The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) under the University of Florida has developed the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program to help grow healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources. The program, recognized in the Florida Statutes, is supported by 9 science-based principles, which when followed will boost not only the environmental sustainability of your yard, but also its aesthetic splendor and overall health. Importantly, a Florida-friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want and suit your lifestyle – it need not be dull or colorless!
Florida-Friendly landscapes aim to minimize the use of potable water for irrigation, avoid runoff of excess fertilizers and pesticides, and provide habitat for wildlife. They can take any form, from traditional to modern to naturalistic. It’s how the landscape is designed and maintained that ultimately determines if it’s Florida-Friendly.
Visit the 9 principles for Florida Friendly Landscaping page for more information.
- Right Plant, Right Place
- Efficient watering
- Appropriate fertilization
- Mulch use
- Attracting wildlife
- Responsible yard pest management
- Yard waste recycling
- Stormwater runoff reduction
- Waterfront protection
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program recognizes landscapes that use sustainable landscaping practices. Recognitions are offered for 3 different categories of landscapes: Home, Commercial, and New Construction. Landscapes are evaluated based on a checklist of Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices. See if you can have your yard evaluated to earn a yard flag declaring its Florida-Friendly status and receive a certificate for the recognition at Silver, Gold, or FFL Natural level.
Want to know more about responsible gardening in Florida, check out the webinars. A new webinar is posted every month!
Did you know orchids are considered Florida-friendly? Just as well in a Town named after these special flowers.