you. Wildlife in the garden can be magical. Monarch butterflies hovering over milkweed? Yes, please. Songbirds splashing in the birdbath? Delightful. But rabbits treating your raised bed like an all-you-can-eat … Read more
Think you need a big backyard or raised beds to grow fresh herbs and vegetables? Think again. Whether you live in an apartment, rent your home, or just want to keep things simple, container gardening is one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to grow your own food—right outside your door. With a few pots, … Read more
If you’re dreaming of a buzzing, blooming garden that gives back to the ecosystem, you don’t need fancy fertilizers or exotic plants. You need the real locals: Florida native plants. Creating a pollinator paradise in your backyard isn’t just about beauty—it’s about balance. Native plants feed our butterflies, bees, and birds in ways that imported … Read more
Why settle for a plain wooden fence when you can plant a living one—one that not only adds beauty and privacy to your space but also feeds you? Here in Central Florida, our long growing season and rich biodiversity give us the perfect climate for creating what we like to call The Edible Fence—a lush, … Read more