Bermuda Bay Beach Condominiums

 
 

Bermuda Bay Landscaping Committee

 
 

updated on 05/07/2026

 
     
  MISSION STATEMENT
Volunteers doing our best to improve the curb appeal, usefulness, beauty and property value of Bermuda Bay.
 
How we work and what you can expect:
 
 
  • We are a volunteer group.
  • We are an advisory group to the Property Manager.
  • We are not in Bermuda Bay’s budget; we fundraise and take donations.
  • We are not employees of Bermuda Bay - we do not do routine maintenance and upkeep.  We work on small projects and ideally, the owners will keep them maintained as well as they can.
  • We do several types of fundraisers so that we have cash for tools, plants, supplies, mulch, etc.
  • We have Bermuda Bay merchandise, a big variety of items, for sale in the office.
  • We are also selling engraved bricks or pavers to be used in a possible strolling path along the seawall; or as a border around new concrete pads for benches looking out at the Bay.
  • When we do a large fundraiser, we try to do a large project that will improve the area.
  • We try to keep the common element areas, that are frequently seen by many people, looking good so as to keep our property values up and keep Bermuda Bay a beautiful place to live.
  • When an owner (or tenant) contacts us and offers to pay for plants and/or help with labor, we try to get a small group together to help them.
  • If we see an area that is totally out of control, we try to make a plan to work on that area.
  • The property is over 16 acres, so “yes”, there are a lot of areas that haven’t been touched yet.
  • It takes a village to keep weeds down on over 16 acres. Please feel free to stop and pull a few weeds on your walk to the pool, pickleball, kayaks, etc. It will be much appreciated.
  • There is a “Do Not Plant” list and there are reasons that these plants are on the list. Please take a moment and read this document which is located on our Bermuda Bay Website
    www.bermudabaystpete.com/landscape.html.
  • How to contact us: stop us when you see us out walking or working; text or email us with your questions, requests and offers: cindyhansen.travel@gmail.com.
  • Of course, donations are always welcome, and any offer of help with our projects is much appreciated.
  • We welcome before and after photos, or just photos of a completed area that you have spruced up. We can put them in the Newsletter.
 
  The Bermuda Bay Beach Landscape Committee currently consists of Cindy Hansen-Chair, Kasia McNally, Barbi Martinson, Barb Barnard, Pam Burns, Carole Cole, Tracy Corbett, Gail Cunningham, Tim Nolen, Lorilee Schoenbeck, Jerry Lee Browning, Kasey Ras, Susan Hayden, Peg Daisley, Tory Elvir, Alan Gowen, Tim Grady,  Jan Rogers, Robin Ward, Margaret Young, Leith Young, Ida Croce and Brad Tison.

If you would like to join, contact me at the email above. Your name has to be submitted to the Board and you need to be voted in.  If your name is on here and you’d like to be removed, also contact me.
 
     
     
     
 
Landscaping Guidelines for Bermuda Bay
 
 

Maintaining Bermuda Bay’s natural beauty requires thoughtful plant choices—especially in our coastal, beachfront environment. Some plants may look appealing but can become invasive, attract pests, damage infrastructure, or pose safety risks to residents and pets.
Below is a list of plants that should not be planted in the ground at Bermuda Bay, followed by recommended native Florida plants that are better suited to our salt-air and coastal conditions.

Landscaping Do's & Don'ts [PDF]
Landscaping Do Not Plant List [PDF]

 
 

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Plants Not Permitted in Bermuda Bay
The following plants are considered invasive, destructive, unsafe, or unsuitable for planting in the ground within the Bermuda Bay community. Some may be allowed in pots or planters only, but should never be planted directly into the soil.


Invasive or Aggressive Plants
These plants spread quickly and threaten native landscaping:
● Asian Sword Fern – Highly invasive and difficult to control
● Mexican Petunia – Spreads aggressively and displaces native plants
● Oyster Plant – Rapid ground cover that overtakes garden beds
● Pothos (Pathos) Vine / Ivy – Becomes invasive when planted outdoors; can climb trees and structures
● Philodendron – Fast-growing and invasive in Florida landscapes
● Snake Plant – Spreads beyond intended areas
● Sprenger’s Asparagus Fern – Invasive with sharp thorns
● Bamboo (including clumping varieties) – Spreads aggressively and is extremely difficult to remove


Plants That Attract Pests
These plants can create habitats for insects and wildlife that become nuisances:
● Bromeliads – Collect standing water and can harbor mosquito larvae and roaches
● Fruit & Citrus Trees – Attract rodents and other pests


Toxic or Dangerous Plants
These pose risks to children, pets, and residents:
● Oleander – Highly toxic to humans and animals
● Pothos (Pathos) Vine – Toxic if ingested by children or pets
● Any Thorned Plants or Hazardous Cacti (especially near walkways), including:
     ● Agave / Century Plants
     ● Various cactus species


Plants with Destructive Root Systems
These plants can damage plumbing, irrigation lines, sidewalks, and foundations:
● Rubber Tree
● Schefflera

 

 
 

Recommended Native & Salt-Tolerant Florida Plants

 
  The following Florida-native and salt-resilient plants are well-suited for Bermuda Bay’s coastal environment. These options help preserve our landscaping, reduce maintenance issues, and support local ecosystems.

Native Flowers & Groundcovers
● Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) – Bright yellow blooms; excellent ground cover
● Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) – Drought-tolerant with vibrant color
● Tickseed (Coreopsis) – Florida’s state wildflower; low maintenance
● Sea Purslane – Salt-tolerant groundcover for coastal areas


Native Shrubs
● Cocoplum – Excellent for hedges and coastal conditions
● Firebush – Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
● Simpson’s Stopper – Dense foliage with seasonal flowers
● Inkberry (Gallberry) – Hardy shrub ideal for sandy soils
● Buttonwood (Green or Silver) – Very salt-tolerant and wind-resistant


Native & Coastal-Friendly Palms
● Sabal Palm (Florida State Palm) – Extremely salt and wind tolerant
● Silver Saw Palmetto – Native, drought-tolerant, and low maintenance
● Dwarf Palmetto – Ideal for smaller landscaped areas


Why Native Plants Matter
Using native and salt-tolerant plants helps:
● Protect Bermuda Bay’s coastal ecosystem
● Reduce pest issues
● Minimize damage to infrastructure
● Lower water and maintenance needs
● Preserve the beauty and safety of the community


Important Reminder
Any landscaping changes must comply with Bermuda Bay community guidelines. If you are unsure whether a plant is permitted, please check with the Association before planting.


Landscaping Do's & Don'ts [PDF]
Landscaping Do Not Plant List [PDF]
 
 

back

 
 
 


Bermuda Bay Beach Condominium Association, Inc.
4201 - 38th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL  33711-4066
Tel:  727-864-0735 / Fax: 727-864-0870