The seasonal migration of snowbirds is a trend that happens in the United States every year. This travel event generates millions of seasonal travelers to answer a logistical question. How can you continue to garden and keep garden disruptions in your southern warm home when you are migrating south for the hot summer months?
Roughly 34% of U.S. consumers report gardening at least once daily, and 22% of them report they garden at least once monthly. Indoor gardening with colorful flowers, hedges that are perfectly manicured, and choosing edible vegetables and herbs is a popular hobby.
These seasonal travelers are not ready to give up these gardening features when they migrate south. Adding a gilt trip to your snowbird itinerary assures you of having a guaranteed vehicle for the sorts of trips that you may need, like the trip to the garden center or to replenish your watering system.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Use stone, gravel, and patios to create permanent features that require no maintenance.
- Choose local, native plants and drought-tolerant perennials.
- Use elevated beds and consider planting salt- and wind-tolerant species in hurricane-prone areas.
Designing a Tranquil Summer Garden Retreat for Winter Escapes
Have a garden at a vacation property or short-term rental? It requires some logistics and preparation. As a snowbird, you will have been absent for extended stretches during the Arizona heat or Florida hurricane seasons.
Luckily, there are some tips to ensure your delivery timeframe for getting your car down south, with the garden waiting for you in beautiful shape, and a little preparation.
First, starting with hardscaping is an excellent way to have plants and trees by incorporating stone walkways, gravel sections, and patios that remain stable year-round. When you arrive, double-check your automated irrigation system. The system have been working while you were away, and there are modern systems that you can monitor remotely.
During the planning stage of seasonal flowers and vegetable choices, stick to native plants. While Florida’s sandy soil drains faster than Arizona’s arid conditions, you may want species that can adjust to conditions and attract pollinators.
Speaking of which, be sure to plant plenty of flowers that naturally support bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds (milkweed, pentas, firecracker plants, etc.).
The final aim should be a neighbor-friendly garden that requires minimal maintenance and looks good while you are away, all while protecting against local weather conditions.
If you go for edible landscaping, such as a fragrant hedge or citrus trees, think about consulting with local 4-H clubs and community gardeners to ensure that any produce is utilized effectively.
Finally, use mulch and soil protection. A thick layer of mulch traps in moisture and regulates soil temperature. It will minimize weed growth and withstand Florida’s rains. You may want to consider a property management company to check in on the property every few weeks while you’re gone.
Essential Plant Selection for Low-Maintenance Winter Getaway Gardens
It’s time to consider plant selection, with the general garden environment taken care of. You may want to keep a box full of individually packaged seeds you want to plant, while you can rely on the best auto transport services to deal with your car as you travel south.
Certain plants have more resilience and offer landscaping benefits during the season you’re likely to relocate. Perennials associated with lantana and salvia are your best friends. They make sure to have long-lasting blooms.
In case you enjoy cooking, consider raised beds that you can easily revitalize with thyme, rosemary, or basil, paired with dwarf citrus trees and root vegetables. Container gardens are another good idea, enabling you to bring portable pots from grow lights inside back to your outdoor setting.
That may include bougainvillea, marigolds, or coleus.
Try to stagger bloom times by opting for plants that flower at different intervals. That is how you will know there will always be color and fragrance when you arrive to receive your vehicle from the snowbird auto transport you choose.
Here’s a good list of potential destinations for Florida snowbirds:
- Bougainvillea
- Firebush (Hamelia patens)
- Snapdragons
- Petunias
- Sabal Palm (Cabbage Palm)
- Brogden Avocado
- Monroe Avocado
- Loquat
- Cocoplum
- Blueberry
- Barbados Cherry
- Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Mint
- Winged Beans, Scarlet Runner Beans
- Tomato (cherry, grape types)
- Turnip greens, Swiss chard, carrots, broccoli
Take the time to get together with the local garden clubs. They will have the best insight into soil makeup, weather conditions, and durable plant options while you are away and when you return.
Dealing with Seasonal Weather and Florida Storms
The hurricane season in Florida is from June 1 to November 30, which is when you’ll likely be up north enjoying Indian Summers instead of excessive heat and humidity, and that poses a lot of issues for your garden while you’re away.
To mitigate damage from storms, do your best to elevate the garden beds. That will help prevent waterlogging and protect your soil structure without risking erosion. If you are really worried, you can always mix in salt- and wind-tolerant plants if you’re really worried, like sea grape, muchly grass, or coontie palms. Most professional gardeners agree that waiting until the fall and winter months is best for Florida’s planting season anyway.
If you do go with container gardens, try to limit them to your “Florida room” in your home. The cost of keeping a few UV lights on while you are away is lower than replacing the entire garden. Plus, lightweight pots can always be moved around to redesign your garden for fun when you return.
Setting up an automated irrigation system, running a UV light, and a garage shelf for your container garden requires minimal effort. You can even put up a cheap video camera to check in remotely while soaking up the sun up north. Modern technology makes traditional gardening much easier for seasonal travelers.
Integrating Snowbird Auto Transport Solutions to Travel to Your Summer Vacation Home
When you are planning where to plant seasonal vegetables and beautiful flowers, pair your winter getaway with snowbird auto transport. Having a fleet management company that can offer clear and concise pre-travel checklists for shipping, follow interstate transport laws (with USDOT and FMCSA numbers), and ensure real-time communication for your delivery timeframe is a fantastic advantage.
You want to select the best car transport organizations with a vast network of professional drivers who carry shipping insurance and offer fair and balanced quotes and estimates. There should be no additional costs, so you can plan for both your car delivery and your garden renovations.
Having your personal vehicle on hand during snowbird season is more convenient. As you visit flower shows and garden sales, you don’t have to worry about rental car cleaning fees. You will know the dimensions of your vehicle, enabling you to pre-select the necessary tools, bushes, and soil to update your seasonal oasis.
Whether enclosed or open auto transport–Having pickup and delivery of your vehicle selected ahead of time, means more time to plan your garden and organize your seasonal trips.
It takes stress off your plate, so you can relax and enjoy a comfy seat in your perfectly cultivated garden. Be sure to take your time choosing a qualified company with strong online reviews, and there shouldn’t be any logistics challenges.
Creating Seasonal Balance
Snowbirds heading back to the Florida Keys or Tucson, AZ, can enjoy the beautiful winter gardens they love year after year. All it takes is a little planning, which includes designing resilient garden infrastructure, using native and seasonal plants, and adjusting landscaping and weather patterns.
Add in reliable auto transport by a trusted provider, and the snowbird lifestyle becomes all the easier. You don’t need a giant sprawling estate with a crew of twenty around-the-clock gardeners.
Well-thought-out designs incorporating local recommendations will contribute to your garden a sense of ease and relaxation. You’ll be able to schedule vehicle delivery while enjoying a cold drink in your seasonal vacation home garden in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of irrigation for a snowbird garden?
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best because they deliver water slowly and directly to the roots
How can I protect potted plants while I am away?
Consider setting them up on an automatic drip line or using self-watering pots.
Should I use open or enclosed auto transport for my snowbird trip?
Enclosed transport offers maximum protection from road debris and weather, which may be preferred for luxury, classic, or customized vehicles.
How do I find the best native plants for my region?
Consult your local county Agricultural Extension Office or a local, independent garden center.
