Planting With a Purpose

Every one of us can make a difference in the ongoing habitat
and wildlife loss by planting native plants!

 

July 2024

What To Do in Your Yard During Summer
From: Garden For Wildlife

by: Lisa Williams

     

     Summer is the time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your yard labor! Grab a cup of coffee in the morning and take a walk through your yard taking in its beauty and sounds. Take note of blank spots in your garden (you’ll add natives in these spots come fall).

Watering:

  • If conditions are excessively hot and dry, some watering may be necessary.

  • Occasional deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering.

  • Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and wet leaves overnight, which can contribute to mildew and other plant issues.

  • Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation to conserve water.

  • Add a water source for wildlife to use in the upcoming summer months. A bird bath is an easy start! Just be sure to clean regularly.

Pest and Weed Control:

  • Remember that your native plants are there to feed the caterpillars so be happy when you see your leaves being eaten! That means you’re feeding the birds and reptiles too!

  • Hand pick weeds before they become established.

  • Keep an eye out for signs of disease. Monitor to see if any action is needed (usually it’s not).

Deadheading:

  • Trim spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming for the pollinators and you.

  • Leave some of the seedheads for birds and other wildlife.

Natives Blooming in the Yard:

Plants: Blue Mistflower, Sunshine Mimosa, Raccoon in Tree, Beauty Berry
(1. Blue Mistflower 2. Sunshine Mimosa 3. Raccoon in tree 4.Beauty Berry)


*Every month, "Planting with a Purpose" is published in our NEFL Newsletter.
To find past issues, check the Newsletter Archive page.
 

Flyer about a Native Plant Photo competition. Uncle Sam pointing a flower, wearing a gardening hat.

Support Our Local Native Plant Nurseries:

1. Wacca Pilatka LLC   (design and installation available)
904-859-4033
Waccapilatka.com
keepingfloridawild@gmail.com

2. Native & Uncommon Plants
904-388-9851
Goingnativejax@gmail.com
http://www.nativeanduncommonplants.com/

3. Chiappini Farm Native Nursery    
352-475-5413
https://chiappinifarm.com/

4. Native Plant Consulting (design and installation available)
904-671-2880
nativeplantconsulting.com

5. Garden For Wildlife
www.GardenforWildlife.com       

6. Mail Order Natives (online only)
www.mailordernatives.com
mailordernatives@gmail.com
Use code SIERRACLUB10 for $10 off for any purchase (One-time only; No expiration)

7. Bella Jardins Boutique
Order online and she delivers.
https://bellajardins.boutique/

8. Lark Native Plants
https://larknativeplants.com/index.html

9.  Audubon's website Plants for Birds
https://www.audubon.org/plantsforbirds

10. Green Isle Gardens
https://www.greenislegardens.com/retail.html#/

 

Other Great Links

Homegrown National Park - Join Doug Tallamy’s quest to turn half of all turf grass into native plantings.  Register your yard here: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

Florida Native Plant Society - For all kinds of info on native plants including Finding Plants Based on Your Location and Needs: https://www.fnps.org/plants

IXIA Native Plant Society - For info on our local native plant society: https://ixia.fnpschapters.org/