Quote:
Originally Posted by Calianna
Sounds wonderful!
I've seen information recently about how to transform your yard into a meadow - lots of native plants that will multiply and spread, and wildflowers that will reseed every year, no need to water (except while you're establishing the new plantings and seedlings), fertilize, or mow. <...snip...>
|
I bought perriwinkle seeds, since they grow here, and they reseed themselves. Beach sunflowers do well too. I planted one plant and it has spread. They come and go - die off here and spring up there.
I planted 4 Royal Poinciana trees and they make food for the squirrels every year, and beautiful red blooms before that. I've got dozens of other trees, mostly live oak, and ferns under that keep me from mowing while they make oxygen and fix nitrogen to the sandy soil to feed the trees.
The downy jasmines and ixoras keep the bees, wasps, and butterflies happy. I have some Carolina Jasmine, Firebush and tropical Honeysuckle which are natives that also feed the pollinators.
I don't know what eats the seagrape berries, but something surely does. It must be a night creature.
The property looks a little wild, or should I say informal, and I like that. I like that it needs no care, feeds wildlife and is good for the environment.
I also found that when the yard isn't mowed, the fire ants don't like it and won't build their nests here. That's a big bonus.
I'm 32' above sea level on a sterile, sugar sand, ancient sand dune. Not much in the way of crops will grow here without extensive fertilizing. That will run down to the Indian River Lagoon and since it is already in decline due to the green grass lovers, I can't bring myself to add to its demise.
Bob