Butterflies and Blossoms FL

08/22/2026

Garden pest can be a real problem this time of year. The heat and humidity makes it a happy place for them to feast on your plants.

There’s a few things you can do to help.
1. Inspect your plants and do it often. If you aren’t inspecting your plants often you may and likely have pest. When you find them cut them off, pull them off, etc. and dispose in the trash.

2. Use products such as Neem, horticulture oils and soaps or Captain Jacks. These are more organic in nature BUT they do have consequences. They are also harmful to pollinators.
NEVER spray soaps and oils in the sun or heat of the day. You will burn your plants.

3. Last resort are chemical sprays. This is the last resort when all else fails and the plant is not going to live or be drastically harmed. If this is what you need to do then do it, no judgement passed.

Use your local extension offices for help on specific pest and what controls them or your local garden centers.

But remember: you are the number one line of defense.

08/21/2026

Unpopular opinion: I don’t believe your landscape needs to be 100% native to make an impact.

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of absolutes when it comes to native plants—and unfortunately, a lot of judgment and negativity toward people who choose anything other than 100% native.

And I think that can do more harm than good.

When we make gardening feel like an all-or-nothing choice, we risk alienating the very people we’re hoping to educate and inspire. Someone who is just beginning to learn about native plants, pollinators, and creating a more sustainable landscape shouldn’t feel like they’re already doing it wrong.

Progress matters.

Maybe someone starts by replacing one plant with a native. Then they add a few host plants. They stop using pesticides. They add more diversity. They begin thinking differently about how their landscape supports pollinators and wildlife.

That’s an impact.

I believe in meeting people where they are, giving them grace, and educating without judgment.

Native plants are vitally important, and I will always encourage their use. But I also believe there’s room for well-behaved, Florida-Friendly non-natives in a thoughtful landscape.

There isn’t only one way to make a difference.

Sometimes the best way to create change isn’t by demanding perfection—it’s by helping someone take the first step.

08/19/2026

Have you ever wondered which plants are Florida Friendly and help our pollinators?? Then come this August 26th at 6:00 PM and listen to an expert landscaper, Tenille Dixon Pawlus. This night-time meeting is free and open to the general public! 🌹

08/19/2026

So you have a new landscape. What do you do now?

Watering your newly planted landscape is the most important job you have.

Here’s the guidelines:
Week 1-2: daily
Weeks 3-8: 2-3 times a week
Weeks 9-12: 1-2 times a week
Weeks 13 on- depends on your plants.

This does not apply to all plants. Some plants don’t need that much water.
Also trees take a year to establish!

A good soaking of rain can replace your watering but it needs to be substantial.

Watering your new landscape is the key to starting off on the right foot once established.

08/18/2026

08/18/2026

Having healthy soil is the #1 priority when you have potted plants. And that starts with soil but also it starts with what is or is not in your pots.

Often big pots require a lot of soil to fill so gardeners use bulky items to fill the base. Things like plastic pots and pool noodles do not help the health of your plants in fact they can harm them.

To take up space in your pots use an upside down terra cotta pot, a plant shelf such as Ups-a-daisy, stems, leaves, cardboard, paper but the best thing you can use is just soil.

I use inexpensive top soil in the bottom half and then add quality potting mix to the top half. It will depend on the plant but this is normally the best option for your container to have healthy plants.

Root rot is a big reason your plants die and bringing the water higher up closer to your roots with items in the bottom doesn’t help.

Soil is your best option!

08/17/2026

My Garden Journal was created for one simple reason: gardens are always changing, and it’s so easy to forget where they started.

I wanted a beautiful, practical place to keep track of what you plant, what works, what doesn’t, seasonal changes, garden projects, favorite plants, and all those little lessons you learn along the way.

Because gardening isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about observing, learning, trying again, and watching your garden evolve. That’s why “Always Keep Growing” felt like the perfect reminder to include.

I created this journal for gardeners like me who want to document the journey—not just the finished garden.

Comment BOOK below to get your link to get yours!

08/16/2026

Grateful Sunday

Each week I come here to tell you something I am grateful for because the world is loud and the noise is louder. Let’s dwell on the positives rather than the negatives.

This week I am grateful for time. Time I was allowed to rest over the summer and be creative and work on projects I had been putting off. Time to regroup before the hustle and bustle starts all over again this fall.

Sometimes gratitude isn’t for what happened.

It’s for the strength you found because of it.

What are you grateful for?

08/15/2026

Please don’t put pothos or snake plants in the ground unless you want to be digging them up for the rest of your life.

While the video was only talking about specific plants I don’t want people to go put all their houseplants in the ground. Some wouldn’t even live but some will live too well.

If you catch something I need to clarify please DM rather than post in the comments. It’s easier for everyone else not to get confused.

Thanks!!