Pensacola News Journal

For: Saturday, March 16, 2002

By: Daniel E. Mullins

Extension Horticulture Agent

Santa Rosa County

Newcomers Should Select Plants Carefully

Residents who are new to the Gulf Coast quickly learn that gardening here is like nowhere else. The good news is that we can grow more species of plants than just about anywhere else in the country. The bad news is that there are also many species that don’t do well or won’t even survive here.

Newcomers can save time, money and frustration by doing some homework before investing in gardening projects. Information about locally adapted plants is readily available.

Your county’s Extension office can provide localized information as well as plant lists. Be specific when requesting information because we also have fact sheets and other publications on dozens of landscape plants.

Web users can find a world of information on locally adapted landscape plants. In fact, there is so much information that without being selective, one can spend hours on the computer. Check the University of Florida’s publication website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu . Auburn, Mississippi State and the University of Georgia also have useful information, some of which applies to the Gulf Coast region.

Local garden centers and nurseries can provide help in selecting well adapted plants. When shopping, ask additional questions concerning each species before the purchase. These include light, soil, moisture and fertility requirements.

Professional landscape architects, designers, and landscape installation and maintenance specialists can also recommend adapted plants. Most deal with the subject on a daily basis.

In depth information about a particular plant species is available through local plant clubs and societies. These are organizations such as the Camellia Club, Rose Society, Hemerocallis Society and Native Plant Society. Plan to attend a meeting or locate a member. Most representatives love to talk plants.

Local gardening courses, clinics and short courses are held on a regular basis. Check with your local community college, Extension office, garden club representative and garden center to learn about these offerings. Announcements of such programs are frequently published in the newspaper.

A certain amount of gardening trial and error can be enjoyable and rewarding. On the other hand, some information about the best adapted plants for the Gulf Coast can help the newcomer to start gardening here on a more positive note.

Question of the Week: I have several trees that I thought were evergreen oaks, but they have suddenly shed many leaves. Are they sick?

Answer: These are evidently laurel oaks. This species is known as one of the few that is evergreen. Laurel oaks, though they retain some leaves throughout the year, drop many of them during March each year. These are the oldest leaves on your trees, which will soon be replaced with new ones. Rake or bag and use them as mulch or in the compost pile.