With the country’s second-longest coastline as well as its varied horticulture, the state has special conditions that make Florida landscaping choices even more important. Water conservation is paramount, as is plant selection, fertilization, and control over the never-ending pressure from invasives and weeds.
Statewide, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program is intended to promote more sustainable landscaping, with a focus on appropriate plants and fertilization, mulching, pest management, recycling, and water management. “It is pretty comprehensive and looks at all parts of the landscape,” Alvarez says. The program also has pattern books that provide homeowners with design guidelines and suggested plants for each region.
For more information, view fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/