Adventures Of A Transplanted Gardener : Advice For New Florida Gardeners by Ginny Stibolt

A starter guide to cultivating plants that thrive in Florida is an invaluable resource for novice gardeners and residents venturing into gardening for the first time. This comprehensive guide, written by botanist and lifelong gardener Ginny Stibolt, draws on her personal experience of moving to Florida and discovering that her tried-and-true gardening methods no longer applied.

Stibolt shares insightful stories, invaluable advice, and practical tips to help readers avoid common beginner mistakes and dispel misconceptions about what plants to grow and how to grow them in Florida. By introducing Florida’s unique water features, natural areas, and native plant communities, Stibolt provides a glimpse into the beauty of a “Real Florida” landscape and how working with this knowledge can make gardening easier and more successful.

This guide covers a range of useful topics, including gardening for birds and butterflies, growing food, composting, and stormwater management. Stibolt also directs readers to additional resources tailored to their specific needs and location within the state.

Adventures of a Transplanted Gardener is brimming with friendly, reliable, and commonsense expertise that propels aspiring growers towards cultivating thriving plants in Florida. Whether you are drawn to the challenges, rewards, or sheer beauty of gardening in the Sunshine State, this book is the perfect companion for your gardening journey.

Gardening for a Sustainable Future: Tips, Advice, and Native Plants for Florida Gardeners.

Hello, I’m Jenny Steibault. I’m a botanist, a native plant enthusiast, and an author for the University Press of Florida. I’m excited to be an author and the books at University Press are remarkable. They go through a peer-review process which makes them better and ensures they’re accurate and reliable.

I’m Stephanie Hunter, the acquiring editor for gardening at the University Press of Florida. We’re thrilled about Jenny’s new book, “Adventures of the Transplanted Gardener,” which is coming out soon.

So, why did you write this book?

I wrote this book because I know I’m not the only one who has struggled with gardening in Florida. I had a master’s degree in botany and thought I knew what I was doing, but I made mistakes. So, I started writing columns for the Jacksonville newspaper called “Adventures of a Transplanted Gardener” to share my mistakes and what I learned. When I met the acquiring editor for the University Press of Florida, I suggested compiling the columns into a book, but he wanted something different. He asked if I could write an organic gardening book specifically for Florida. So, I decided to write this book to help others who may be struggling with gardening in Florida. It’s more personal and written as advice from a friend.

The book covers various topics such as vegetable gardening and native gardening. I also expanded the introduction section to provide a comprehensive guide to gardening in Florida. This is a new book, not just a compilation of my old columns, and it includes updates and insights from my gardening experiences.

Throughout the book, I share examples of mistakes I made, like the one with tulip bulbs. I bought bulbs and planted them without realizing they needed to be refrigerated to simulate winter. It frustrated me that the instructions were not included on the packaging. This incident was what sparked my interest in sharing gardening advice and writing.

Let’s talk about native plants and invasive plants. What are they?

As a member of the Native Plant Society of Florida, I became interested in growing plants that are native to Florida. Native plants are those that naturally occur in a specific region and have evolved with the local environment over time. They are well-adapted to the climate, soil, and native wildlife. Invasive plants, on the other hand, are non-native species that have spread into natural areas and disrupt the local ecosystems. Some examples of invasive plants in Florida are the Brazilian pepper bush, the mimosa tree, and Mexican petunias.

In my book, “The Art of Maintaining a Florida Native Landscape,” I address the importance of native plants and discuss the challenges and benefits of incorporating them into your garden. It’s important to choose native plants that support pollinators and wildlife and to create a non-toxic and sustainable landscape.

Speaking of pollinators, which plants do you recommend for attracting them?

There are many native plants that attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. Some examples include black-eyed susans, sunshine mimosa, and native sable palms. These plants provide essential resources for pollinators and help support the natural ecosystem. Growing native plants is not only beneficial for pollinators but also reduces the need for seasonal plantings and cultivates a more sustainable garden.

Let’s shift our focus to birds and wildlife in the garden. What can people do to attract more birds to their yards?

Birds are charismatic wildlife that many people enjoy having in their gardens. To attract birds, it’s important to provide suitable habitats and resources. Planting native trees and shrubs that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites is a great way to attract birds. Additionally, having water sources like bird baths or ponds can further entice birds to visit. Craig Huegel’s book, “Native Plant Landscaping for Florida Wildlife,” offers valuable insights into which plants attract different types of wildlife, including birds, and how to design your garden with their needs in mind.

In addition to native plants, another important aspect of sustainable gardening is water conservation. Rain barrels are a great way to collect and store rainwater for irrigation purposes. By incorporating rain gardens and permeable pavers, you can also help prevent water runoff and promote water absorption into the soil. This not only conserves water but also reduces the amount of pollutants entering our waterways.

Now, let’s talk about composting. Composting is a natural process of decomposing organic materials to create nutrient-rich soil. There are different methods of composting, such as using a compost pile, a tumbler, or trench composting. Composting helps reduce waste, improves soil health, and promotes sustainable gardening practices. In my book, “Sustainable Gardening for Florida,” I discuss composting in detail and provide tips on how to get started.

To summarize, sustainable gardening involves using native plants, conserving water, attracting pollinators and wildlife, and practicing composting. These practices not only benefit our gardens but also contribute to the overall health of the environment. There are numerous books available from the University Press of Florida that delve into these topics and provide valuable guidance for gardeners in Florida.

These books are available on the University Press of Florida’s website at upress.ufl.edu. Whether you’re a newcomer to Florida gardening or an experienced gardener looking to enhance your sustainable practices, these books offer valuable insights and advice.