Estero in Bloom

Fall is the time to freshen up landscapes

 

By D.K. Christi

 

Autumn rain and planting season are here. Estero residents are pulling out their gloves and rakes — not to clean up fallen leaves before a blanket of snow, but to prepare their gardens for a season of growth. September marks the beginning of gardening for many vegetables, flowering plants and shrubs in Southwest Florida.

Brad Hazelett, co-owner of Driftwood Garden Center in Estero, said one of the big challenges for local gardeners is understanding that the planting season in Southwest Florida is reversed compared to northern climates.

“Whereas annuals such as geraniums, begonias and impatiens color summers elsewhere, the fall is the only time they bloom with full vitality in this sub-tropical climate,” said Hazelett. “Tomatoes may grow in summer here, but they thrive better in the fall.”

Driftwood aims to be the one-stop shop for all things garden and outdoors. The family-owned business started in Naples 41 years ago and expanded to Estero 27 years ago. It offers extensive stocks of gardening implements, ceramic pots, indoor and outdoor plants, decorative and water features, along with thousands of healthy planting products from vetted vendors — ideal for everything from apartments to estates and commercial facilities, Hazelett said.

“Especially important is our long-term expert staff, who also offer classes,” he added. “We have an orchid expert on site.”

Mason Muttart, director of nursery and greenhouse, is in charge of shrubs, fruit trees and whatever else grows at Driftwood. “I have loved plants since childhood and received my training hands-on,” he said.

Over the years, Muttart has mastered the challenge of growing orchids and provides these tips: “Those that are attached to trees develop a symbiotic relationship that helps them survive the weather changes. Exceptionally cold weather may require bringing some out of the elements. However, the main thing I suggest is to love them a little less — sometimes too much attention isn’t good for them.”

 

How to make plants happy

Local gardening experts agree that one of the first steps in preparing for planting season or renovating a landscape is to evaluate the soil. In Florida, a handful of dirt will likely reveal sand or shells. Fortunately, pH and moisture testers – from the simplest to complex versions – are available to purchase online and locally. Like maintaining a pool, pH levels in the soil are critical to plant health, and products are available to correct imbalances.

Even rain water affects the pH of the soil, gathering nitrogen from the air as it falls, said Roger Kelley, manager of Juniper Farms in Estero.

“Soil correction is often a singular product such as sulfur or lime in specific amounts rather than a universal fertilizer,” he advised, noting that fertilizers are often restricted in this area from May to September to protect nutrients from running off to the rivers.

Kelley has spent his life in the landscaping and nursery business. Any growing issue can be solved with the right expert advice, he said.

Step one for fall gardening is adjusting or adding rain sensors to irrigation to meet restrictions that benefit everyone in the region. Watering times and spray directions should be observed and corrected, Kelley noted.

Another step is cleaning out dead or infected plant materials from the past year.  Putting out a layer of quality mulch will give many gardens a brighter look while supporting the plants that survived the summer.

Theresa Long, who lives in a local gated community, chose to tackle mulching by herself this year.  She also repotted her house plants for their health.

“I picked the coolest part of each day and set myself a pace that I could accomplish,” she said. “The mulch was heavier than I expected, and old roots were harder to pull. But the exercise was more fun than the gym, and the feeling of accomplishment when it was done was worth the effort and occasional discomfort.”

 

Refresh your landscape with new plant varieties

“Life’s too short to live with ugly plants — recycle and get new ones,” said Kelley. “Take photographs to your favorite expert with the sun and shade areas marked to plan for renewing shrubs, ornamentals and trees. Plan for root spread, location and height.”

Plantings against the house or beside the driveway may lead to foundation issues, broken driveways, and roots entangling underground cables and pipes. It seems planting seeds or starter plants often surprise the gardener by their rapid growth, Kelley noted. What appears as a sprig of grass will grow into a royal poinciana with roof-covering limbs in no time. A plumeria cutting will send roots right under the house.

And beware of planting on property lines. Hedge rows can spread into the neighbor’s property rapidly and can lead to unpleasant and costly conflicts.

Fruit trees offer beautiful flowers and tasty harvests, but seeking advice before planting is recommended as they do require maintenance to continue their yield and remain lovely. Vegetable gardens can also be beautiful and tasty, and they can be planted in pots and small spaces. 

“You don’t have to complete everything at once — garden in phases,” suggested Kelley. “Some basic quality implements are all that’s needed to start.”

Juniper Farms was formerly Battista Farms, purchased when the original owners retired. Quality products and vendors were carried forward, and Juniper diversified the retail store to include basic, quality implements and additional gardening inventory. Large-scale landscaping and maintenance is the core mission, but Juniper also designs and completes small projects as well, with sod ranging in size from single pieces to commercial applications.

Now is the time to plant those annuals that shed bright colors everywhere when planted properly, said Driftwood’s Muttart. It was just too hot in summer for many of them. Pentas are lovely year-round but best in the fall. Petunias, especially trailing petunias, will be covered with blooms — a cost effective and inexpensive choice. 

“It’s nice to spread tons of color quickly without breaking the bank,” Muttart said.  Other favorites this time of year are geraniums and periwinkles — most anything that doesn’t require a cool night will grow. Bougainvillea and hibiscus burst with a variety of colors in the fall.

Of course, flowers and shrubs that are native to Florida are always a good bet. They are better at surviving tropical storms.

“I recommend that you think of plants like a person that needs a positive growing environment, nutrients, protection from disease, and sometimes special attention for good health and growth,” Muttart said.

Special attention includes specific, rather than universal, treatments for soil amendments and pest control.

 

Get inspired at gardening events

To encourage the joy in gardening, Juniper Farms hosts community events which include hayrides and activities. This year’s fall festival is Juniper’s Great Pumpkin Patch the weekend before Halloween.

“Children can plant seeds in a cup to take with them to start their gardening experience at any age,” Kelley said. 

The free Fort Myers Home and Garden Show, running Sept. 13-14 in downtown Fort Myers, also promises to inspire with displays by local and national vendors with everything from home decor to outdoor patios and gardening ideas to help area residents get into the fall gardening frame of mind.

Just like people, plants have unique characteristics and needs — some prefer shade while others bask happily in the sun. With proper care, they will  provide years of joy. Just remember that over time, their care needs may change — and your garden might need a refresh. 

Fall is a great time to check on existing landscapes and reach out to the experts who are happy to offer suggestions. In addition to local garden centers and nurseries, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences provides resources and expertise from master gardeners. Local organizations and gardening clubs can offer camaraderie and advice, as well.

Now is the time to invigorate your landscape. Dig right into a fall of garden transformation!