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Spies Family, Port Orange
Spies Family, Port Orange

I'm a third generation garden club member so plants have always been an important part of my life. I was quite excited to find the local chapter of the Native Plant Society since they met at night I could attend while working full time. Through their meetings and resources and practice I have learned the important of "right plant, right place" and have attempted to take a barren yard and slowly transform it into a much more inviting space.
Reasons to plant natives are expansive and it just makes sense to use plants suitable for our soil, fluctuating water levels, and climate. I want to avoid using chemicals at all costs and natives require none. They attract all types of wildlife so the benefits of just sitting at watching the garden come to life is a huge stress relief.
After moving into this home, I realized to keep expectations low. Rocks were everywhere, nothing was native, and what was on the property had been seriously neglected. I was also encountering shade for the the first time and knew that would present obstacles. I had also learned to just start small, a section of the yard at a time, and build from there - fortunately natives tend to really help with that and spread quite well. I started with "rock island" around a Queen palm. Five years later I still think the rocks learned to multiply but most have been removed. The island where the palm was flourishes year round. Currently the scrub mint, necklace pod, and fackahatchee grass are full and attracting pollinators. Come summer I expect to see a revival of the beach daisy, pencil plant, porterweed, black- eyed susan, and blanket plant. It really does help provide a sense of seasons. I have also been quite happy with the curb wildflowers. Numerous neighbors tend to linger as they are turning the corner (hopefully admiring and not planning to call the HOA).
The most challenging part for me has been the patience and time required. I wish I could magically get rid of all the existing sod and replace it with mimosa but realize that takes time and money. While I have been pleased with the shade island under the oak trees, I still am struggling with a ground cover for the shade. It is definitely a work in progress!

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Taken on: November 25, 2014
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Spies Family, Port Orange

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