Condo Gardening Tips

December 2005

By Gene Joyner, Extension Agent
Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

Many area properties suffered major destruction from the October hurricane. The rebuilding process and restoration will take many months and it probably will not be until well into next summer before many properties look the way residents would like.

If you had many of your annuals and bedding plants destroyed, some of our nurseries did have their inventories survive and replacements are available if you want to spend the money and redo your flower beds in limited areas.

A lot of the major landscape nurseries suffered extensive damage to their inventory so trees, hedges, palms and other materials may be in much shorter supply for the next few months if you’re seeking replacement. Also prices will be much higher, too, since nurseries all over south Florida suffered equal damage so it can’t be obtained in other parts of the state easily.

If you have questions about tree damage or whether or not trees were badly damaged to the point of needing replacement, many area arborists are available that can come and give evaluations as to trees can be salvaged or should be completely removed.

If you have questions about landscape recovery or restoration, the Palm Beach County Extension office can offer free advice. Due to limited staff on site consultations may be limited for the next several months, but many of these problems can be addressed over the telephone if they are well described.

You can call the Extension office during normal weekday hours for free advice. Dial 233-1750 in the north and central county area or 276-1260 in the south county area.