Prepping the Space

Your lawn deserves a little TLC. Clean up your yard by raking if needed, pulling up old weeds, getting rid of fallen palm fronds and assessing your soil. Toss old or moldy patio furniture and pool toys. Next, start to think about what flowers will bloom best during the spring season and will tolerate our steamy SWFL climate:

• Egyptian Star Flowers also known as Pentas
• Begonias
• Periwinkles
• Rain Lilies

Of course, there are more flowers than listed that bloom during the spring but any of the flowers and plants listed above will add the right amount of color. After deciding which flowers you want, figure out where you would like to plant them. What would go best and where? Whether in the front yard, back yard or both, the flowers’ spring bloom will be sure to liven up the space.

How about those bulbs?

If you have landscape lighting, check to see if you need to replace any bulbs. If you don’t have outdoor lighting, maybe consider getting some string lights or lanterns. Stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s have the perfect assortment of landscape lighting. Some other great outdoor light fixtures are:

• Path lights
• Spot lights
• Deck lights
• Low voltage or solar lights

Get creative with your lighting. Hang them above a grotto if you have one or line the deck of your pool area. With path lights, you can set them up to guide people to your front door or outside to the patio area. Deck lights can be used to give that area a brighter look so when you host a party, it won’t actually feel like you’re in the dark.

Patio Furniture and Décor

Comfortable and homey patio furniture is all the rage. People want to feel as comfortable sitting outside as they do inside. Now, many home furniture and decoration stores such as Home Goods, Pier 1 and Target have a wide variety of options for outdoor furniture. If you want to make your backyard feel comfortable while helping it stand out, look into these:

• Sectionals
• Chairs & ottomans
• Colorful accent tables
• Chaise lounges and hammocks

Most outdoor furniture has customizable cushions and pillows. If your house or backyard has a theme, find the colors to match or start over and try something new. Online home stores such as Wayfair and Overstock are great places to look for furniture and décor. 

If you’re looking to revamp your landscape, now is the time to do it. Not everyone was born with a green thumb so if you’re looking to make some changes to the outside of your house, you could always hire a landscape design service.

The home building professionals at Gulfstream Homes are ready to get to work on your project. Call (239) 254-1664 or visit gulfstreamhomes.com to learn more.

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The post How to Add Spring Color Into your Landscape Design first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Plant Selection

Selecting plants that thrive in our area is key in long-term success of your landscaping. Choose plants that are well-suited to life in Southwest Florida and can withstand the elements that are thrown their way. It’s important to choose plants that are a match with our ecosystem and don’t use excess water. Match your plant choices based on light, water needs and wind conditions. Choosing the wrong type of plants can end in disappointment as some varieties can’t withstand the heat and some may topple over with strong winds.

Watering & Fertilizing

After choosing the perfect plants for your home’s yard, it’s time to care for these living organisms. Overwatering is a common problem for homeowners in Southwest Florida and needs to be addressed first. Not only does overwatering deplete our water supply, it also raises the cost of your monthly water bill. It’s a common practice that if rain is predicted within 24 hours or if it has rained in the last 24 hours, that watering your plants is not necessary. Also, keep in mind our dry winter months as oftentimes, restrictions are placed upon watering as shortages may occur.

Fertilizing your plants at the correct time and with the right amount of fertilizer is imperative as using too much fertilizer can lead to run-off that may affect local wildlife and waterways. Also, fertilizing your landscaped yard correctly helps to avoid excessive growth and unwanted pests.

Wildlife vs. Pests

There’s a fine line between wildlife you want in your home’s backyard and pests that you don’t. It’s important to encourage the presence of bees and birds, as many have been pushed out of their natural environments by the increased building in our area. Plant berry bushes or add in a couple of bird feeders to draw in some helpful insect-eating guests. Be sure to apply low-toxicity pest control to help plants stay healthy and free of disease.

Functional Landscape Design

Keep in mind what you want to accomplish with your home’s landscape design. Do you just want to plant a few trees and plants for aesthetics or are you looking for them to be functional? We have an abundance of sunshine here in Naples, Florida, so it’s important that your landscaping helps your home to stay shaded. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of privacy and what better way than to plant some beautiful tall trees surrounding the property?

Keep these important details in mind when you’re designing your home’s landscaping, so that it works with our Southwest Florida ecosystem:

• Choose plants that work with our sub-tropical climate and weather elements.
• Water and fertilize correctly, as to not negatively affect the area’s wildlife.
• Choose landscaping based on your needs and vision.
• Be mindful of pests and take measures to keep your plants healthy.

Are you ready to build the perfect home and finish it with the ideal backyard? Our experts are ready to help. Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com.

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The post Your Guide to Landscape Design in Naples, Florida first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.