Question
The bushes around my outside air conditioning units are not doing well. I would like to replace them with flower plants. Do you know the purpose of planting bushes around the units? Do they help to retain soil under the foundation (AC units sit on cement foundation), provide shade for the AC units (to reduce energy usage) or just for the look only? will it be ok to replace them with annual and perennial flower plants? Any suggestions of what flower plants to use? I live in central Florida. Thanks

Answer
Happy New Year, Julie!

For the most part, people/builders plant bushes near an AC unit to hide it - particularly if it is near the front of the house or near an entertaining area.

Before I can answer your question I will need to know exactly where your AC unit is located and about how tall and wide it is.

Thanks - looking forward to your response.

Namaste,
Kathy