Let us have our yard tour today!
Thanks to everyone who spent the afternoon of September 19 chanting those words. It worked, and Eugenia Chapter’s last yard tour of 2024 was successfully held at the home of Janice and Randy McGrath.
Yard tour attendees were treated to a wonderful variety of quality native plants, several of which we have not seen at other home locations. Most noteworthy were large specimens: buccaneer palm (Pseudophoenix sargentii), paurotis or Everglades palm (Acoelorraphe wrightii), torchwood (Amyris elemifera), and red bay (Persea borbonia).
This was the only yard tour of 2024 to a home where landscapes require the approval of an HOA. One of the mantras we are encouraged to plant by is “right plant for the right place”. Those words can also apply to HOA requirements. It is important to choose plants that will fit the “profile” and maintenance requirements as dictated by the HOA rules. The McGrath’s yard demonstrated how proper plant selection (type and quality), suitable plant location (no crowding, visual appeal), and maintenance (clean-looking and orderly) can be achieved to satisfy the HOA rules even when using native plants. Kudos to Janice and Randy!
Native plant enthusiasts were able to also visit the neighborhood conservation area (pictured below). This area prominently stands out because of the wonderful stand of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) trees. They provide a natural canopy to a myriad of native plants that community volunteers have planted in the understory. However, the pines are the real stars here. They give people a glimpse into what the pine flatwood landscapes that once dominated many parts of Indian River County looked like. Sadly, those habitats have been lost to agricultural and home development. Consider bringing back that look by planting clusters of the pines if you have the landscape space to do so. Mother Nature will reward you for it!
Tour time ended with an auction of native plants generously donated by Eugenia Chapter members. Smiling faces left with great bargains!
ircnativeplants.org 