Growing a Garden with Purpose: Teaching, Sustaining, Inspiring
Join us as we share real stories from local gardeners and homeowners who are changing their yards into Florida-Friendly landscapes. Learn helpful tips, successes, and challenges on the journey to gardening that is good for the environment, beautiful, and sustainable in Florida.
In June 2024, a simple visit to a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) presentation at the IFAS Broward Extension started a journey that changed one homeowner’s garden—and life. What began as wanting to attract more wildlife soon grew into a strong commitment to sustainable gardening. Inspired by what was learned and wanting to protect local wildlife and create a safe home for Florida’s native plants and animals, this homeowner decided to apply for FFL Landscape Recognition. What followed was a 15-month journey of learning and making careful changes.
Discovery and Challenge
The first look at the yard brought a big surprise: all ten of Broward County’s most invasive plants had taken root. These plants weren’t planted on purpose, but they spread fast and took over the yard. Getting rid of them and rebuilding the garden to follow FFL ideas took time, hard work, and care. Luckily, joining the Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) program helped the homeowner learn what to do and how to grow healthy native plants.
Learning and Applying FFL Principles
Following the key principle of “Right Plant, Right Place,” Dr. Angel Rodriguez relocated plants that were too close to perimeter walls and introduced drought-tolerant native plants like wild coffee and ground covers such as Frog Fruit that thrive in sunny areas. To conserve Water Efficiently, he installed two rain barrels, supporting the Broward County Extension Rain Barrel Program. He also uses a rain gauge to monitor South Florida’s rainfall, helping him turn off irrigation when enough rain has fallen. These rain barrels collect water to be used during dry periods and help Reduce Storm Water Runoff. Check out his short video: https://youtu.be/Lf0unWXwh8M?t=11
Dr. Rodriguez learned to Fertilize Appropriately by testing the soil and adding only what the plants needed. He also applied principle # 7, Recycle in the landscape, and made mulch from yard waste like palm fronds and dead shrubs. This mulch helps the soil and keeps trash out of landfills.
Transformation Journey
It took about 15 months of steady work and learning to turn the yard into a Florida-Friendly landscape. Though it wasn’t always easy, the garden is now lively and full of native plants and wildlife. This shows how smart choices and hard work can bring balance back to a yard, even when starting with tough problems like invasive plants.
Future Vision – The “WHY”
Dr. Angel Rodriguez wants the garden to be more than just a yard. He hopes to create a teaching garden where students can learn by seeing Florida-Friendly gardening ideas in action. He plans to grow more native and fruit plants to keep the garden healthy and helpful for people and wildlife. By working toward these goals, Dr. Rodriguez shows how one yard can make a difference and inspire others to care for the environment.
Take the Next Step: Join the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Pledge
Are you ready to help Florida’s environment by making your yard better? Join gardeners all over the state by taking the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Pledge. When you promise to use one or more Florida-Friendly practices, you help save water, protect wildlife, and reduce pollution.
Whether you’re just starting or have been gardening this way for a while, the pledge is a great way to show you care and join a community working for a greener Florida. “Hear directly from Dr. Angel Rodriguez about the best way to get started on your Florida-Friendly Landscaping journey: https://youtu.be/4S3qWxydtXA?si=FWAjwASDpb8bTZbO“
Resources
If you’d like more information on FFL principles and maintenance, check out these links. Feel free to share them with your friends and neighbors.
- FFL Program Website Learn more about the FFL Program.
- FFL Program for Home Landscapes Learn how to start making your home Florida-friendly.
- FFL Home Landscape Checklist for FFL Recognition: Access the most current checklist to achieve FFL landscape recognition.
- FFL Handbook for Home Landscapes. Find out more about the 9 FFL Principles from the FFL Handbook.
- FFL Free Apps Use our free Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ apps
- UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas: Determine if you have invasive plants in your landscape.
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