Ms. Prepared Public Speaking competition with Braley Hines
First, I just have to take a minute to brag. I am Ashley Cook, Assistant Property Manager with Secure Investments Realty and my girl is a winner! In 6th grade she set out on a journey to win the Florida FFA MS Prepared Public Speaking Contest and 2 years later, here we are, goal accomplished.
After her big moment, I started scrolling down memory lane reminiscing about all the fun I’ve had following her and her friends around the last few years and got to thinking, not only have these kids provided me with lots of laughs, they’ve taught me a lot along the way. One of my favorite events to attend is the Ornamental Horticulture Demonstrations. The FFA’s Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration Contest is designed to stimulate careful planning, thorough knowledge, and the ability to explain, by work and action, the “how and why” of various horticulture practices. This contest also just happens to be held around the time of her chapters plant sale, providing me the opportunity to support local and stock up on supplies needed to apply my new knowledge. Unfortunately, like many other events this year the plant sale was canceled, no worries. If you follow along monthly, then you know I recently sold my home and am currently without a yard, which translates to me having lots of time to reflect on these projects to ensure my new landscape is not only beautiful but also beneficial.
Intelligent Landscape
Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of the soil around your home?
Most owners underestimate the impact soil erosion can have on the foundation of their home. Without a protective layer of topsoil in place, the underlying ground has a harder time attracting and retaining moisture. As a result, the soil around your home can quickly contract and expand placing tremendous pressure on your properties foundation. This stress may first be seen as a hairline crack but left unattended it could turn in to bigger problems such as a sagging roof, leaning chimney, warped floors, or sinking foundation. To best protect your home, remember the following:
- Plant shrubs in the back, closest to the exterior wall: Shrubs provide a strong root system to hold soil in place and protect your home from wind.
- Place grass and flowers in front of the shrubs: Grasses and flowers not only add texture and color to your landscape but help to prevent water erosion. Their roots hold the soil together preventing water from washing it away.
- Cover exposed soil with mulch: This will reduce the impact of raindrops and blanket it from the wind.
The 9 principles of Florida Friendly Landscape
This is the practice of protecting Florida’s unique natural resources by conserving water, reducing waste and pollution, creating habitat for wildlife, and preventing erosion. To create Florida-Friendly Landscape remember these 9 Principles.
- Right Plant, Right Place
- Water Efficiently
- Fertilize Appropriately
- Mulch
- Attract Wildlife
- Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
- Recycle
- Prevent Stormwater Runoff
- Protect the Waterfront
Perfect Patio Repellent
Living in a low wet area, mosquitos are often an unwanted guest that quickly put an end to our outside grilling sessions. Instead of dousing yourself, and your family, in chemical sprays check out these plants that naturally repel mosquitos.
- Lavender : The strong-smelling essentials oils will kick unwanted guests to the curb.
- Citronella: Buy the cymbopogon nardus or citronella winterianus varieties as they produce the most potent smell.
- Basil: While people find the sweet pungent scent delicious, it’s toxic to mosquitos.
- Marigolds: Not only a deterrent for mosquitos, aphids too.
- Bee Balm: This colorful flower wards off mosquitoes while attracting butterflies and pollinators.
- Rosemary: You can hang a few sprigs next to the grill or fire pit to create a fragrant smokiness that will keep your barbecue pest-free, or refrigerator and add it to squirt bottles to use as needed when going outdoors.
The next time you decide to “spruce” up your yard, I encourage you to plan ahead to ensure your landscape is not only beautiful but beneficial to you and your home too.
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