Central Florida Landscape Ideas

Florida Landscape Design is a must-have in every home. Not only does it improve the look of your home, but it significantly increases the value of it, too. When designing your landscape, there are several things to be mindful of and keep track of.

For more inspiration, check out these posts:

• 20 Trendy Exterior Paint Colors for Florida Homes
• Florida Backyard Ideas for a Relaxing Outdoor Oasis
• 15 Luxury Pool Design Ideas that will Transform Your Backyard
• 7 Best Swimming Pool Water Features to Enhance Your Backyard

Are you confused about choosing the best landscape options for your space? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we will review the best options for outdoor living spaces and landscape design.

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A post shared by Nicole Mickle Orlando Realtor® (@iorlandorealestate)

Whether you are a Florida native, or you have recently relocated to the area, you are probably already aware of the fact that Florida is certainly unique to any other area. We do not have traditional seasons, the weather is predominantly hot, and we experience a very humid climate!

Your Home’s Purpose

Home is where the heart is- that’s a fact! In this section, you will need to establish what your expectations and aspirations for the space are. Keep the following in mind, as you allow your mind to wander:

1. Brainstorm and design the ideal look that you want for your porch or backyard area. Keep in mind your desired purpose for the space: is it for daily use? For entertainment purposes? To be used for a specific event? Determining these details in the beginning will simplify the whole process, saving you time and money.
2. Keep your ideas simple. Once you are “on a roll”, it can be easy to let your imaginative mind take the reigns of the project. Don’t do this! When it comes to design, simple is better, and less is more. 
3. Choose plants that will complement each other in color, form, ad texture. Once you have an idea of plants on this list, it is time to narrow the options even further by considering size, space, and aesthetics.

Related: Top 5 Florida Kitchen Design Trends

Things to Consider While Designing Your Landscape

Now that you have a dream, it’s time to make it a reality! In doing this, it’s time to take logistics into account.

Be realistic in what is possible for your space by considering the following:

• The shape of your home. Which area is most complementary to the rest of your home? Does this area have planting capabilities? If not, is there room for large pots and plants? It is important to be realistic about which space will really work. If you are not. It will only lead you to disappointment later in the process.

• The size of your home. Take into account how much space you have to work with, if the space is flat or on a slope, if there are any odd holes or hills in the space. Consider how your plants would thrive in such an environment.

• Access to sunlight. You will need to consider the sun aspect of your home’s area before choosing plant and soil conditions. Florida is typically sunny, warm, and humid… be sure to choose plants that thrive in this climate.

Some of the best plants for a Florida landscape are:

• Palm trees (not only do they thrive here, but they are a Floridian notoriety!)
• African Iris
• Hawaiian Ti
• Drought tolerant plants (such as Bougainvillea, Coneflower, and Lantana)
• Plants grown in flower beds

Here are some really drought tolerant plants for you to consider:

• Gaillardia Pulchella AKA the Blanket Flower
• Firebush
• Beautyberry
• Buttonwood
• Saw Palmetto
• Longleaf Pine

Be realistic with yourself about the amount of work and effort that you are willing to put towards caring for your outdoor space. If that amount is minimal, opt for an easy-to-care-for plant, like a small shrub.

Related: Florida Bedroom Design Ideas

Florida Landscape Design Tips

Warm temperatures all year round mean that the typical May-September rainy season equates to extreme humidity, and intense weather conditions. Be mindful of this when selecting plants for your outdoor space.

Consider incorporating trees such as:

• Palms
• Magnolias 
• Oak 

These large trees also double in purpose, creating shade for people, and an additional home for wildlife. 

While Florida has barely significant seasons, it is flattering to the space to purchase plants that change with the seasons.

How to Plan Your New Florida Landscape Design

There you have it! The most important thing in preparing to design and assemble your beautiful new space is to have a plan, and to keep it as simple as possible.

Be honest with yourself about the amount of work you are willing to put into the upkeep of your garden… a landscape full of wilted flowers is no sight for sore eyes!

Needless to say, landscaping an outdoor space is easier said than done. If you have gone through all of these steps and are still feeling confused and/or overwhelmed, do not hesitate to contact a landscaping agent.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your vision for your outdoor space is captured! Keep things simple, but don’t be afraid to work outside of the box. With the help of this article (and potentially a landscaping agent), you will be on your way to peace and tranquility in your own space before you know it!