If you fondly remember the tale of Jack’s beanstalk from your childhood, you most certainly will want to consider these fantastic additions to your vertical wall garden in South Florida.

• Aeschynanthus Radicans – Ideally suited for Florida’s warm and humid climate, the “lipstick plant” will give your vertical garden a kiss of color. It is a beautiful addition that requires little more than moist soil and sunlight to stay healthy.
• Nephrolepis Exaltata – This simple fern creates a nice foundation for any vertical garden. It loves humidity and helps keep the garden cool as it reaches for the heavens.
• Hoya Carnosa – The Hoya Carnosa is a plant that’s open to suggestions and directions. It is easily convinced to grow wherever you want. This makes it easy to intertwine the plant within the garden as it grows, and the plant’s white flowers provide a nice touch of contrast to the green shades of the vertical garden.
• Stephanotis Floribunda – Big and billowing, the “Wedding Vine” is a landscape design idea well-suited for creating a bit of privacy. It easily attaches itself to fencing, walls, and other structures. As it grows, it creates a fantastic fragrance that can help you rest and relax behind a living privacy screen.

Adding Edibles to the Vertical Garden

Beauty is best when it can be tasted and savored. There are many savory choices you can include in a vertical garden that look great and taste fantastic.

If your garden has plenty of sunlight, consider adding aloe vera, sage, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. These crops do fantastic in Florida’s climate.

If you have partial shade, consider lettuce, radish, chives, parsley, or basil. Similarly, if the vertical garden is under full shade, sprinkle in some watercress, lemon balm, violets, or mint. Each will emit a fragrant and appealing aroma that will make your garden the most comfortable place of peaceful rest and relaxation on your property.

Plant Professionals

The team at Plant Professionals is ready to rise to the occasion and help you create the vertical garden of your dreams in South Florida. We invite you to contact us at 305-259-0503 when you are ready to get growing.

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DRIVING DIRECTIONS

When it comes to indoor plants though, some home and business owners have a tendency to think they’re old-fashioned. The fact is that unique planters, decorative plant containers and even indoor plant arrangements can make any space feel more modern.

Homeowners and business owners can use these fresh ideas on how to handle indoor plant design and maintenance in creating a comfortable, modern environment.

Residential Spaces

Interior plant design in residential spaces makes a home more inviting and comfortable to tenants and visitors alike. From tried-and-true plants like ferns, to more complex ideas like indoor trees, indoor plant décor for modern homes allows for many different configurations.

Hanging Plants

Hanging plant display racks are often ideal for smaller residential spaces since hanging plants don’t take up extra floor space. Where to put these racks isn’t always easy to determine though.

In many cases, hanging plants work best in the corner of the room to draw the eye toward the edges of a space, giving the illusion of more visual width and depth. There are multiple ways to hang plants in a modern style.

Standard display racks work well, but more and more designers are choosing to float plants off the wall using unique planters that can be hung like pieces of art. Doing this allows for beautiful plants in the home while keeping the floor space clean and uncluttered.

Consider Glass Terrariums

Glass terrariums have become incredibly popular with homeowners because they add visual impact to a space while allowing plants their own space in the home. These terrariums can be built for a specific space or purchased ready-made.

When looking at terrariums, buyers should look for local plants that help improve indoor air quality. Choosing terrariums that sit on the floor or on countertops can help fill floor space or leave valuable real estate open, as desired.

Commercial Environments

Commercial environments always run the risk of feeling sterile. Plants, when used properly, can make places of business more comfortable for employees and patrons. They can even make a space feel more modern when utilized correctly.

Walkway Planters

In a commercial environment, using large planters to create walkways can make a safer space with better air quality. Adding large planters also allows business owners to use plants to provide color and life to what might otherwise be a dull, utilitarian space.

Green planters made from materials like bamboo, as well as planters in glass or cement, are ideal in modern spaces.

Utilizing Trees

In commercial spaces, large trees improve air quality and make a bold visual impact. Trees can be used to create walkways, separate seating areas and to line corridors.

Interior Landscapes Near Miami, FL

Contact Plant Professionals to learn more about interior plant design and how plants can beautify any space. From large homes to small businesses, an indoor plant arrangement can make a big difference in comfort, air quality and décor.

With the right steps, it’s easy to turn a humble garden into a tropical backyard paradise.

South Florida Landscaping Ideas

Those who live in South Florida will know the difficulties that can accompany planting choices. A plant has to be hardy enough to withstand the heat, the sun and the humidity. However, both large tropical plants and small tropical plants love the humidity; they actually thrive in it. It reminds them of their native landscape!

One of the best reasons to use tropical landscaping for small and large backyards is the color. These plants offer beautiful color, exotic blooms and flamboyant foliage, which can transform any outdoor space into a tropical garden. As the temperatures rise, these plants get more and more beautiful.

Tropical Garden Design Ideas

In warmer regions, such as those in southern Florida, many tropical plants hold their color all year. These plants love the summer heat; they thrive in it and actually do much better in the warm air. Full-sun settings also help this type of landscape design achieve its full potential.

Of course, all tropical plants need a lot of moisture. So when designing a garden, it’s important to create a water source. The soil has to be rich; it should include a soil conditioner as well as compost before plants are added.  

A water garden is another good idea; it’s soothing and serves a purpose. Fill it with tropical plants like the Egyptian Papyrus, Elephant Ears, Canna Lilies and Birds of Paradise as these tropical plants thrive in water.

Other Exotic Plants and Flowers

The Queen’s Wreath is sometimes called the coral vine. It is native to Mexico and can grow up to 40 feet. Many landscapers use it on arbors because of its rich, evergreen color and beautiful heart-shaped leaves. It’s pink, coral and white flowers bloom from spring through the fall.

Cat’s Whiskers are tropical plants with long white or purple flowers. This plant is native to East Asia, but it grows well in South Florida. 

The Chinese Lantern is a tropical plant that produces tiny white flowers in the spring; those tiny white flowers are barely noticeable but are quickly followed by brilliant orange husks reminiscent of round balloons. As an added bonus, inside each husk is a tiny, edible scarlet fruit. The plant loves the sun, but too much moisture can be a problem.

The Pigeon Pea is a beautiful tropical plant that grows quickly and also has edible seeds. The flowers are red and yellow; which turn into green pods. This plant loves full sun.

Plant Professionals

Those considering a tropical oasis in their backyard should contact Plant Professionals. Our team of experienced and creative landscape designers can create a lush, green yard from start to finish. For an estimate, call (305) 259-0503 or fill out the online form today!

Sweet William “Pinks”

Scientific Name: Dianthus

Sweet William or “pinks”, also known as dianthus, consist of small, colorful, white, pink, or red flowers that come in annual, biennial, and perennial varieties. These flowers can grow up to 18 inches tall and work well in border beds or containers. The plant is straightforward to care for – just water at the base when dry. They tend to bloom from the late spring to the middle of the fall.

Florida Lantana

Scientific Name:  Lantana Camara

Florida actually has its own variety of this flower called Florida Lantana, but most other types are considered invasive in the state. Sometimes referred to as Late Latin, this shrub with beautiful flower clusters can add a subtle pop of blue, red, yellow, white, or orange to your garden. As the plant ages, some clusters can develop multiple colors for a unique appearance. This flower is an excellent choice if you want to bring more butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard.

Tickseed

Scientific Name: Coreopsis

The Coreopsis is the official state flower of Florida, and one look tells you exactly why. These flowers exude a sunny yellow color and have a daisy-like shape. You can find varieties in pinks, reds, oranges, and golds as well. Butterflies love the Coreopsis. Coreopsis are relatively easy to care for as most kinds are drought-resistant. The type of Coreopsis you plant determines how long it will bloom and how much care it requires, so you will want to choose carefully. They make for great border plants. You can grow them in part shade or full sun, but no matter where you choose, all it needs is well-drained soil.

Dwarf Morning Glory

Scientific Name: Evolvulus

If you’re looking to add a splash of blue to your yard, Evolvulus is a beautiful ground cover flower that gives you that pop of color. Also called Blue Daze and Dwarf Morning Glory,  Evolvulus tend to be at their blooming peak in the morning hours. Evolvulus requires very little water, making it is a great drought-resistant option that provides continuous blooming in Central and Southern Florida.

Yellow Bells

Scientific Name: Tecoma Stans

Want to add a splash of bright yellow to your yard during the summer months? Tropical yellow bells grow on a blooming shrub and add a dazzling pop to any garden from June to the first frost, and on top of that, they happen to do very well in the heat. Even when the flowers are not in bloom, the dark green leaves offer a lovely backdrop. Are you looking for a richer color? You can also plant orange bells for the same effect with a different hue. Just keep in mind this shrub can grow to be more than 10 feet tall.

Cape Daisy

Scientific Name: Ursinia

For natural color in your garden all year long, plant some Ursinia – it tends to bloom even in wintertime. This is a low-growing, daisy-like flower that does well in dry areas, so place it in border flower beds, window boxes, or hanging baskets. This plant is only available in yellow-orange color, but it is sure to stand out.

Nemesia

Scientific Name: Nemesia Caerulea

In warmer climates such as Florida, nemesia flowers, which are similar to snapdragons, bloom perennially. If you enjoy cutting flowers for indoor décor, nemesia is a perfect choice. It also does well in window boxes, containers, and flower beds. What makes this type of flower really stand out is that some types have petals in two different colors, such as white and blue. It doesn’t take much to grow them, and they tend to flower all summer long.

Lily of the Nile

Scientific Name: Agapanthus

For low-maintenance flowers that are particularly beautiful when grown in large quantities, you should give Lily of the Nile a try. Also known as African Lily, this agapanthus flower only requires regular watering in well-draining soil and a little trimming if it happens to get overgrown. Lily of the Nile is great for filling in large spaces, putting in border garden areas, or growing in a container.

Picking the Right Flowers For Your Florida Home

Many flowers are both beautiful and ideal for the unique warm climate that Florida offers. By selecting the right varieties, you can create a beautiful and colorful garden landscape that requires very little maintenance. If you are looking for the perfect flowers and shrubs to complement your yard or property, contact Plant Professionals to learn more about our landscape design and landscaping services in South Florida. Call us at (305) 259-0503 or fill out our online form and someone from our staff will get back to you shortly.

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Here are some reasons why smart business owners can benefit from having their landscape overhauled for improved sustainability.

Lower Expenses

Sustainable landscape architecture saves money, which is perhaps the deciding factor for many business owners. Installing region-appropriate plants and implementing some basic techniques can result in a massive reduction in the costs of fertilization, maintenance, re-planting, and watering.

Numbers vary depending on the size of the property, specific sustainable landscape design, and strategy employed, but most business owners can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars per year with the right system in place.

Reduced Maintenance

Reducing the amount of maintenance required for commercial landscaping doesn’t just reduce costs. By cutting back on the number of visits from landscaping crews, a business owner also frees up more of their budget to handle other important issues.

Regaining a few more dollars to spend on revenue-driving tasks will be worth the cost and effort of transitioning to a green landscape in the long-term.

Healthier Environment

The choices businesses make have a daily impact on the Earth. For example, irrigating decorative turf lawns and lush flower beds uses great quantities water that might be better utilized by farms or even as drinking water. The harsh chemicals found in many of the fertilizers and pesticides used to maintain conventional landscapes often run off into local water sources, harming fish and other wildlife.

When businesses make Earth-conscious decisions, it reduces the frequency of instances like those mentioned above. Transitioning to a sustainable landscape is just one way businesses can do their part to contribute to a healthier environment.

Increased Partnerships and Patronage

Businesses that make a commitment to sustainable operations are often respected by the Earth-conscious community for their efforts. When “going green” is a genuine effort to reduce waste and preserve nature’s resources, rather than a trendy marketing angle, the effort is sure to gain positive attention from potential new clients and customers.

Shoppers and fellow business owners alike are looking for partners who value the environment just as much as they do. Having sustainable landscapes on their properties is a great way for businesses to prove their commitment to those shared values.

Plant Professionals

Business owners who are considering a sustainable landscaping project should contact the experienced team at Plant Professionals. Our expertise is matched by our passion for designing stunning, yet sustainable, landscapes.

Reasons to Enjoy Interior Plants

Interior plants aren’t just a fun way to add variety to your interior design. Research has shown that houseplants can remove as much as 87% of toxins from the air in a single day. This amazing benefit is just the beginning. Other studies found that productivity, mood, and concentration were improved, while stress levels were reduced by introducing houseplants.

Enjoy all these advantages and more by selecting the best interior plants for your home or workplace. Here are some common options that give you the best balance benefits and ease of care.

Of course, plants also make great decorations. Instead of investing in pottery, artwork, or new paint for your commercial building or home, spruce up your interior with vivid flowers, fresh scents, and spacious, leafy houseplants. Plants are a memorable way to brighten up a room with little investment.

Pet-Friendly Plants

Some plants can be harmful to your pets, so be sure to choose plants that are safe for your furry friends. Depending on the type of pet you have in your home, the list of pet-friendly plants can vary, so be sure to review each plant carefully before purchasing.

Bamboo

If you’re looking for a convenient option that doesn’t require extensive care, bamboo is an excellent interior plant. Bamboo offers a beautiful, calming look and resilient nature that creates an oasis in your home.

Place your bamboo in a place that is out of direct sunlight but still has enough light for it to thrive. Replace distilled water in your bamboo dish or pot every month.

Big and Tall Interior Plants

For a tropical, luscious look, check out spacious interior plants that command attention and create a brand-new look to even the largest office or living room. Monstera, dieffenbachia, philodendron, and Areca palms are all large or leafy interior plants that create a welcoming, natural look and feel.

Flowering Options

When your office or home needs a splash of color and pleasant aroma, consider flowering plants. Interior plants should offer beauty as well as healthy air and calming sensations. Consider orchids, African violets, or bromeliads to create a floral centerpiece for your table or to dot your office with vibrant flowers.

Be sure to carefully research your particular flowering houseplant for the flowering season, water, soil, and light requirements. Each flower needs a different set of conditions to thrive. Without following these conditions, you may struggle to keep your flowers blooming and looking healthy throughout the year.

Succulents and Small Interior Plants

Finally, even the most compact room deserves greenery and spice. Select your favorite succulent or find smaller interior plants to keep your cubicles, bathroom, or other efficient space suitably green and refreshing. Hens-and-chicks, cacti and aloe vera are all popular succulents that work well in a variety of areas around your building.

Once you’ve found the best interior plant options for your home or commercial building, contact Plant Professionals to receive the plants you need. If you’re stuck choosing the perfect combination to brighten up your room, contact us to discuss your options. Receive professional interior plant services and designs for a calming, hassle-free experience. Don’t let your efficient office building or spacious home feel empty or lifeless, but enjoy the calming, purifying, and brightening effects of luscious, healthy plants inside your building.

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Naphat_Jorjee

Integrating architectural plants into the layout isn’t difficult if you pay close attention to the following factors.

1. Consider Long-Term Growth

Small saplings grow into big trees, and short vines can quickly engulf a house. When choosing architectural plants, it’s crucial to consider how large plants will grow and what their standard growth rate and life cycle will be.

2. Always Consider the Environment and Necessary Care

Some plants do well in Florida’s climate, while others are not native and require additional TLC to survive and thrive beneath the hot, humid sun of summer. While architectural plants may look pretty in the catalog or on the golf course where you first saw them, always confirm that the plants you want to have included in your landscape are well-suited for the regional climate and existing growing conditions.

3. Plan for Pruning & Care 

The pruning and care needs of each plant can vary considerably. Before choosing plants for your landscape layout, make sure that you know and understand the best ways to maintain your plants and keep them healthy and growing.

When choosing architectural plants with your landscape designers for inclusion within your South Florida property, the following are some species that do well in the climate and bring considerable life and vibrant flair to the property:

Shrubs: Oleander, Sea Grape, Wax Myrtle, Eugenia, Bird of Paradise, and Bougainvillea are popular and easy-to-maintain shrubs that can be used to create barriers and define features within the landscape. 

Palms: Silver Palm, Scrub Palmetto, Dwarf Palmetto, Cabbage Palm and Florida Thatch Palm are native trees that do well in the climate. These are well suited for the climate and soil conditions in South Florida.

Trees: Sweet Acacia, Marlberry, Black or Red Mangrove, Southern Red Cedar, Sweet Magnolia, Southern Slash Pine and Live Oak love South Florida’s climate. These trees grow tall and strong and are capable of weathering the ever-changing moisture and soil conditions in the region.

Plant Professionals

We invite you to contact Plant Professionals for help with your garden design and choosing plants in Florida for your landscape. Our landscape designers will be happy to help you develop the landscape of your dreams in Miami and throughout South Florida.

Elements of Subtropical Outdoor Living Space

1. The best urban courtyards are those that exist as an extension of the home’s interior—not just through the use of color and texture, but matching materials as well (think lighting, flooring, and wall coverings). Creating the illusion of one continuous space between the interior rooms and the outdoors is the key to cultivating subtropical modernism.

2. Choosing statement pieces that are both functional and stylish can help decrease clutter and maximize storage space. A water feature might serve as a focal point in the garden while a single colored privacy wall unifies the small details of the courtyard.

3. No subtropical landscape would be complete without tropical plants and potted fruit trees. Regardless of soil quality, any yard can be enhanced by fresh fruit with careful consideration to container-grown plants. The added benefit to potted plants is the ability to rearrange the courtyard with a Feng Shui effect.

4. Miami is a place for individual expression—freedom, fashion, fun. Homeowners who work with a professional designer are better able to highlight their passions in an outdoor setting. Fashioning a subtropical urban courtyard after a funky personal style or color preference brings personality to the landscape. A major design Do!  

5. Mother Nature is the ultimate artist. The use of native plants as sculpture is a natural design element that pays respect to the home’s geography as well as one’s overall vision of the outdoor space. Small groups of various species blend bold design with crisp, clean texture—perfect for playing with the shadows of natural light.  

6. Modern subtropical landscaping is often marked by walkways that contrast the garden’s multiple shades of green. The combination of pavers and ground cover plants create the perfect mix of function and aesthetics without interrupting the courtyard’s main attraction—plant life.

Plant Professionals

Choosing the right combination of subtropical elements to perfect an urban courtyard’s ambiance and style often requires the help of a professional Miami landscape designer. Southern Florida homeowners can obtain a free consultation and estimate by calling Plant Professionals at 786-574-6872 or inquiring online. Please contact us today! We look forward to working with you.