Prepared by Daniel F. Culbert, County Extension Director
Release: 03/14/99

This is the time of year we all enjoy working in our Florida Yards. The weather is cool and plants are adorned with new green growth. If we wait too long, hot weather and mundane tasks like mowing grass will erode much of our enthusiasm. We need to take advantage of this time when our enthusiasm is at its highest level to make changes in our landscapes. Today's column will discuss considerations when selecting new plants for your Florida Yard. It comes from University of Florida's Consumer Horticultural Specialist Dr. Bob Black.

One change that can greatly increase the beauty of a landscape is the addition of new plants. This may require the removal of some plants that are improperly placed, too old, require too much pruning or are continually plagued with pests. It may also involve the replacement of unneeded turf grass areas with new planting beds.

RIGHT PLANT - RIGHT PLACE
One of the most important principles involved in creating and maintaining a Florida Yard is to put the right plant in the right place. Before rushing out to a nursery to buy plants, study your planting site and try to match the growing requirements of the plants you buy with the growing conditions that exist on your site. Some plants grow best in full sun while others prefer partial shade. Colorful azaleas, gardenias and ixoras grow best in acid soils which are uncommon in our area. There are other plants that will grow better in alkaline soils. Planting ornamentals too close to the home or to other plants can create problems too.

Take your clue on what plants to grow from what plants are doing well in your neighborhood. Visit local gardens or landscape demonstration sites like our Extension office or the ELC, and attend local flowers shows for other ideas. Avoid the temptation to choose plants only from advertisements or catalogs - they may not be adapted to our local conditions. Finally, visit with our Master Gardeners who can help you make a personalized shopping list from computer based plant selection programs. Have your shopping list ready before you go to the nursery.

After determining the site conditions of your Florida Yard and the number of plants you will need, you are ready to purchase plants. Plants, like all goods and services, come in many sizes, shapes and qualities. It is just as important to evaluate a plant before purchase as it is to carefully inspect a garment or home appliance.

CHOOSE QUALITY, NOT PRICE
A cheap plant, in most instances, is exactly what the name implies. You may pay very little but - you will probably get little in return. In some cases, you get a plant that requires so much extra attention that you lose any savings that came from a low sticker price. Nurseries periodically have sales where they offer top quality at a minimum price, this is not a common occurrence. In most cases the best plants will be the most expensive. But how do you determine best?

First of all, patronize a reputable nurserymen who has a neat and presentable facility. A sloppy nursery often indicates poorly maintained plants. Do they have staff that know their plants? Have they been around town for long - and will they be here when you go back for assistance or more plants? Another indication of professionalism is membership in a association such as the Florida Nurserymen & Growers Association (FNGA). Some growers have completed educational programs and may have a certified staff member with titles such as Florida Certified Nursery Professional (FCNP). If you don't like the looks of the plants or the facility, or your treatment is substandard, go to another nursery. We have over 50 registered nurseries in the county.

Consumers may want to ask for graded plants. Grading is done voluntarily by nurseries, and gives an indication of plant quality. The best grade is Florida Fancy - it commands a premium price and is not commonly found in retail nurseries. Florida #1 is the grade required by local landscape codes when major construction projects are involved. They are a bit hard to find, and may sell for more. A considerable amount of plants in the retail nursery are Florida #2. With proper care, #2 plants can become well established in the landscape. Anything less is called a Cull, and should not be sold. Our office has additional information on plant grading, which is regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

Secondly, inspect each plant individually. Don't fall for the "hard sell" where you are not able to see all your plants. Reject any plant that lacks health or vigor and avoid those that show excessive succulence. An unhealthy plant is apparent in most cases. Look for :

• weak, poorly formed, scarred, cracked or peeling trucks or branches.
• poorly distributed branches usually lead to "leggy" plants and should be avoided. A compact plant is usually more desirable.
• Avoid plants having leaves of improper shape, size or color. Excessive yellowing of leaves is an indication of a problem.
• Examine leaves for insect, disease and mechanical damage.

For container grown plants, make sure the root system is well established but not root-bound or growing out of the containers. Roots should be firmly incorporated throughout the soil, but not protruding outside or penetrating into the ground.

Most container plants within a species are priced according to size. Plants growing in three gallon containers are generally larger and more expensive than those in one gallon containers. However, make your selection on plant size rather than container size. Frequently, plants growing in larger containers are the same size or a little larger that those in smaller pots. You may be paying plenty for a plastic container and potting soil.

Double check to make sure the plant is adapted to your area. Will the plant survive the low or high temperatures in your area? Will it flower and/or fruit properly? Is it tolerant to salt spray, or salty irrigation water which is often present in local irrigation wells? And, is it labeled properly as to species and variety?

If you follow these suggestions on how to select a good plant, you will obtain quality and save money as you re-create your Florida Yard. For more detailed suggestions, visit our office for a copy of University of Florida Extension bulletin "Selecting and Planting Trees & Shrubs." [It is also available on the Internet at hammock.ifas.ufl.edu/txt/fairs/mg/11279.html.]

GARDENING THOUGH THE CENTURY
If you want to walk through time as you search for new plants for your Florida Yard, why not visit the Garden Club of Indian River County's upcoming Flower Show. The theme of the show is "A Century Remembered." It will be presented next Saturday and Sunday, March 27th and 28th at the Courthouse Executive Center, 2145 14th Avenue and The Heritage Center, 2140 14th Avenue. Our County Extension Service will exhibit information and volunteer Master Gardeners will be on hand in the Courthouse Executive Center.

Garden Club's past president Ms. Nat Jackson's extensive research of the past century of local historical events will form a "time-line" of exhibits. Master Gardener Kathryn Parr is responsible for the staging the design categories created by Garden Club members. However, the horticulture exhibits to be shown in The Heritage Center are open to anyone who wishes to exhibit their plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, etc. Just about anything is acceptable, and awards will be provided. Our office has a list of what kinds of plants are able to be exhibited, and can help you choose your best plants for exhibition. Further questions can be addressed by Horticulture Chairman, Diane Titherington, at 567-1912. Horticulture entries are to be brought to the Heritage Center on Friday, March 26th from 1-6 PM. (Cut Roses on Saturday morning from 7 to 8 AM are the exception.) Tickets will cost $5.00 per person. The hours will be Saturday, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

If you need additional information on how to select new plants for your Florida Yard, visit our Master Gardeners, or call or stop by our office. For those with other questions about Florida Yards, our office holds Master Gardener Clinic hours at the Extension office (1028 20th Place, Suite D, Vero Beach) every weekday morning and most afternoons, Wednesday morning at the Sebastian Library, and the second and fourth Saturday of the month at the ELC. Our phone number is 770-5030, and you can leave a message after hours. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Indian River County Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS /University of Florida. Christine T. Waddill, Dean.