Rewild my Street
Several of our Urban Hort. staff members for Florida-Friendly Landscaping have been following a wild endeavor from London, Rewild my Street. We love the way this site is designed and admire the British passion for gardening and their careful consideration of spaces for wildlife to co-exist in their gardens. This site is supported by the London Metropolitan College. Visit for ideas but keep in mind we need to adjust plant and wildlife species appropriate for our habitat. No worries, it will not be too wild.
One quick idea for Miami Dade, we have lots of neighborhoods that are connected by back alleyways. Neighbors can plant along the back fence lines to create an urban corridor or rewild my alley. 
We have all the resources to guide folks in planning what to plant for wildlife. And since we are really dry this time of year, we would like for you to take some time to plan what to plant once our rainy season arrives. I plan to provide for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, and maybe even a few small mammals such as marsh rabbits. My home garden borders an abandoned railroad line which helps to create a wild edge.
What can you do now?
Install a few bird feeders, make sure they are protected from prey and buy the right bird seed. View tips and explore the birds that could be visiting your yard in our Backyard Series: Birds in Your Backyard, The Winter Migrators. I just spotted a great created flycatcher during the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. 
Rabbits Please?
Rabbits spotted in the landscape at dusk or dawn truly signal wildside wildlife for me. My fascination with rabbits began in my youth, watching baby marsh rabbits grazing along the US 1 roadside in Palm Beach County. It only takes one sighting to fall in love. Most publications will feature articles on how to protect your gardens and landscapes from rabbits. I would love to know how to create a space for the rabbits, both to provide for them and maybe keep them out of the veggie garden. I found a great article from Mass Audubon; which is noted below. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also has page on our native rabbits. Land Mammals – Rabbit | FWC
Visit this video blog shared by a backyard bird enthusiast, where a young rabbit helps maintain the St. Augustine grass! You could create a neater version of the wood/debris pile that the young rabbit in this video calls home.
If you are inspired to invite more wildlife into your yards, please contact us for resources to help you plan what to plant for a “wild side” space in your garden.
Ask to be included in our monthly eblast “Upcoming Events for Miami-Dade County” noting pending workshops and events in the coming month. You can also visit our webpage and website calendar for more information.
Saving the Miami Blue
We will also be sharing information on efforts to save the Miami Blue Butterfly, which is named after Miami and is no longer seen in even the remote habitats where it once existed. Visit the Miamiblue.org website for more information or send me an email at bmcadam@ufl.edu.
Wishing you a year of awe in your garden!
*Note we plant seasonal vegetables and few new plants in our dry season. Use your collected rainwater (rain barrel) until Rainy Season kicks in. Using rain barrels can help prevent pulling from our source of drinking water, the Biscayne Aquifer over the dry season. Dry seasons have become erratic, point in case, we have just experienced over 30 days without any measurable rainfall.
Resources
Creating a Backyard Habitat for Birds – UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County
Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard | Natural Resource Stewardship
0
