Do you have a Florida-Friendly Landscape?

Have your gardening practices changed in recent years so that you're more conscious of the Florida environment and your impact on it?

The University of Florida Extension Service has worked diligently in the past decade to educate gardeners through The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN) Homeowner Program on good sound practices that can help all of us lessen our impact on Florida's environment and beautiful waterways.

So, let's see how you're doing. Do you follow the 9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles?

1) Right plant, right place
2) Water efficiently
3) Fertilize appropriately
4) Mulch
5) Attract Wildlife
6) Control Yard Pests Responsible
7) Recycle
8) Reduce Stormwater Runoff
9) Protect the Waterfront

Not sure? Well, you can find out by using the FYN Official Yard Recognition Checklist to see how you're doing. And, if you'd like you can even have a county FYN agent or Yard Advisor visit your home to determine if your garden is eligible for Gold or Standard recognition. And, if your garden qualifies as a "Florida-Friendly Yard" you'll receive a certificate and a sign to display in your yard.

To get started explore their interactive 'home' for to learn more about the 9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles.

Nanette O'Hara's yard in the Tampa Bay area has been recognized as a Florida-Friendly Landscape. You can read more about  the transition of her small yard on her blog Bay-Friendly Landscaping.  If anyone else has had their yard recognized or should it be recognized in the future, please contact me so I can add a link to your blog to inspire others to work towards this goal.


For more inspiration enjoy the U of F photo gallery of "Florida-Friendly Landscapes."

Other Florida gardeners who have "Certified Florida Yards" are:

Hoe & Shovel