asmine. Birds of paradise. Palm trees. People who have moved here from the north are drawn to exotic plant species and desire them for their own landscaping.

But things can become chaotic when these individuals go on shopping excursions at the local garden center.

“They get that kid-in-a-candy-store look in their eyes,” said Robert Vincent Sims, also known as “The Garden Rebel.”

Without some knowledge of their landscaping needs, new homeowners may find they have bought more plants than they can handle. Maintaining the multitude of flowers and greenery becomes a burden.

Sims, a radio/television personality who has been in the landscaping business for 36 years, will present “Low Maintenance Landscapes are the Way to Grow” at 6 p.m. July 11 at Mulberry Grove Center. Sims will discuss modes for keeping landscaping simple, and fertilization and proper care for plants this time of year.

If time permits, a question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

According to Dawn Tripp, TVLLC marketing director, audience members for Sims’ 2004 presentation here were especially interested in landscaping tonics. Sims said he will have several of his tonics on hand.

The subject of cold sensitivity also will be addressed during Sims’ July 11 visit. Sims said not all tropical plants are suited for Central Florida, and many residents are putting into the ground a high percentage of plants that should be planted farther south.

Guidance from The Garden Rebel should help residents to easily do yard work and free up more time for playing pickleball.

“The choice you make [in selecting landscape plants] has everything to do with the amount of maintenance you need,” Sims said.

Tickets for “Low Maintenance Landscapes are the Way to Grow” are available through TVLLC office.

Source: www.thevillagesdailysun.com