Preparing Garden Beds for Fall in Ormond Beach, FL
October 15, 2024
Preparing Garden Beds in Ormond Beach: How to Clean Up and Get Ready for Cooler Weather
As cooler weather approaches Ormond Beach, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your garden beds for fall and winter. Properly maintaining your garden beds now will not only enhance the appearance of your landscape but also ensure that your plants remain healthy and vibrant through the cooler months. Here are some essential tips to help you clean up and prepare your garden beds for the upcoming season.
1. Remove Spent Plants and Weeds:
Begin by clearing out any spent annuals, dead foliage, and lingering weeds from your garden beds. Removing these will help prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can overwinter in plant debris. Be thorough with weeding, as cooler weather can cause some hardy weeds to spread if left unchecked.
2. Prune and Trim Perennials:
Perennials benefit from a good trim before winter sets in. Cut back dead or diseased stems to promote healthy growth in the spring. For plants like hostas, daylilies, and coneflowers, remove any dead leaves and flowers. Avoid pruning spring-blooming perennials like azaleas and camellias, as they’ve already set buds for next year.
3. Mulch for Protection:
Adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds is one of the best ways to protect your plants during cooler weather. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, like pine straw or wood chips, around your plants, but keep it away from direct contact with the stems to avoid rot.
4. Plant Fall Annuals and Bulbs:
Fall is a great time to plant cool-season annuals like pansies, mums, and snapdragons to add color to your garden beds. It’s also the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Make sure to plant bulbs at the correct depth and water them well.
5. Soil Care:
Finally, consider adding compost or organic matter to your soil. This enriches the soil, improves drainage, and provides essential nutrients for your plants throughout the winter. Turn over the soil gently and mix in compost for best results.
Preparing your garden beds for fall is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape. For professional help with garden bed maintenance or any other landscaping needs, contact Kennedy Landscaping, your go-to lawn and garden experts in Ormond Beach. Let us help you create a stunning outdoor space that thrives all year long!
As the year draws to a close and a fresh start is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to set some goals—not just for yourself, but for your landscape, too! Central Florida’s mild winters mean you don’t have to wait for spring to get started. Here are some simple, impactful landscaping resolutions to help your yard look its best in 2026. 1. Commit to Consistent Lawn Care A healthy, green lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Set a regular mowing, edging, and fertilization schedule Adjust irrigation as the seasons change Address bare spots or weed problems early for a lush look all year 2. Add More Florida-Friendly Plants Resolve to choose plants that thrive in our climate. Incorporate native and drought-tolerant varieties to save water and reduce maintenance Group plants by water needs for efficiency and healthier growth Try adding pollinator-friendly flowers to support local wildlife 3. Refresh Mulch and Beds A quick mulch refresh can make your whole landscape look new again. Top off beds with a fresh layer of mulch for weed suppression and root protection Redefine bed edges for a sharp, professional appearance Remove any tired or overgrown plants and replace with something fresh 4. Plan for Seasonal Color Keep your yard vibrant all year by planning for color in every season. Rotate cool-season annuals in winter and spring Use containers for easy, flexible updates Consider adding flowering shrubs for long-lasting impact 5. Upgrade Outdoor Living Areas Make the most of Florida’s outdoor lifestyle. Clean and declutter patios, decks, and walkways Add lighting for safety and ambiance Invest in comfortable seating or new planters to make your space more inviting 6. Schedule Professional Maintenance If you want to save time and get the best results, resolve to bring in the pros. Regular maintenance keeps your landscape healthy and beautiful Professional teams spot issues before they become costly problems Schedule early for spring projects—slots fill up fast! Start the Year with a Landscape You Love A little planning now can make a big difference in how your yard looks and functions all year. Whether you want a total refresh or just a few simple upgrades, Kennedy Landscaping is here to help you achieve your 2026 landscape goals. Ready to make your landscape resolutions a reality? Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your New Year consultation and start the year off with a yard you’ll be proud to show off.
While much of the country is blanketed in snow, December in Central Florida means mild temperatures, green lawns, and plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor spaces. But even with our unique climate, your landscape still needs some attention to stay healthy, attractive, and ready for spring growth. Here’s how to keep your yard looking its best this December and beyond: 1. Keep Up With Lawn Care—But Adjust for Winter Your grass may not grow as quickly in December, but it still needs regular attention. Mow less frequently, but keep the grass at a moderate height to protect roots. Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent smothering your turf and encourage airflow. Watch for signs of fungus or brown patches, which can pop up with cooler, damp weather. 2. Water Wisely Cooler months mean your landscape needs less water. Cut back irrigation to once a week or less, depending on rainfall. Water early in the day to minimize disease risk and reduce evaporation. Check your irrigation system for leaks, misdirected heads, and adjust timers for winter. 3. Add Festive, Florida-Friendly Color December is a great time to refresh beds and containers with cool-season annuals. Try petunias, snapdragons, pansies, or violas for pops of color that last all winter. Use reds, whites, and purples for a subtle holiday feel that works beyond December. Group plantings near entryways, walkways, and patios for maximum impact. 4. Tidy Up for Holiday Guests Whether you’re hosting family or just want to enjoy your space, a quick cleanup goes a long way. Edge beds and walkways for a crisp, professional look. Trim back overgrown shrubs and remove spent blooms. Add a fresh layer of mulch for instant curb appeal and root protection. Clean up outdoor living areas and check lighting for safety and ambiance. 5. Plan for Cold Snaps Central Florida rarely sees hard freezes, but a sudden cold night can still happen. Have frost cloth (not plastic) ready for sensitive plants. Move containers to sheltered spots if a freeze is forecast. Avoid heavy pruning of tropicals until after the last risk of frost in late winter. 6. Reflect and Plan for Spring December is the perfect time to walk your property and make a landscape wish list for the new year. Note areas that need improvement or new plantings. Think about upgrades like new beds, hardscaping, or outdoor lighting. Schedule consultations now—landscape pros book up fast for spring installs. Enjoy Your Landscape All Winter Long Florida’s mild winter means you can enjoy your yard year-round. With a little attention now, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy landscape to share with family, friends, and guests—plus a head start on spring. Let Kennedy Landscaping Keep Your Yard Beautiful All Winter Whether you need a quick cleanup, seasonal color, or help planning your next project, Kennedy Landscaping is here to make your Central Florida landscape shine—even in winter. Contact us today to schedule your winter landscape service and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance yard all season long!
