Flowers are the highlights of the landscaping of every coastal Caribbean home. Some of those flowers, blooming bright with pigment, come from faraway places such as the Netherlands, England, France, and even Spain. To maintain the beautiful blossoms in your own yard, you need to find the most effective way to prune your flowers and increase their permanence.

Heading

You should expect your flowers to bloom and stand upright, but if you come across some plants that have wilted, they might be dragging down the buds and full blooms. To prevent this from happening, pull out any dead weeds and flowers to force the growth and stabilization of the flowers.

If the plant has multiple heads, cut below the healthy flowers to create room for new flowers. If it’s a singular stem with one flower, you’re free to cut closer to the base of the flower. Doing either of these will improve the life of your flowers. This will be healthy for annuals, as they’ll grow longer into the year, and your perennials will be ready for the following season.

Thinning

The most effective way to prune your plants is to thin them out. By that, we mean pulling out any plants that might be harboring unwanted diseases, especially if they’re imported from other places. By thinning, you remove up to a third of stems, preventing overcrowded areas of dying foliage and better shaping your landscape. If a plant is intruding on other plants’ space in a separate bed, all you need to do is cut around the stems to keep that intruding plant situated.

Pruning

Pruning your plants is a healthier alternative to simply pulling out any unwanted plants and foliage that has died off. You might think it’s okay to prune year-round. However, pruning at particular times of the year—and only a little at a time—can be beneficial for your plants’ life span. You want to do a little at a time and work from the inside out. If you accidentally chop off too much, you run the risk of preventing your fruits from growing, and your bushes may not bloom for a while. There’s even a chance they’ll die and not bloom again. So, groom your plants once in a while, and pamper them when they need it the most.

Before you start pruning, consider what kind of trimming tools you’ll need to achieve the desired look for your flower bed. With precisely the right types of trimming tools, you’ll be able to achieve the necessary practice to cut your plants.

A house in the Caribbean is something to give you pride. You’re the envy of friends, family, and strangers as you live near gorgeous beaches filled with pure white sand and crystal blue waters. Although the area is great, there are still certain risks involved in owning beachfront property. Storms, pests, and humidity can ruin your home if you’re not cautious. Avoid these issues and know how to protect your oceanfront property for safe and comfortable living.

Know the Risks

Living anywhere has its risks, but residing near the ocean poses a great threat to your house: water damage. This can occur from many different types of storms. The main type of water damage you’ll face is from tropical rainstorms. This might involve wind and debris that can rip off roof shingles, destroy windows, loosen siding, and so on. Naturally, seek shelter immediately during a hurricane. Though not every tropical storm in the Caribbean is a hurricane, you can still expect severe wind and rain levels. Too much rain can cause flooding, leading to a weakened foundation, sagging, warped floors, or mold.

Use Resistant Materials

With that in mind, there are ways to combat the risk of storms on your home. Living near the ocean exposes your home to saltwater which can corrode typical terrestrial housing materials. However, fiberglass windows and door frames can withstand oceanic environments much better than wood. Concrete or stainless steel can also help. As well, consider planting native landscaping surrounding your foundation. These plants can tolerate high moisture and absorb oceanic water on your property before it reaches your house.

Check for Pests

A beachside house might have exceptional curb appeal but keep hidden predators in mind: pests. Especially during storms, they will likely consider your home theirs. The most common pests that infest beachside homes include termites, spiders, and bed bugs. Keep this in mind and inspect your home regularly. If needed, call a pest control service to eradicate these menacing creatures. While spiders, bed bugs, or other creepy crawlies are an eyesore, termites can damage your structural foundation, thereby posing a safety risk as much as a health risk.

Monitor Humidity Levels

The last way to protect your oceanfront property is to monitor humidity levels. The Caribbean is a tropical climate, which means humid temperatures given the high moisture in the air. Humidity brings its own list of risks: mold, mildew, watermarks, and rotting wood. Combat this with a dehumidifier for each room. Alternatively, you can install a whole-house dehumidifier through a professional HVAC service.

The Caribbean is known for a lot: great food, music, dancing, and rich history. However, there remains one thing many people remember the Caribbean for: the beaches! With white sandy landscapes dotted with palm trees overlooking beautiful deep-blue oceans, who could visit the Caribbean without visiting one of its coasts? The beach is an exceptional spot for a romantic destination. Those looking to get away with their significant other for a quick getaway must check out these essential tips for a romantic beach date.

Pick the Right Time

Timing is crucial when going to the beach. There are a few important considerations to think about: people, nature, and traffic. Going to the beach in the middle of the day can be a pain given the amount of people and vehicles in the area; not to mention bugs and the blazing hot sun beating down on your skin. For a quiet moment with your spouse, consider going during sunrise or sunset. These times mean less people, less traffic, and, more importantly, a more romantic moment with your partner.

Location, Location, Location

Location is equally important. Beaches are not universally symmetrical. Some have hills, some have rocks and seashells littering the landscape, and some are picture-perfect white sand-filled paradises. It might help to choose a spot furthest from others for added privacy. Alternatively, you might look for an area with shade or some greenery. Wherever you go, remember to choose your location so that you and your partner can have a relaxing moment with each other.

Dress Your Best

Picking the best summertime wardrobe pieces is necessary for an ideal beach date. Not only do you want an outfit that brings out your best, but you also want something weather and seasonally appropriate. Depending on the mood, consider tank tops, sandals, sun dresses or light dresses, or shorts for maximum comfort and style. While dressing up in a cocktail dress and suit is nice for romantic dinners or dances, going to the beach can be as casual as you want.

Make It a Picnic

A romantic date to the beach is not limited to swimming and working on your summertime tan. Bring snacks or a light meal for additional fun in the sun! Light foods, like finger sandwiches, bottled beverages, fruit, salad, chips, and nuts can be a quick energy boost while enjoying the outdoor surroundings. You can also tailor any personal dietary restrictions that local restaurants may not cater to. Regardless, optimize this date to your liking.

Make the most of where you live year-round, and take advantage of your beautiful natural surroundings! Even a few minutes at a time can help you recharge and make you feel more upbeat.

Check out these four simple ways to spend more time outside to give yourself a positive mindset!

Beach Workouts

Move your workout from the gym to the beach! Some exercises can benefit from the outdoors. Find a secluded spot to center yourself for yoga, or take your run from the treadmill to the sand. The resistance from the sand will make your workout heart-pounding and can also make high-impact moves easier on your joints.

Water Sports

One of the best ways to enjoy where we live is to get out on the water. Consider becoming involved in a water sport to increase your time outside. You don’t have to be overly athletic to be active on the water; some water sports are more about relaxing than athleticism. Here are a few water sports to consider:

• Kayaking
• Surfing
• Sailing
• Water polo
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Jet skiing

Lunch Hours

If it’s possible, spend your lunch hour outside. Find a park or bench nearby where you can eat, and then take a walk once you’re finished. You’ll finish your workday with more focus after giving yourself time to decompress from any stress. Biking or walking to work can also help you start your day off right.

If you work from home, create an outdoor space to make relaxing a little bit easier—plant a garden with seating or add a hammock to your backyard.

Backyard Parties

Take advantage of the tropical weather to host parties year-round! Instead of celebrating a birthday or special occasion at a restaurant, invite friends and family to enjoy a spectacular sunset. Consider adding a deck or patio to maximize your outdoor space. Decks can make any outdoor get-together more accessible and enjoyable.

With these simple ways to spend more time outside, you’ll see the mental and physical benefits of the sunshine and fresh air in no time!

Buying a boat is an unforgettable experience and gives you access to countless new ways of enjoying the coast. But there are simple mistakes that new boaters can make. Learn how to prevent common mistakes new boat owners make to avoid severe accidents on the water.

Forgetting About the Drain Plug

Even the most experienced boaters forget about the drain plug. Installing the drain plug is one of the vital elements when launching your boat. This won’t be apparent while you’re moving; once your boat stops moving, it will fill with water, and you’ll need to be rescued. To ensure you install your drain plus launching, create a boat launch checklist. Also, remember some boats have more than one drain plug.

Not Securing Boat Transportation

One of the best parts of owning a boat is being able to take it to any coast or sea and discovering new horizons all on your own. Transporting your boat long distances can be a hassle, though, especially if you’re moving to a new city. Don’t fall into the trap of forgetting to find a boat transportation tool or service. Find a trailer that’s suitable for your boat that adheres to state regulations, or hire a logistics transportation company to do the towing for you.

Going Over the Boat Capacity

One of the most dangerous and common mistakes new boat owners make is going over their capacity. Boats have a defined maximum load capacity. Exceeding the capacity can cause a boat to capsize even on calm waters. With that number in mind, consider not only passenger weight but gear as well. Going overcapacity is dangerous, and you are the only person who can prevent it.

Not Knowing the Rules of Navigation

While not all states or countries demand a boating exam or license to start navigating, you still need to learn the basics. There are clear rules of navigation that dictate how a boat driver should always behave to avoid accidents. Driving and navigating a boat is fun, but adhering to rules is necessary to keep everyone on the water safe. Before your inaugural boat launch, read basic guidelines to avoid any problems.

Keeping these boating safety measures in mindwill ensure you have a safe and enjoyable summer on the water!