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Winter Whites: Brightening the Cool Season with White Plants

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Winter Whites: Brightening the Cool Season with White Plants

Winter in Florida doesn’t mean your garden has to lose its sparkle. While northern gardens settle down for the season, our mild winters give us the chance to plant something beautiful and elegant. And what says fresh winter beauty better than crisp, snowy-white blooms and silvery foliage? If you’re looking to create a serene, timeless garden scene, these winter whites—white pentas, white snapdragons, white petunias, and dusty miller—make a stunning cold-weather combination that feels both festive and graceful all season long. White Pentas: The Resilient Star of Winter Beds White pentas (also known as Egyptian Star Clusters) are tropical perennials that...

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Winter Wonders: Red, White, and Silver Plants

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Winter Wonders: Red, White, and Silver Plants

North Florida's mild winters let you enjoy holiday blooms and vibrant foliage throughout the season, especially when you lean into the festive palette of red, white, and silver. GardenistaJax has handpicked her favorite varieties that perform beautifully in Jacksonville's cool months. Here’s how to make your landscaping festivethis winter. Gardenista's Favorite Reds: Bold and Beautiful Ruby Red Snapdragons Tall, stately, and cheerful, Ruby Red Snapdragons bring classic cottage garden charm to your winter landscape. Their velvety blooms shine in full sun and hold up beautifully in cooler weather. Perfect for garden beds, containers, or as an accent border, they’ll bloom steadily...

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How to Care for an Orchid Kokedama Inside a Vase (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Moss)

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How to Care for an Orchid Kokedama Inside a Vase (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Moss)

Let’s be real — orchids have a bit of a reputation. They’re the drama queens of the plant world: gorgeous, moody, and not shy about letting you know when they’re unhappy. But combine one with a mossy kokedama — a Japanese gardening art that turns soil and moss into a living sculpture — and you’ve got a plant that’s both elegant and Instagram-worthy. If your Orchid Kokedama lives inside a vase, you’re officially a plant stylist. It’s like giving your houseplant its own spa treatment — but it does take a bit of care to keep it glowing. Don’t worry,...

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Red Winter Magic: 4 Red Flowers That Thrive in Florida

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Red Winter Magic: 4 Red Flowers That Thrive in Florida

Even when temperatures drop, Florida gardeners can still enjoy a bright burst of color in their beds and containers. Winter in Florida often brings mild days and crisp nights; a perfect setting for certain red-blooming favorites. If you’re ready to add warmth and energy to your winter landscape, here are four dazzling red plants that thrive in our local climate. 1. Red Pentas — The Butterfly Magnet Known for their clusters of star-shaped blooms, Red Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) are a must for any Florida garden. Why they shine in winter: In Jacksonville’s mild winter, they continue to bloom in full...

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5 Essential Tips to Protect Your Florida Plants from Cold and Frost

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5 Essential Tips to Protect Your Florida Plants from Cold and Frost

Even in sunny Florida, winter can bring unexpected cold snaps. North and Central Florida, including areas like Jacksonville and Gainesville, can experience overnight frost that damages tropical and tender plants. To keep your plants thriving through cooler months, here are five effective ways to protect your plants from the chill. Gardenista's Featured Favorite Products: Plant Frost Blankets Plant Cold Covers Rolling Planter Caddy 1. Cover Plants on Frosty Nights Use breathable materials like old bed sheets, burlap, or frost blankets (check out these inexpensive plant covers from Amazon) to cover sensitive plants when frost is predicted. Avoid using plastic directly on...

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