The 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) are guidelines from UF/IFAS to create beautiful, water-wise landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by using less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, focusing on choosing the Right Plant, Right Place, watering efficiently, fertilizing wisely, using mulch, attracting wildlife, managing pests responsibly, recycling yard waste, reducing stormwater runoff, and protecting waterfronts, all to conserve water and reduce pollution.

“Florida Friendly” Goals for the Grape Arbor Garden

MGV Linda Knight took over as Lead of the Grape Arbor Garden a few months ago, and outlines
the ongoing transformation using the Florida Friendly Landscaping principals:

1. Right Plant, Right Place: Muscadine grapes with herbs as companion plants are the focus of the
   garden. Florida friendly Italian cypress trees will be used to create a “vineyard” look. Turf will be
   replaced with Florida native groundcovers to save water and reduce the need for fertilizers.
2. Water Efficiently: To avoid wasting water, soaker hoses or individual bubbler heads are planned
   to irrigate grapevines and trees, and driplines or micro sprayers water the herbs, flowers and
   potted plants. The native Florida Friendly plants, once established, need little or no irrigation to
   supplement the rain.
3. Fertilize Appropriately: Generally, mulch and plants are not recommended under the
   grapevines. If necessary, nitrogen fixing clover and/or perennial peanut can be used. The native
   and Florida friendly plants in this garden naturally require less fertilization.
4. Mulch: Eco-friendly pine bark mulch is used around the shrubs and trees, and in the flower beds
5. Attract Wildlife: In addition to being delicious for human consumption, muscadines are a food
   source for various birds, including the eastern bluebird, and other wildlife such as squirrels,
   raccoons, and deer. Moreover, the native wildflowers, herbs and grasses also attract birds, and many
   pollinators.
6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly: Maintaining healthy plants with proper planting, watering, and
   companion plants that attract beneficial insects reduces the need for pesticides.
7. Recycle Yard Waste: Pine bark and pine straw are eco-friendly options as they are a biproduct
   (waste material) of the forestry industry, specifically from processing trees for paper and wood
   products. Non-weed plant matter such as grapevine trimmings can be added to the compost
   pile. However, while not “yard waste” the Grape Arbor garden boasts a walkway of recycled bricks from
   the historic Balsley House in Sanford, Florida, and recycled clay roof tiles make up the decorative
   garden wall forming the rear perimeter.

Plans for 2026

• Revise the irrigation to conserve water and stop the damage to the grapevine trunks.
• Seek expertise from UF/IFAS to establish best practices for pruning the vines.
• Continue the FFL plan outlined.

Grape Arbor Garden Update

Interest in “food forests” is growing, and our Grape Arbor Garden serves as a prime example. We’ve
revitalized the space by pressure washing the pergola, repurposing roof tiles into a border wall, and
adding Florida Friendly plants for a vineyard aesthetic.

To enhance the entrance, we planted Blue-Eyed Grass and Bulbine along the sidewalk. Inside, the
pergola features a fountain and wrought iron seating, shaded by thick grapevines. Meanwhile we’ve also integrated
Florida-friendly herbs as companion plants to repel pests and attract pollinators.

New Plantings:

• 12 Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)
• 6 Bulbine (Bulbine frutescens)
• 6 Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• 2 Variegated Cuban Oregano (Coleus amboinicus)
• 6 Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
• 2 Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• 6 Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• 6 Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• 1 African Blue Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’)
• 2 unidentified grapevines

Retained Plants:

• 3 Muscadine ‘Southern Home’
• 1 Muscadine ‘Black Beauty’
• 1 Muscadine ‘Supreme’
• 9 Unidentified grapevines
• 4 Red Pentas

Our next phase focuses on identifying the remaining vines, mastering proper pruning and fertilization
techniques to ensure a bountiful harvest, and revising the irrigation for best outcomes.

The Discovery Gardens located at the UF/IFAS Extension Lake County Agricultural Center (1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares, FL 32778, tel: 352-343-4101) have over 28 Themed Gardens. Accordingly, if you want to see the Florida-Friendly Principles in action, then be sure to visit the Discovery Gardens and the Grape Arbor Garden.

This post was written with the help of Linda Knight and Cathy Keller, Lake County Master Gardener Volunteers. Thank you!

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