Florida-friendly landscaping for sandy Polk County soil

Sandy soil lets water and nutrients run straight through. Working compost into the top foot of a new bed does more for plant survival than any irrigation upgrade.

We lean on plants built for this place: muhly grass, firebush, coontie, walter's viburnum, and live oak for canopy. They ask for a fraction of the water a thirsty exotic does.

Mulch three inches deep, keep it off the trunk flare, and water deeply twice a week instead of lightly every day.