June in Your Southwest Florida Yard and Garden
VINCA PHOTO CREDIT: TYLER JONES, UF/IFAS WHAT TO PLANT Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Flowering plants that can take full sun during the increasingly sizzling summer months include portulaca, vinca, pentas, and some coleus. Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/ Palms: Summer’s warm, rainy months are the perfect time to plant palms. Make sure not to cover […]
Hurricane Season Is Here: Are You Prepared?
As another hurricane season approaches in South Florida, preparation remains more than an individual responsibility—it is a shared community priority. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. While Florida residents are familiar with severe weather, each season brings new challenges and […]
May in Your Southwest Florida Yard and Garden
WHAT TO PLANT Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plants that can take summer heat include coleus, salvia, torenia, wax begonia, vinca, crossandra, ornamental pepper. • Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals • Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials • Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/ Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, ginger, summer savory, and rosemary. • Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, boniato, hot peppers, and tropical […]
April in Your Southwest Florida Yard
WHAT TO PLANT Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Liven up plant beds with heat-tolerant bloomers such as cannas, coleus, vinca, and portulaca. Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/ Herbs: Some herbs to plant now include basil and mint. Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs Vegetables: Beans, Chinese cabbage, Southern peas, and sweet potatoes can still be planted. Mulch beds well and […]
Blueberries in Florida
Florida is known for its sunny beaches and warm weather, but did you know that it’s also a great place to go blueberry picking? Our state is a leading producer of blueberries in the United States, with a significant number of farms offering u-pick experiences. The blueberry season in Florida typically runs from late March […]
Living With Coyotes in Florida
Coyotes are found throughout Florida. And they are very present in the Burnt Store Meadows Community. This adaptable animal belongs to the dog family and resembles a small German shepherd. In Florida, coyotes typically weigh between 15 to 30 pounds. They have pointed ears, a narrow muzzle, and a bushy tail. Males tend to be […]
March in Your Southwest Florida Garden
CALADIUM. CREDIT: TYLER JONES, UF/IFAS WHAT TO PLANT Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plant heat-tolerant flowering plants such as pentas, coleus, crossandra, gazania, vinca, gaillardia, caladiums, and zinnia that will last into fall. Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/ Herbs: In addition to their culinary value, many herbs are ornamental and attract butterflies to the garden. Herbs: […]
Being a Good Pet Owner and Neighbor!
REMINDER Being a good neighbor and animal owner means picking up after your dog. Also, while our deed restrictions do not specifically state your animal must be leashed, it does state the animal must always be under the owner’s control. Not having the animal leashed could constitute a nuisance and that is a violation of […]
Best Places to See Flamingos in Southwest Florida in 2026
SPOTTED AT MADEIRA BEACH, FL Flamingos were once native to Florida but disappeared in the early 1900s due to hunting and habitat loss. Despite their absence, Florida has remained associated with these iconic pink birds The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – 1316 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040 Not in the Florida Keys? […]
January in Your Southwest Florida Yard and Garden
Cattleya Orchid What to Plant Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plants that perform well in garden beds and containers during the coolest months include impatiens, geranium, begonia, dianthus, and dusty miller. See Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/. Herbs: Certain herbs will thrive now that temperatures are cooler, including parsley, tarragon, thyme, dill, and fennel. Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs […]