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Home/Island Living/When Life Gives You Hurricanes – Grow Tomatoes

When Life Gives You Hurricanes – Grow Tomatoes

It sounds like a strange proverb, but it’s what we have experienced after Hurricane Ian, literally.

Funny Composting Story

Before Hurricane Ian, we had a composting bin outside of our home. As you can imagine, it was completely swept away by the flood waters from the storm. We were sad when we made this realization while picking up our yard.

But to our surprise, a cherry tomato plant popped up in its place! And, I might add, it produces beautiful little red cherry tomatoes that are delicious. Attending to our new plant has actually become a new hobby of mine. Now I understand why others love gardening. It really reminds you to slow down, unwind, and appreciate mother nature.

Just like the cherry tomato plant that emerged after the storm, a well-maintained garden can become a source of peace and fulfillment. Creating a comfortable and visually appealing space with the right flooring enhances this experience. Soft, easy-to-maintain surfaces like artificial grass provide a clean and inviting foundation, reducing the hassle of mud and uneven patches.

A smooth, consistent surface allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of your plants without worrying about messy walkways. That’s where artificial grass hire can be a game-changer. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or simply want to create a polished look, As Good As Grass offers practical and stylish solutions. Their high-quality artificial grass looks and feels natural while requiring minimal upkeep, making it perfect for both temporary events and long-term use. It provides a comfortable surface for walking and sitting, blending seamlessly with the surrounding plants and flowers.

Check out the “harvest” from this week’s tomato picking!

How To Re-Landscape

While we work to re-landscape (is that a word?) our yard after the storm, we have many decisions to make. Do we sod and grow grass? Do we use all native ground cover? Our kids prefer no grass in the front yard. Jim and I want a well-balanced yard with mostly native ground cover.

In a timely email this week, the Sanibel Vegetation Committee’s article titled, “To Sod or Not To Sod,” highlights the importance of native ground covering on our island. They write,

To keep grass healthy and green here in South Florida, lawns need endless maintenance, additional nutrients, regular pesticide applications to control weeds and insects, and frequent irrigation.

Click here to read their full article “To Sod or Not To Sod.”

Hiring A Sanibel Landscape Professional

We think it’s a great idea to consult a local landscape professional if you’re unsure where to start with re-landscaping after the hurricane. Check out our recent blog, “Read This Before Hiring a Sanibel Landscaper” for more information.

Written by: Susan McCallion

Filed Under: Island Living

About Susan McCallion

Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate.

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Purchasing Sanibel Island real estate is an investment in a unique and special community, unmatched elsewhere in Florida. Sanibel is a popular resort island famous for its beaches, shelling, and wildlife refuges. Over half of Sanibel Island is protected conservation land and wildlife refuges. Sanibel Island is home to the Sanibel Historical Village, BIG ARTS, Herb Strauss Theater and a variety of other museums and cultural activities.

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Don't let our website name "Sanibel Real Estate Guide" fool you. You'll find Captiva real estate too. Captiva Island boasts a vibrant community in paradise with golfing, boating and beach fun. See information and links about Marinas and Golf & Tennis Clubs on Sanibel and Captiva. Looking for off-Island, Southwest Florida real estate, you can easily search our MLS listings to find homes in a variety of zip codes and cities within Southwest Florida. If you'd like to speak to a live person, give me a call or e-mail - I'm always happy to help.

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McCallion & McCallion Realty
1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1
Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
(239) 472-1950

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