How to Have a Common Sense Garden on St. John

Do you ever wonder why some gardens tend to look lush and lovely, while others
struggle and wither way?  Often, it is our own choices as homeowners that will determine the success and viability of our gardens.

At Propertyking, inc. we play the “long game”.  What will your garden look like 3 years from now, 5 years from now?  For landscape professionals it is vital to imagine the growth and ultimate results of the plants, palms and trees we install for our clients.

Here are some quick items you can use the next time you are looking to add new plants.

• First, look around at the natural / native vegetation in your area. This will be a big clue as to what will work best in your own little slice of paradise. As an example, East End is not typically a good location for Ferns, Hibiscus, etc., while Cacti, Bougainvillea and other self-sustaining (drought tolerant) plants will do better.

• Determine various sun / shade spots on your lot (be careful since these can change throughout the year, depending on the location and movement of the sun).

• When selecting “drought tolerant” plants, remember that all plants still need some water.  Our 10 month drought in 2015 proved this first hand.

• Planting location should be appropriate for the plants selected with the following in mind:
  • light / shade
  • soil conditions / lack of soil
  • water availability
  • proximity to house or concretesome roots are very invasive (ie: Ficus)
    • others like ‘acid rich’ soil and will not do well if planted too close to concrete, in concrete debris or limiting concrete planters.
    • trees that may start in 3 gallon or 7 gallon pots may potentially grow very tall and wide.  Make room for them.

• Take advantage of “free” water. Plant high water requirement plants such as Heliconia, Bananas, etc., in leech fields or at grey water runoff locations so you can take advantage of this “free” water.

• Ideally planting should be done when more rain is available (rainy season). Young plants go through stress when establishing themselves and need as much water as possible.  Planting during drought:

• Adds stress to plants
• Makes for more difficult and expensive install (pick versus shovel)
• Exposes new plants to pests more readily due to stress
• Can result in added costs for new plants not “taking” due to harsh heat and lack of water

Still not sure about what to do?  Call us and we will be happy to evaluate your unique site and vision and help you along the road to achieving it!

PLANNING AND PATIENCE WILL LEAD TO SUCCESS AND BEAUTY IN YOUR TROPICAL LANDSCAPE