Are you beginning your official search of homes for sale in south Florida? This bottom third of the state is its tropical zone--not that frost is particularly common even in the northern counties, Atlantic or Gulf. Cold and snow are what you're leaving behind. One feature in the homes for sale in south Florida that you as a lay horticulturist might well be looking for is a lot large enough for you to have a good sized garden. What's the good of a temperate climate without lush green surroundings?

No matter where you live in the Sunshine state you'll certainly enjoy delightful temperatures all year, pleasant Atlantic breezes, and more than 600 miles of white sandy beaches. If the gulf and ocean weren't important, you might well be looking for property in New Mexico, Arizona, or even California rather than at homes for sale in south Florida. You've made a wonderful choice!

Homes for Sale in South Florida: A Gardener's Delight

Overall, Florida's soil is characterized by sandy loam, claylike marl, muck, and peat. South Florida is primarily a mix of coastal lowlands, southern limestone, and the organic soils of the Lake Okeechobee-Everglades basin. Small wonder that agriculture, citrus groves, and orchids do so well in the balmy Florida temperatures!

Almost half the tree species in the United States grow naturally here, as do more than 3,500 other plant species, some of which are introduced. Many wonderful plants grow naturally in the wild however. The Butterfly Orchid, a protected species, is a good example, and orchids do very well indeed in Florida. All in all, especially with its abundant wildlife and 400 species of birds, Florida is a naturalist's delight. Enjoy!