Summer is here! You’ve definitely got the time! Your yard could totally use the attention! Why not add some new colorful plants to your summer garden!?

I may not be a pro at gardening, (or keeping plants alive for that matter) but I’ve kept an air plant alive for 3 years now and am currently hoping the sunflowers I planted will take all of the love and attention I’m giving them and grow up beautifully!

There are several things that can really make a difference when included in a summer garden in Florida! Even if you’re starting from scratch! Let’s take a look at them!

An Outdoor plumbing fixture!

We’ve realized that when it comes to gardens, there are just some plumbing fixtures that are necessary to have nearby! Installing a longer garden hose, a new nozzle, adapter, or hose bib can make a huge difference in the life of your summer garden! It could also mean installing something fun and unique, a definite attention grabber for your garden, like a working pitcher pump! Not only does it add to the visual aid of your garden, but it plays a useful role as well!

Like planting things that can do more than look pretty?

Try adding in some herbs!

Mint

Not much meets the harsh requirements of surviving in a summer garden, but when it comes to a great herb to add to the frenzy of colors and scents, try out mint! Mint can add variety and flavor to any garden. It’s tolerant of Florida summers as well! It prefers shade from the midday sun and thrives with moist soil, so it’s a great option for potting! Another benefit of mint is that there are multiple types of mint! Take your pick from peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, or various citrus-flavored mint plants! Or if you’re really into mint, collect them all!

Rosemary

If you’re really loving the concept of an herb garden, but want to expand beyond mint, give Rosemary and/or Chamomile a try! These two plants serve many purposes, not only do they repel bugs, but they’re great for use in the kitchen, and they’re safe for pets!

Note! It’s important for pet owners to be aware of which plants are safe, and which are deadly poisonous. Remember to double-check any plants you want in your garden to ensure they’re safe for any exploratory pet that you have. For example, Citronella is perfect for repelling bugs, but it’s toxic to dogs and cats! If you’re going to have toxic plants around, make sure they’re out of reach of the pets!

Want flowers for a pop of color

It’s hard to imagine a beautiful outdoor space without colorful thriving flowers! Luckily for us Floridians, many flowers flourish in this sizzling summer atmosphere. There are tons of options allowing you to choose based on your favorite scents, colors, and whether you prefer delicate or hardy plants- essentially choosing from beginner to master level gardening!
If you like hardy, dependable, brightly colored flowers- give the Caladium or “Elephant Ears” a try!

Begonias bloom year-round and come in pink red and white. They can handle the summer heat and appreciate a ton of water and some light shade.

Want to attract some butterflies? Go ahead and add some Penta’s Or “Egyptian Star Flowers” to your garden! They grow year-round, and are happiest with plenty of water, warmth, and sunlight!

In Florida, rain showers are common throughout the summer months! It can feel like there’s a storm passing through almost every day or so! And, there happens to be a flower that truly appreciates that much water! The rain lily is a fan of both the scorching heat and the summer showers! They often bloom right after a storm has passed through!

Let’s not forget our veggies

Summer honestly is not the best time for growing fruits and veggies here in FL… but there is one specific plant that simply flourishes in the summer, providing brightly colored vegetables for flavorful dishes!

Peppers

They love to soak up the rays and prefer soil that’s packed full of nutrients but still drains well. You can go for any kind of pepper- jalapeños to bell peppers- whatever flavor you crave! Even if you’re not a pepper fan, maybe your neighbors or friends are! Don’t forget that they also grow in beautiful shades of orange, green, and red- great for that extra pop of color for your garden!!

Hope these ideas and suggestions help you out as you create the ideal Floridian summer garden!!! Good luck green thumbs!

If you’re interested in checking out more summer/plumbing tips then check out a few of our Next Level blogs below!

company icon