New Section: Attracting Wildlife
Steve and Lloyd speak at the VBF Gardens Meeting
Jan. 2016: Steve Turnipseed, President of TVFNPS, and Lloyd Singleton, Sumter County Extension Agent, share their knowledge about changing your landscaping to attract butterflies. Here are some of the highlights:
- landscape alterations require architectural approval by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) (application)
- Florida Friendly landscaping is permitted as a substitute for sod per the Deed Restricted Standards of The Villages
- when considering landscape alterations, drainage cannot be obstructed
- raised beds are “allowed” but cannot be higher than 18”, unless on a slope
- all rock landscapes are not permitted
- trees greater than 4 inches in diameter require approval for removal and often require a replacement tree in another location. it’s best to call on a certified arborist to assist you in tree trimming and/or removal. Arborist. Contact information can be found at www.treesaregood.com
Consider this when planning your landscape:
Use organic mulch (mushroom compost, pine straw/bark) in place of rock.
Amend your soil before planting by mixing an organic compost such as Black Kow.
Introduce “masses” of plants - the same species of plants in a large group.
Use ground covers instead of yard grass where you can, and if keeping some grass, consider “islands” of grass.
When planting for butterflies, know which butterflies you would like to attract and decide whether you want host (caterpillar food), nectar (butterfly food), or both types of plants.
Include wildlife needs in planning your garden – food, shelter, water, and a place to raise young. Include water for wildlife made from a shallow bowl, lid, or birdbath bowl.
Contrast textures and shapes when designing your garden.
Be alert to the “mature size” of the plant before you plant (right plant/right place).
Hand pruning lends itself to a more natural appearance for your shrubs – stay away from “box shapes” which can result in a weak or dead plant center (no leaves in the center of the shrub).
We are in Planting Zone 9A.
We are in Butterfly Region #3
Why We No Longer Carry Non-Native Tropical Milkweed
Article from Native Nurseries in Tallahassee, Florida
The article includes information on native milkweed.
