Diary of a Gardener Keeping Your Florida Garden Healthy Year-Round
Maintaining a healthy and beautiful garden year-round takes regular care and attention. In Florida, this is a 12-month job, unlike the seasonal breaks our northern neighbors enjoy. While Southwest Florida is currently experiencing an unusually lengthy cold snap, these typically last only a week or two before it’s back to business as usual. Even during cooler weather, weeds continue to grow, plants still need trimming, pests are on the prowl, and landscapes require a little TLC.
Many Floridians rely on landscaping services for routine maintenance like mowing, edging, and trimming. However, these services often focus on basic upkeep rather than the nuanced care plants need to thrive. One common frustration I hear is, “My hibiscus shrubs never bloom.” The culprit? Overzealous hedging. Hibiscus plants are often pruned into neat little “green meatloafs,” robbing them of the chance to grow and bloom as Mother Nature intended—freely and naturally.
This isn’t to throw shade at landscaping crews; they work hard under grueling conditions, especially during Florida’s hot, humid summers. However, their expertise is often geared toward efficiency, not necessarily plant-specific knowledge or proper care.
That’s where high-touch horticulture services come in. These services offer tailored, seasonal care—what I like to call a “fluff and buff”—or ongoing support designed to meet the unique needs of your garden. Whether it’s hand-pruning, weeding, integrated pest and disease management, seasonal color changes, freshening up potted arrangements, or post-storm cleanup, these services are custom-designed for your landscape and can be scheduled as often as needed.
For seasonal care, I recommend:
One visit in spring: To prepare your garden for growth.
Two visits in summer: To manage fast-growing plants, pests like mealybugs on hibiscus, and other summer challenges.
One visit in fall: After hurricane season to restore and refresh.
Florida summers are particularly harsh. Plants often grow too quickly, outgrowing their spaces, while others struggle under the intense heat. Mulch shifts during heavy rains, weeds seem to sprout the moment you turn your back, and pests like thrips wreak havoc on roses. Regular care ensures your garden stays healthy and beautiful despite these challenges.
Who Benefits from High-Touch Horticulture Services?
This service is for everyone and every budget. Whether you’re an experienced gardener needing an extra pair of hands, someone new to gardening, or a homeowner looking for professional seasonal care, high-touch horticulture provides the support you need.
For seasoned gardeners, working alongside a knowledgeable helper can feel like having a gardening buddy. It’s therapeutic, rewarding, and lets you maintain control of your garden while getting help with heavy lifting or physically demanding tasks.
Why I Love What I Do
I’ve been offering high-touch horticulture services for some time, and it’s become clear how valuable—and enjoyable—this work is. Every visit brings a new challenge, whether it’s finding deer-resistant flowers, managing invasive plants like Chinese crown orchids, handling hurricane damage, or tackling stubborn pests. These experiences keep my skills sharp and my research up-to-date, and I truly love helping gardens thrive.
If your landscaping service handles the basics but your garden needs more specialized care, I’m here to help.
Remember: Always keep growing
