Storm-Ready Design Project

Sustainable Plantings, Natural Fertilizers and Pesticides Video

Angela Polo and Ken Micklow are on hand to show Bob the sustainable plantings selected for the Punta Gorda home. Polo shows Bob the firebushes selected for the water side of the garden because they are dwarf varieties that will not block the water views but will attract butterflies. Micklow shows Bob how the vegetable garden is built with interlocking anchor blocks and erosion cloth to prevent the rich humus mixture from seeping out of the raised bed. The soil is a mix of compost, peat moss, bark, and dolomite. This sunny spot will house tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs that will thrive in the heat and sun. Craig Harmer from Gardens Alive brings natural plant and animal products that are suited to specific plants to enhance the soil and promote growth. These soil mixes are completely unprocessed meals and protein blends developed for each plant. The pesticide applications are natural pyrethrins and canola oils that target specific pests. Even snails are eradicated with Escar-Go! Composting is also encouraged through the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program. Polo adds that composting clippings, trimmings, and kitchen vegetable waste will build soil enhancers and microbes to enrich the gardens and plantings.

Additional Bob Vila Showrooms
• NewGrass - Natural-looking, natural-feeling synthetic grass for artificial lawns
• DR® Power Equipment - DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER – Take Control of Your Property!
• TruGreen - A key to a picture-perfect lawn
• LightingUniverse.com - Lighting for your Home
• DR® Power Equipment - DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER – Take Control of Your Property!
• Sears - Kitchen Cabinet Remodeling and Refacing

Home Services
• PestAgon - low-impact termite control and monitoring

Lawn & Garden
• Gardens Alive - Natural plant foods and pesticides specially formulated for individual plant types and pests
• LawnLogic - A soil moisture monitoring system that saves water and reduces runoff
• Trent Culleny - Landscape Contractor – landscape design, services, and plants
• University of Florida Extension - Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program – sustainable landscaping consultants

Real Estate
• Mercedes Homes - Developer - homes designed and built for comfort, elegance, efficiency, and safety in Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas.

> View All Product Resources


	Other Video Clips from this Episode

	Sustainable Landscaping in Florida Angela Polo from the University of Florida's Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program is on hand to show how the Punta Gorda yard exemplifies the nine principles of their program: right ... Watch video and view full description
	Controlled Water Use for Lawns and Gardens Greg Peterson from Lawn Logic explains how their soil moisture monitoring and control system overrides an irrigation timer and prevents unnecessary watering when there is enough moisture present in the ... Watch video and view full description
	Sustainable Planting for Florida Landscape Ken Micklow from Trent Culleny Landscaping Contractors talks with Bob about the native Sabal or Cabbage Palms that are being planted at the Punta Gorda home. The root ball has ... Watch video and view full description
	Low-Dose Termite Protection Carm DiBella from PestAgon joins Bob to explain the enviornmentally friendly Sentricon termite protection system installed at the Punta Gorda house. DiBella explains that termites are attracted to large masses ... Watch video and view full description
	NOW PLAYING Sustainable Plantings, Natural Fertilizers and Pesticides Angela Polo and Ken Micklow are on hand to show Bob the sustainable plantings selected for the Punta Gorda home. Polo shows Bob the firebushes selected for the water side ...