Landscaping Tips & Tricks
Landscaping in general can be overwhelming, but especially if you are planning to create a landscaping design in a foreign country or climate. It is important to consider planting tree & shrubs that are native to the area in which you are landscaping. We have curated a list of reasons why you should ‘plant native’ and listed some of the most popular Bahamian landscaping options!
TOP 4 REASONS:
1. Safety – even during a cold front or summer squall winds can blow debris around causing harm to people & property
2. Climate – trees keep the community cooler in the summer and block the strong winds in winter
3. Protection – tree and hedge root systems aid in preventing erosion & top soil reduction
4. Aesthetics – plants and trees enhance the beauty of the area and increase property values
PLANTS NATIVE TO THE BAHAMAS
By definition, native plants need minimal water and fertilizers to grow and survive. They are uniquely adapted to our tropical & sub-tropical savannah climate.
There are over 1400 native species according to the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. Some of the more well known native plants are listed below:
- Bay Lavender. A rare salt tolerant plant used for coastal and inland planting
- Allspice. The allspice is an evergreen plant that produces an edible spice, popularly used in cooking
- Bahamian Cherry (concentrated source of vitamin C)
- Bay cedar. A woody shrub that can be found along coastlines
- Green Buttonwood
- Kamalame (or Gumelemi)
- Lignum Vitae
- Pigeon Plum
- Railroad Vine
- Sapodilla
- Sea ox eye daisy
- Seapurslane
- Seagrape
- Silver Buttonwood (pictured)
- Silver Thatch Palm
- Strong Back
- Yellow Elder
Be sure to read our guide to the SERZ Extension