Growing a Green Thumb

How do I get started?

Look with a critical eye. What is it you’re dealing with? Is the area prone to erosion, steeply sloped and hard to mow? Dealing with shaded areas? Experiencing well-drained sandy soils or occasional flooding? Is salt spray an issue? Begin by identifying the growing conditions. Then, identify plants that can exist in harmony with the site. Right plant, right place means matching plants with the growing conditions.

Heart shaped green caladium with red veins grown in a container.

Caladium ‘Red Flash’

Evergreen native Florida plant blooms in fall with purple seed heads.

Muhly

Lance shaped white leaf caladium with green veins.

Caladium ‘Candidum’

August 24, 2020/by lead-executive-director

Our Sponsors

Important Numbers

Lakes Education/Action Drive
2 E. Lake Howard Drive
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone/Fax: 863-221-LEAD (5323)

City of Lakeland Lakes &
Stormwater Division
Lakefront Management,
Water Quality
(863) 834-3300

City of Winter Haven
Natural Resources
Lakefront Management,
Water Quality
(863) 291-5881

Lake Region Lakes
Management District
Boating, Water Quantity,
Lake Levels
(863) 293-1441

Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
Fish, Wildlife & Aquatic Plants
(863) 648-3200

Southwest Florida Water Management District
Surface Water Management, Wetlands, Water Conservation
(863) 534-1448

Department of
Environmental Protection
(DEP)
Wetlands
(863) 534-7074

Polk County Parks and Recreation
Lakefront management,
water quality
(863) 534-7377

LE/AD, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization located in Florida, dedicated to environmental education and lake preservation and protection.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELPFLA, OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” Registration Number CH4525.