What’s Blooming in the Bioswale- Scarlet Hibiscus

One of the most striking blooms native to Florida is the Scarlet Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus).  It’s brilliant red flowers can reach the size of a human hand and create a show-stopping display when planted in clusters.  The plant itself grows into a shrub-like formation with multiple flower spikes in subsequent years.  The Scarlet Hibiscus is a moisture loving plant that is ideal for rain gardens and bioswales.  It can also be grown successfully in a patio pot.  If grown in a pot it is recommended to have a catch tray beneath the pot which can act as a reservoir for water.  The Scarlet Hibiscus blooms well in full sun, but will also grow in partial shade.

Natural Swimming Pools

Love the idea of a swimming pool, but hate the idea of all those chemicals. What if you could create an environmentally-friendly swimming pool in your own back yard with zero chlorine or other harmful chemicals? You can. The concept of natural swimming pools, sometimes referred to as swimming ponds, are all the rage in Europe where over 20,000 of them have already been installed, including several fantastic public swimming pools. Sadly, the U.S. is lagging behind in this progressive idea, but it seems the idea is slowing catching on.
Natural swimming pools mimic nature, by using a biological filter (or wetland regeneration zone) to purify the water and keep the water clear. This zone is planted with aquatic plants that uptake nutrients and impurities and help keep the water clean and clear without the use of any harmful chemicals. These regeneration areas also have the added benefit of acting as much-needed wetland habitat for dragonflies, frogs and other species that need water as part of their life cycle. And to top it off, they can look like beautiful water gardens that add beauty to your home landscape.
Instead of shocking the water you swim in with so many chemicals that nothing can live in it, a natural pool creates a living, balanced aquatic system that is healthier for you and for the environment.
To learn more about natural swimming pools and how they work, check out these links.

Clear Water Revival
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