Spring is finally here in Florida! Grass is finally turning back to green, but my Periwinkle plants have dried up and died. I’ve cleaned a small portion of the front yard out but now I’m faced with a decision of what to plant next. Succulents first came to mind, as they don’t require a lot of water and feeding, but I wonder if this is the best option. Even in the summer, I rarely turn on the sprinklers, as I rely heavily on the Florida summer rain to provide water to my plants.

I’ve thought of planting aloe vera plants. Besides being a succulent, aloe vera can be used to heal sunburns. I also remember my aunt and cousins putting aloe vera juice on our hair when we were growing up to keep them thick and healthy. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, as it could get sticky as it rolls down from your head to your face, but believe me when I say my hair is thick! Of course genetics and a good proper diet plays a big part in that, but perhaps the use of aloe vera during my younger years added to that as well.

Any other suggestions for low-maintenance, sun-loving plants that will look good on the front yard?