If you want more privacy in your North Florida or St. Augustine landscape, using vines is a great idea. Vines can add visual interest to your yard while also providing a barrier between you and your neighbors or the street. We know there are so many vines to choose from, and it can be hard to know which ones will grow well in North Florida. That's why we wrote this guide. We'll share with you our top picks for vines to use for privacy in North Florida, so you can pick the right ones for your yard.

1. Confederate Jasmine

Confederate jasmine is a great choice for creating privacy in your landscape because it grows very quickly and keeps its leaves all year long. It can make a thick screen when grown on things like trellises, fences, and arbors, and can grow to cover them quickly. This makes it a great way to create a barrier that keeps prying eyes out. The plant has lots of leaves that can absorb sound and block your view of neighbors or passersby. Plus, it has a lovely fragrance and pretty white flowers that can make your garden more beautiful.

Pro Tip: This plant is a fast grower, so you may need to trim it often to keep it from taking over.

• Landscape Plant of the Month: Confederate Jasmine
• UF IFAS Extension: 'Stop and Smell the Jasmine!’

2. Bougainvillea

This is a great plant to use to  create privacy in your north Florida landscape because it grows quickly and can cover fences and walls to make a great screen for privacy. It also has beautiful large flowers that come in a variety of colors such as pink, red, and purple, making your yard look stunning. Another advantage is that it is drought-tolerant and loves sunny and hot conditions, which makes it perfect for Florida's climate. This low-maintenance plant can survive occasional neglect, which makes it ideal for people who want privacy but don't have the time or energy to care for high-maintenance plants.

Please know it is not cold-hardy though, so deep frosts will cause it to go dormant and then grow back in spring. 

Pro Tip: Bougainvillea has thorny stems that can cause skin irritation, so be sure to wear gloves when handling the plant.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Bougainvillea
• Plant Care Today: Tips On Growing Bougainvillea In Florida

3. Creeping Fig

If you're looking to cover a fence or a wall in your St. Johns lawn, Creeping Fig is a great plant to consider. This fast-growing vine can quickly cover walls and other structures to help create a screen for privacy. Not only is Creeping Fig fast-growing, but it's also an evergreen plant, meaning it will keep its foliage year-round and provide a continuous barrier. Another benefit of Creeping Fig is its ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, making it a versatile plant for many different areas of your landscape. Additionally, this plant is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate occasional neglect, making it a great option for those who don't have a lot of time to spend on plant care. The small, dark green leaves of Creeping Fig create a beautiful texture and add visual interest to any outdoor space. Pro Tip: Keep in mind that Creeping Fig can become invasive if not properly pruned and contained, so be sure to keep it in check.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Creeping Fig
• Home Guides SFGate: Cool Facts on Creeping Fig Plants

4. Carolina Jessamine

This is a great vining plant to use in a North Florida landscape because it is a fast-growing vine that can quickly cover fences or trellises. It also has beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and has evergreen foliage that will provide year-round coverage. Additionally, it is relatively low maintenance and is drought-tolerant once established. Its dense growth pattern also provides a barrier against noise and visual distractions, making it a great choice for privacy screening.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Carolina Jessamine
• Florida Wildflower Foundation: Carolina Jessamine

5. Evergreen Wisteria

If you're looking for a plant to create privacy in your St. Augustine lawn, the fast-growing Evergreen Wisteria vine is an excellent choice. With its attractive evergreen foliage that lasts all year and fragrant purple flowers in the spring and summer, it can quickly cover fences, trellises, and other structures. This vine is easy to care for, drought-tolerant once established, and has a dense growth pattern that creates a barrier against noise and visual distractions, providing effective privacy screening. Additionally, unlike some other wisteria species, Evergreen Wisteria is non-invasive and won't take over your landscape.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Evergreen Wisteria
• Five Facts: Wisteria in Florida

6. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a great low maintenance option to create privacy in your Nocatee landscape, and is drought-resistant once established. It grows thick and can block out noise and visual distractions. Plus, it won't spread everywhere and take over your yard. And if you get the Coral Honeysuckle, it helps out the animals that are native to Florida. So it's a good choice for privacy and for the environment too.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Coral Honeysuckle
• Florida Wildflower Foundation: Coral Honeysuckle

7. Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine

This Vine is a great choice for anyone who wants to create a screen in their yard. It grows fast and is easy to take care of, so you won't have to spend a lot of time maintaining it. Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine  has beautiful leaves that come in different shades of green, purple, and variegated colors that can enhance the overall appeal of your landscape. It can also provide privacy and separate different parts of your yard. It's not expensive, and you can easily grow more plants by taking stem cuttings, which makes  it great choice for homeowners on a budget in Durbin Creek lawns.

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Ornamental Sweet Potato
• Sweet Potato Vine Care - The Ultimate Guide from Proven Winners®

Vines are a fantastic way to add privacy and beauty to your North Florida backyard landscape. By planting the right species, you can enjoy year-round greenery, colorful blooms, and sweet fragrances that enhance your outdoor living. Whether you prefer climbing, twining, or sprawling vines, we are sure one of the above options will meet your needs. Don't forget to consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and watering requirements when selecting the best vines for your yard. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a natural screen that offers privacy, tranquility, and charm.

If you’re looking to add one of these North Florida Landscape plants into your yard, please contact us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

If you're looking to create a shady oasis in your North Florida landscape, planting the right shade trees can be a game-changer. Not only do they provide much-needed relief from the sun, but they can also enhance the beauty and value of your property. However, with so many options to choose from, selecting the perfect shade tree for your North Florida landscape can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll explore some of the best shade trees for North Florida lawns and provide tips on how to care for them, so you can make an informed decision and create the your perfect outdoor living space!

1. Drake or Winged Elm

The Drake or Winged Elm tree can get pretty tall - we're talking 40 to 70 feet here! They're happiest when they're hangin' out in areas with some sunlight or partial shade, and they do best in soil that's nice and moist, with lots of nutrients. But, if you end up planting one in dry, sandy soil, don't worry - just make sure you give it a good watering on the regular for the first couple of years and it should adapt just fine. Oh, and they've got a pretty nice rounded canopy and their branches can spread out far and wide, so they're perfect for providing some shade.

They grow fast and they are deciduous, but their leaves are small and easy to clean up. The only warning with these trees is that they love to reproduce seedlings in other areas of the yard. Be careful to manage their volunteer Elms in your other landscape beds and you will love this tree in your Gainesville or St. Augustine landscape. 

• CHARLES REYNOLDS: Drake elms grow well in Central Florida

• UF IFAS Extension: 'DRAKE' CHINESE ELM’

2. Oak (Southern Live Oak, Shumard, Bluejack, Laurel, or White Oak)

Did you know that there are nineteen types of oak trees that are native to Florida? Some of the most popular ones are the Shumard and live oaks, which are not only appealing to the eye, but they also provide homes and food for wildlife. And if you're into that whole autumn vibes thing, some of these oak trees even have colorful foliage during that season - which is rare in Ponte Vedra landscapes. 

Oaks are also known for being really sturdy and long-lasting, especially if you take the time to prune them right. In fact, many types of oaks can even hold up pretty well during a hurricane.Southern Live Oaks do grow relatively slowly, so make sure to plant one of a decent size to enjoy shade. Other Oak varieties do grow quicker, but none are as appealing as a Southern Live Oak.

• All About Gardening: 16 Types of Oak Trees That Can Grow in Florida

• UF IFAS Extension: 'SOUTHERN LIVE OAK’

3. Sweetbay Magnolia

Have you ever checked out a Sweetbay Magnolia Tree? Depending on which type you look at, they can be shaped like an oval, pyramid, or even straight up and down. Some of these trees are nice and thick, which makes them perfect for giving you some privacy or blocking out the sun. And then there are other types that are more spread out, with lots of space between the branches. Those ones are great for being a cool centerpiece in your garden. These trees can grow really tall and skinny, while others are just as wide as they are tall. So, basically, there's a Magnolia Tree for every style out there.

Magnolias are also great for Privacy and give late afternoon shade as the sun starts to set. If your backyard faces the west, enjoying your patio in the afternoon can be quite the challenge, but a well placed fast growing Magnolia tree can make all the difference in the world.

• Piedmont Master Gardners: Sweetbay Magnolia

• UF IFAS Extension: 'SWEETBAY MAGNOLIA’

4. Florida Maple

Florida is actually too hot for most maple trees, but there is one type that can handle it - the Florida Maple. This tree is especially cool because it turns a super pretty red-bronze color in the fall, and even its new growth in the spring has a reddish tint. Plus, it grows pretty fast and doesn't get too crazy tall - usually about 40 feet or so. So if you're looking for a good shade tree to put in your yard, the Florida Maple is a great option for seasonal color (a rarity in North Florida lawns) and shade.

• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Maples of Florida’

• UF IFAS Extension: 'FLORIDA MAPLE’

5. Sylvester Date Palm

If you're in North Central Florida and looking for a Tropical looking tree to add shade to your patio, consider anchoring your backyard patio with a Sylvester palm. These palms don't need a lot of attention and will do well in the sandy soils of Florida. While they can grow in some shade, they'll look their best if planted in a sunny spot. As the tree gets bigger, it will provide plenty of shade and have a lovely, symmetrical shape. With its graceful fronds and minimal upkeep, the Sylvester palm is a smart choice for anyone who wants to add some shade over your patio or tropical flair to their yard.

• South Florida plant Guide: Sylvester Palm

• All About Palm Trees: Sylvester Date Palm Tree

6. Ash Tree

Looking for a low-maintenance and fast-growing tree that provides shade in North Central Florida? The Florida Ash tree might be just what you need. These trees are well-suited for Florida's hot and humid climate and can grow well in both full sun and partial shade. The attractive glossy green leaves of the Florida Ash tree make it a great addition to any landscape. If you want to add some shade to your outdoor space or create a relaxing area in your yard, the Florida Ash tree is a fantastic option that won't disappoint!

• The Spruce: 13 Species of Ash Trees

• UF IFAS Extension: ‘CAROLINIANA, POP ASH’

7. Crape Myrtle

If you're looking to add some color and shade to your North Central Florida landscape, consider growing a larger cultivar Crape Myrtle tree (such as Natchez, Muskogee, Biloxi, or Tuscarora). These trees are a popular choice for their stunning and long-lasting blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white that typically start in the summer and continue well into the fall. They can provide ample shade in Florida's hot and sunny climate, with some cultivars reaching up to 25 feet in height. These trees are low-maintenance and can grow well in full sun or partial shade, making them a versatile option for landscape. With their beautiful flowers and interesting bark, a Crape Myrtle tree is an excellent addition to any outdoor living space looking to add both beauty and shade! 

• UF IFAS Extension: 'NATCHEZ' CRAPE MYRTLE’

• Ted Trees: 4 Gorgeous Ways to Use Crape Myrtle

8. Sycamore

This fast-growing, resilient tree is great  for shade in North Central Florida. These trees are native to Florida and thrive in the hot and humid climate of the region. With full sun, these trees grow up to 80 feet tall, with large and broad leaves to quickly create a shaded outdoor area in your yard. Their attractive bark peels off in patches, revealing an eye-catching pattern of white, gray, and brown. Sycamore trees are low maintenance for the most part…fall leaf cleanup with Sycamore trees in North Central Florida can be a bit of a challenge due to their large size and the sheer amount of leaves they shed! Whether you want to add natural beauty to your yard or create a peaceful retreat, a Sycamore tree is an excellent choice.

• UF IFAS Extension: SYCAMORE

• Imagine Our Florida: American Sycamore

9. Loblolly Bay

These trees are well-suited for Florida's hot and humid climate and can grow up to 40 feet tall, providing ample shade for outdoor spaces. With attractive glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers in the spring and summer, the Loblolly Bay tree is a beautiful addition to any garden. These trees can thrive in full sun to partial shade and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance yet visually stunning shade tree option in North Central Florida.

• UF IFAS Extension: LOBLOLLY-BAY

• Jane's Garden: Raising Loblolly Bay in Florida

Choosing the right shade trees can make your North Florida yard look and feel amazing. By taking a bit of time to plan things out and really think about what you want, you can make your outdoor space a relaxing paradise with plenty of shade and great views that you can enjoy for years to come.

 

If you’re looking to add one of these North Florida Landscape trees into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

While the weather in Alachua and Gainesville, FL, helps to keep landscaping looking green and healthy, some thought needs to be put into creating the type of ideal outdoor space for playing with the kids and hosting barbecue. The following lawn care essentials can keep your outdoor spaces pristine for all your plans this spring and summer. 

Landscape Design Upgrades

If your landscape has started to look ordinary and you think it needs an upgrade, you may want to consider adding new features—a speciality that some landscaping companies possess. The same company that takes care of your lawn can design and install custom features and landscape plans that highlight your home’s unique style and draw attention to the very best parts of the outdoor environment. 

From the front yard to the back, they have the ideas for upgrades that bring back your joy in your outdoor spaces. 

Weekly Lawn Service 

Entrusting your lawn to a professional service can ensure your landscape is stunning throughout the year. Because they pay special attention to the smallest lawn care details, you can be sure your property will stand out in the neighborhood. You might even have neighbors ask for your lawn care secrets!

Your lawn service can be tailored to your particular needs, including horticultural services to attend to the fine gardening shrubs and plants that distinguish your landscape. 

Sprinklers and Irrigation 

Proper irrigation can be crucial in the summer heat so you want a lawn care service that understands the demands your lawn and landscape have for watering. The ideal time for irrigation tends to be in the wee morning hours well before the sun rises. Since this may be when you are still sleeping, it can be difficult to know if the sprinkler system is working correctly. 

A lawn care service has the training to notice whether the grass and landscape beds are receiving the proper water amounts for them to thrive in the summer heat. The last thing you want to happen is for the plants and grass to suffer when you have so much invested in your custom landscape. 

Knowing they are always on the lookout for problems can give you tremendous peace of mind. 

Lawn Fertilization and Pest Control 

Being proactive with pest control can keep your grass and landscape plants from being consumed by insects but keeping up with the application schedule can be tough. When you hand off pest control and lawn fertilization to a reputable lawn service, they know what to apply at the ideal times to ensure your landscape remains healthy and vigorous. 

After a soil analysis to determine where it is deficient, they help clients love their lawns again with topdressing, targeted irrigation, and fertilizer that feeds their grass the nutrients it needs to remain in great health. 

Fertilizer is essential to feed the grass and plants well. Since the timing of the applications is critical to the most absorption during growth periods, their team can keep your lawn on schedule. The right ratio of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus can boost the grass into a lush, green carpet that complements the lovely appearance of your home.

As the winter season comes to an end, it's time to check your landscaping for any damage caused by the cold and frost. You might have noticed that some of your plants have turned brown or wilted. But don't worry, with a little bit of knowledge and planning, you can replace those damaged plants with new ones that are cold-hardy and can survive the winter.

There are many different types of cold-hardy plants that will not only survive the cold, but also add beauty and charm to your yard. So, whether you're just replacing a few shrubs or doing a complete garden overhaul, there's an option that's perfect for your landscape.

Plants that experience freezing temperatures in the winter usually fall into one of two categories: tropical plants and flowering perennials. The list below showcases some of our favorite replacement options for both categories.

To replace tropical plants - some ideas would be:

1. Camellias

If you're looking to add some color to your yard during the winter months, the camellia is an excellent choice. The camellia maintains its lush green leaves throughout the winter and produces beautiful flowers that can really liven up the otherwise dreary winter landscape. While many other plants are struggling with the cold and losing leaves, the camellia is just getting started, with gorgeous white, pink, or red blooms that can really make your North Florida landscape pop.

• Landscape Plant of the Month: Camellia
• UF IFAS Extension: 'Camellias at a glance’

2. Century Plant

The Century plant stands out due to its impressive appearance. In addition to its aesthetic value, this plant is also low-maintenance and can withstand drought, making it a practical addition to any landscape.

• How to Grow and Care for the Century Plant
• UF IFAS Extension: 'Variegated Century Plant’

3. European Fan Palm

This versatile plant that can add a tropical touch to your landscape in many ways. Its palmate leaves make it an excellent choice for creating a poolside ambiance or as an accent piece in your landscape. This plant can also be grown in containers or clustered in your landscape, making it a flexible option for any design.

• Foolproof Palm Care: European Fan Palm
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'European Fan Palm’

4. Cycads (Coontie or Sago)

This tropical plant is a popular choice due to their ability to survive in various environments and their exotic appearance. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, from shrub-like plants to those that resemble palm trees, and their stems can be either subterranean or thick and trunk-like.

• UF IFAS Extension: 'Sago Palm’
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Cycads’

5. Cast Iron (Deep shade)

One of the most resilient landscape plants available is the Cast Iron plant. It has large green leaves that form dense beds above the soil and can survive for many years. Cast Iron plants can thrive in soil of average to poor quality. You can use this sturdy tropical plant to create a border around your deck or along a garden pathway.

• UF IFAS Extension: 'Cast Iron Plant’
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Cast Iron Plant’

To replace flowering plants-some ideas would be:
1. Society Garlic

Society garlic, known for its delicate, star-shaped purple flowers, is a type of ground cover that thrives in borders or mass plantings. These perennial plants can grow up to one foot tall and make for a beautiful addition to any garden.

• The Spruce: How to Grow and Care for Society Garlic
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Society Garlic’

2. Drift Roses

The Drift Rose is a colorful and abundant bloomer that can add a vivid touch to any North Central Florida landscape all year round. Unlike many other landscaping flowers, such as Lantana, Firespike, Daisies, and Begonias, which freeze back during the winter, the Drift Rose is a hardy perennial that can withstand North Florida's winters. Even though it may not be in full bloom during this time, it still provides a healthy, low-growing green shrub.

• Landscaping Plant: Drift Rose
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Drift Roses’

3. Dwarf Azaleas (Fashion, Red Ruffle)

Azaleas are a popular choice due to their stunning flower masses and vibrant colors, as well as their evergreen foliage and distinctive plant form. In Florida, the blooming season for azaleas varies depending on the cultivar and seasonal changes, typically occurring between late February and early April. While numerous azalea cultivars thrive in north and central Florida, only a few are recommended for the southern regions.

• Landscape Plant of the Month: Azalea
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Azaleas’

4. Firecracker Plant

The Firecracker plant has a natural and unstructured growth pattern with cascading fiery red blooms that catch the attention of hummingbirds and butterflies. The tubular flowers, which are primarily red, resemble a burst of fireworks, giving the plant a striking and attractive appearance.

• PLANTOPHILES: Firecracker Plant Care Made Easy
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Firecracker Plant’

5. Agapanthus

Agapanthus is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping as a border, mass planting, or as a container plant. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and is relatively low-maintenance. This flowering perennial plant typically grows up to 1 to 3 feet tall and about 1 to 2 feet wide. It has long, slender, and strap-like leaves that grow in a clumping formation from a bulbous base. The leaves are typically dark green, but some cultivars have variegated foliage with creamy-white stripes.

• Landscape Plant of the Month: Agapanthus
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Agapanthus’

6. Evergreen Stella Daylily

This highly sought-after variety of daylilies known for their durability and long blooming cycle. Being evergreen, the daylilies retain their leaves throughout the year, making them ideal for year-round landscaping. These plants bear a profusion of golden-yellow flowers, each of which lasts only a day, but the plant produces multiple blooms, which extends the blooming period to several weeks. They require minimal care and can be easily grown, pruned, and watered, and flourish well in full to partial sunlight. Stella daylilies are versatile and can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, ground covers, or as container plants.

• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Daylilies’
• Longfield Gardens: Landscaping With Daylilies

7. Gardenia

The gardenia is an evergreen shrub that grow from 2 to 15 feet tall. Although the dark green foliage is attractive, the plant is grown for its flower, a white, fragrant bloom that appears in the spring. Gardenias grow well in Florida’s warmth and humidity and can be used as accent plantings, hedges and container specimens on the patio. The only place in Florida that gardenias will not thrive is along the coast as they are highly salt-intolerant.

• Landscape Plant of the Month: Frost Proof Gardenia
• UF IFAS Gardening Solutions: 'Gardenias’

Replacing your frost-damaged landscape plants can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to give your garden a fresh look, and at the same time, ensure that your plants are healthy and well-suited to your landscape needs. By planting these resilient options, you can enjoy a beautiful and sustainable landscape all year round. Plus, maintaining healthy plants is important for the overall health of your landscape and the environment. So, embrace the challenge and enjoy the process of replacing your frost-damaged plants. Your garden will thank you for it!

If you’re looking to add one of these North Florida Landscape plants into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

In the last couple years we have seen a rise in clients wanting to expand their outdoor living space and make the most of their time at home. But the truth is, outdoor living spaces are more than just a trend. These spaces provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. 

In this article, we will explore how these hardscape spaces can be designed and incorporated into your backyard to create the ultimate landscape oasis for your family.

1. Pools offer a place for family members to cool off and play during hot summer months. Pools are a great backdrop for hosting parties and events, which can create opportunities for families to bond and make lasting memories. Additionally, having a pool in your backyard can also be a great way to create a sense of community, inviting friends and family over for pool parties and barbecues. Speaking of barbecues…
    
2. Outdoor kitchens make it easy to entertain guests, which can be especially beneficial for families who enjoy hosting gatherings. An outdoor kitchen can accommodate multiple cooks, making it easy to prepare large meals for a crowd. It also allows for more flexibility in terms of meal planning and can make it easier to cook and serve a variety of foods. Having an outdoor kitchen also enables families to spend more time outside, which can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.
    
3. Firepits provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together by creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for socializing and relaxation. Sitting around a fire pit allows family members to engage in conversation, share stories and experiences, and bond over shared activities such as roasting marshmallows or making s'mores. Additionally, the fire itself can be mesmerizing and promote a sense of calm, making it a perfect spot for unwinding after a long day.
    
4. Hot tubs create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all members of the family, regardless of age. They can provide a way to unwind and de-stress after a long day or week by just soaking and chatting, playing games, or even watching a movie. Hot tubs can also provide health benefits, such as improving circulation, reducing muscle and joint pain, and promoting better sleep. This can be especially beneficial for families with members who have physical limitations or conditions that may benefit from hydrotherapy.

On top of all that, extending your outdoor living space can also help to increase the value of the home and make it more appealing for potential buyers. Overall, increasing your outdoor living space can provide a valuable and enjoyable addition to your home, and can help to strengthen the bonds between family members.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out some of the outdoor space enhancement projects we have worked on!
Project Spotlight: Landscape Renovation
Project Spotlight: Landscape, Front Patio, and Pool Remodel Project
Project Spotlight: Backyard Outdoor Living Renovation

If we can be of help with any of your landscape design and install - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

When the day's obligations are done, the evenings are quieter and more calm. If you prioritize designing for it, now is the ideal time to unwind and get nearly everything out of your landscaping investment. Being aware of the possibilities is one of the keys to extending your landscape into an enjoyable experience into the evening. Below is a list of 5 ways you can extend your outdoor space well into the evening.

1. Lighting
Let's start with the universally adored lighting and color. This is a great way to artfully illuminate your outdoor space! Whether you're looking for curb appeal, security, or extending your entertaining area outside, landscape lighting is a design trend that does just that.
See some of our Landscape Lighting photos to get inspired

2. Firepits
Sitting around a fire is one of the most enjoyable things to do when entertaining in the evening. The allure and charm of an open flame will add that extra unique touch to your backyard and turn it into the neighborhood's go-to entertainment area.
Below are some fire pit projects we have completed:
Project Spotlight: Mid Century Modern Landscape and Hardscape Project
Project Spotlight: Backyard Gas Fire Pit
Project Spotlight: Fire Pit Install

3. Paver Patio Entertainment Area
Patios with numerous rooms are becoming more popular in landscape design as a means to accommodate guests and serve as backyard retreats. Paver patios are a premium, individualized outdoor patio alternative that provides homeowners with a luxurious patio layout with minimal care needed. A patio made of pavers offers countless entertainment alternatives. Hosting events is certain to provide friends and family endless memories.
Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:
Project Spotlight: Patio Renovation
Project Spotlight: Patio Perfect for Grilling
Project Spotlight: Paver Entertainment Area

4. Outdoor Audio
You'll have a ton of additional options to enjoy your backyard if you make an investment in an outdoor audio system. Take your exercise routine outside, for instance, and swim laps while blasting a motivating soundtrack through your outdoor speakers. Hook your speaker up to the TV so you can listen to the audio of the Gator game outside even if you don't have an outdoor TV so that you can grill without missing a play. Additionally, listening to music while working in the yard can be enjoyable and cheer you up. Your outdoor patio speakers have so many uses!
What does outdoor audio in your landscape look like? Here’s an example.

5. Outdoor Projector
For a movie night or to organize karaoke, combine your speaker system with an outdoor projector! If you want to stream movies and TV shows from your phone or computer, seek a high-resolution, portable projector model with optimal brightness and Bluetooth connectivity.
There are many screen options to choose from to work with your outdoor space:

• Retractable screens- you can place from the ceiling of your covered patio
• Grommeted screens- you can hang on the side of your garage
• Standing or inflatable screens- you can set up in your yard.

These screens also come in a variety of sizes and patterns.

Who wouldn't want to throw a movie night in the backyard?

If we can be of help with your next landscape install - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or (904) 913-LAWN or fill out our form at the top of the page!

This year's outdoor living trends are all about making your lawn, backyard, or porch, a regular part of everyday life. Building on last year's momentum, homeowners began to bring indoor conveniences outdoors with smart technology, multipurpose add-ons, and structures that allow us to be outside longer and more often throughout the year. Whether it's a spot to grow herbs for homemade meals, a private patio, or a place to do the cooking, the popularity of outdoor living spaces will continue to grow in 2023.

Below you’ll find 5 popular outdoor living trends focusing on creating simple and elegant spaces to live, relax, and entertain outdoors.

1. Pool Remodels with Pavers and Coping

You can choose from so many colors, patterns, and textures, you can give your pool deck a look you really want. Homeowners can show off their pool deck designs year-round, not just during pool time. Pool decks are an excellent way to extend a home for outdoor entertainment. By simply adding tables and chairs, homeowners transform their pool deck into a patio-like area.
Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:

• Project Spotlight: Landscape, Front Patio, and Pool Remodel Project
• Project Spotlight: Pool Patio Makeover
• Project Spotlight: Backyard Patio

2. Propane or Natural Gas Fire Pits:

Fire is a natural design choice for outdoor entertaining and family enjoyment. It creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, enticing friends and family to stay and hang out, especially on chilly nights. Gas fire pits offer a contemporary look and appeal to homeowners who prefer the ease of gas. They are always ready to light with a push of a button, no wood or ash to worry about and no smoke.

• Project Spotlight: Mid Century Modern Landscape and Hardscape Project
• Project Spotlight: Backyard Gas Fire Pit
• Project Spotlight: Fire Pit Install

3. Patio Remodels with Pavers:

Exterior design is seeing a trend to create patios with multiple rooms to provide ample space for entertaining guests, and act as backyard getaways. Paver patios are a high-quality, customizable outdoor patio option that offers homeowners a luxurious patio setup with minimal maintenance requirements. The entertainment options are endless with a paver patio. Hosting parties on it is sure to create lasting memories for friends and family.

Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:

• Project Spotlight: Patio Renovation
• Project Spotlight: Patio Perfect for Grilling
• Project Spotlight: Paver Entertainment Area

4. Raised garden beds:

Millions of people started growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs in 2020, and that trend will definitely continue.  Homeowners invested in a variety of container gardens, raised garden beds and potted herb gardens, embracing the therapeutic side of growing their own food while eliminating trips to the grocery store.  Not only do raised beds provide benefits like ample garden space, they also offer versatility for those with a larger area to fill. Raised beds help for easy access gardening right on your back patio!

Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover that raised garden bed:

• Project Spotlight: Backyard Outdoor Living Renovation
• Project Spotlight: Raised Garden Bed
• Project Spotlight: Curb Appeal Renovation

5. Artificial Turf:

When you are working with a small space that needs to serve multiple purposes, you need that space to be usable as much as possible and to be easy to maintain and keep clean. This is why so many homeowners with small backyards are choosing artificial turf installation. Synthetic turf is easy to clean, requires little maintenance, does not require storing large equipment like lawnmowers, and can be used right after a rainstorm with no worries about tracking in mud or slipping on wet blades of grass. Artificial Turf is versatile to fit any sort of purpose or need, whether that may be landscape, playground or pet turf. All products are non-toxic and environmentally friendly by reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, and mowing, making it the perfect choice to install.

Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:

• Project Spotlight: Longleaf Renovation
• Project Spotlight: Millhopper Road Renovation
• Project Spotlight: Elegant Entryway

If you’re dreaming of transforming your outdoor living space for entertaining a crowd or just relaxing with a good book, we hope these design trends will help you get an idea of what your space can do for you.

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If you want help with transforming outdoor living space using these design trends this year, please call (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our online form so we can schedule a meeting to discuss how we can help! We look forward to working with you!

When the temperature is moderate—that is, not excessively hot, not excessively cold, not excessively wet, or dry—lawns, shrubs, and flowers flourish. Though we plant landscapes all year long in North Florida, there are some seasons when it is better than others. Fall is unquestionably one of those seasons. It is vital to know the ideal times of year to landscape in North Florida.

On the first lovely day of spring, many of us get the planting itch, but that may not be the best time to begin your landscaping project. Newly planted plants, shrubs, and sod may experience stress from several areas in spring - but the most common is drought.

Sod can be laid in north Florida virtually year-around if the weather is mild enough, but because of the warm temperatures and higher likelihood of drought in spring, fall is often the best time for root formation and development.

Of course, the two most important pieces to success with new sod are irrigation and a lawn pest control program.

The best and most comfortable time of the year to start your North Florida landscaping job is in the fall because it tends to be cooler and less humid. Because winter in Florida is also a milder season, planting sod, shrubs, and perennials in the fall allows them to establish their root systems longer and become healthy by spring.

In comparison to plants planted in the spring, summer performance is improved by plants with more developed root systems. The perennial plants will grow and be prepared to bud.The fall is also the optimum season for transplanting and dividing perennials like lilies, irises, and other plants.

It can be challenging for many new landscapers to decide which sod to use and when to plant it. Whether your goal is to increase curb appeal, design an area for entertaining guests, or reduce maintenance, your effort and investment must flourish to be successful.

You must be fully informed about your soil conditions, preferred sod, irrigation needs, sun/shade demands, and fertilization/pest control requirements if you want to ensure that your landscape is as successful as possible. We would love to help you out with your next landscape project!

Here are a few videos that might answer other sod questions:
Should I use Seed, Plug, or Sod to Repair Bare Spots in my Gainesville Lawn?
What happens to New Sod in Heavy Shade? & Shade Alternatives?
Benefit #1 of St. Augustine ProVista Sod: Lower Maintenace
Benefit #2 of St. Augustine ProVista Sod: Invasive Weed Control

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Whether it's St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Centipede - The Master's is the only sod company you can rely on to get it right!
If we can be of help with your next landscape install - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our form at the top of the page!