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Florida-Friendly Landscaping: What It Means and Why It Matters

  • Writer: James Rutledge
    James Rutledge
  • Oct 17
  • 2 min read
A Florida-friendly landscape featuring native plants and mulch in a Fort Myers garden
Florida-friendly landscapes combine beauty and sustainability, protecting local ecosystems while enhancing curb appeal.

In Southwest Florida, our landscapes do more than just look beautiful — they work in harmony with the environment. Florida-Friendly Landscaping is a sustainable approach that saves water, protects local ecosystems, and keeps your garden thriving all year long. But what exactly does it mean, and how can you apply it to your home?


🌿 What Is Florida-Friendly Landscaping?



Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) is a program developed by the University of Florida (UF/IFAS) that encourages homeowners and professionals to design and maintain landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.


In short, it’s about working with nature, not against it — choosing the right plants for the right place, reducing chemical use, conserving water, and protecting local wildlife.


A Blooms in Grace landscaping professional trimming plants and maintaining a well-kept garden in Fort Myers, Florida.

A Blooms in Grace crew member caring for a residential garden in Southwest Florida.


🌼 The 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping


These nine principles guide homeowners and landscapers toward creating healthy, low-maintenance, and sustainable outdoor spaces:


  1. Right Plant, Right Place – Choose plants suited to your soil, sunlight, and space to reduce maintenance and water needs.

  2. Water Efficiently – Group plants with similar water needs and use smart irrigation systems.

  3. Fertilize Appropriately – Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm plants and pollute waterways.

  4. Mulch – Use organic mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect plant roots.

  5. Attract Wildlife – Add native plants that provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and pollinators.

  6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly – Use natural pest control methods to protect beneficial insects.

  7. Recycle Yard Waste – Compost leaves and grass clippings to enrich your soil.

  8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff – Design your garden to absorb rainwater and prevent pollution.

  9. Protect the Waterfront – If you live near a lake, canal, or pond, plant native vegetation to prevent erosion and filter runoff.



Fresh mulch in a Florida garden helping retain moisture and prevent weeds

💧 Why It Matters


A Florida-friendly landscape does more than look good — it saves water, reduces chemical use, and helps protect Florida’s unique ecosystems.


For homeowners, that means lower water bills, healthier plants, and less maintenance. For the environment, it means cleaner waterways, more pollinators, and sustainable beauty that lasts through every season.



🌸 Bringing It to Your Home


At Blooms in Grace, we specialize in designing landscapes that are both visually stunning and environmentally conscious. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your current garden, we can help you create a Florida-friendly landscape that fits your lifestyle — and our local climate.


✨ Ready to make your garden more Florida-friendly? Let’s design a space that blooms beautifully and gives back to nature.


📞 239-470-7882 Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation.

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