Community Corner

Save Water, Money Decorating For Christmas

The Southwest Florida Water Management District shares several key tips to save money while being green with fresh plants to decorate for the holidays.

As many folks are ready to pick out a Christmas tree, it's also the start of picking out all sorts of plants to help deck the halls for the holidays.

The Southwest Florida Water Management has shared a few tips to save water with some smart planting and gift ideas:

  • Compost bins provide nutrients for a garden and keep food scraps out of the garbage disposal. A garbage disposal uses up to 4 gallons of water per minute. 
  • Raised garden beds make great gifts for gardeners and they control water use and reduce the need for pesticides, which means less runoff into water resources.
  • Gift certificates are available at most local extension offices for free or inexpensive classes to make rain barrels, compost bins and other items.
  • Give plants that are water efficient and require little maintenance in Florida landscapes. Give an entire plant or just a seedling planted in a biodegradable eggshell or toilet paper roll.

Be water-wise also when selecting holiday decorations. Here are some suggestions:

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  • Decorate with red salvia splendens instead of poinsettias. The plant requires less maintenance once placed in your garden after the holidays. 
  • Use items found around your yard and home to decorate. Palm fronds, magnolia leaves, pinecones and citrus fruit make great ingredients for centerpieces.
  • Rosemary is easy to grow and makes a nice choice for holiday greenery and fills the home with a sweet fragrance.

And for year-round Florida-friendly tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Yards/.


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