The 2021 Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Awards recognized another round of leaders in applying the program’s principles and educating others on making environmentally conscious changes to their landscapes.
The awards were divided into four categories: nine landscape awards, which recognize the adoption of environmentally sound landscape, irrigation and management policies that include FFL principles; two awards in photo categories; four awards honoring industry partners and ambassadors; and 10 educational and program awards, which recognize individuals who have made exceptional efforts in supporting the FFL program through research, projects, and/or other activities. Some categories were so strong that two recipients were honored.
“Each year, more and more Floridians make the decision to adopt Florida-Friendly practices in their home and commercial landscapes,” said Esen Momol, director of the UF/IFAS FFL program. “This awards program is not only a recognition of their individual successes and dedication, but it also highlights the value their practices are contributing to preserving our natural resources.”
The awards are biennial and seek nominations in the fall; the next call for submissions will be in late 2023.
“Although this is only the second time we’ve held this awards program, we expanded the categories to recognize even more of the accomplishments of those who adopt FFL practices or share them with others,” said Claire Lewis, state coordinator of Florida-Friendly Communities within the FFL program.
Learn more about the 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and how you can apply practices to your own landscape at FloridaFriendlyLandscaping.com.
The categories and winners are listed below. Read more about their winning entries and view photos.
Landscape Awards
- Outstanding Residential Landscape: Two winners, Pilar Londono in Coral Springs and Rios Residence in Wilton Manors
- FFL New Construction (new residential or commercial landscape): FNGLA Frontrunners Chapter, Bell Middle & High School
- Edible Landscape: UF/IFAS Extension Marion County FFL Edible Ornamental Demonstration Garden
- Community Garden: Seeds of Faith Community Garden in Brandon.
- Municipal Landscape: City of Vero Beach, City Hall
- Outstanding FFL Community: Elysium Homeowners Association in Clearwater
- FFL Demonstration Garden: Gato Wildflower Demonstration Garden in Key West
- Green Stormwater Infrastructure: Applied Sciences 5th Street in Palmetto
- Residential Green Stormwater Infrastructure: McFarlane Residence in Brandon
Photo Contest
- FFL Photo of the Year – Mature Landscape: Alence Residence in Lithia
- FFL Photo of the Year – Before & After: Two winners, Deerfield Oasis in Deerfield Beach (see submitted photos at top) and Jason Residence in Bradenton
FFL Partner and Ambassador Awards
- Outstanding FFL Partner: Emily Brown, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- Industry Partner of the Year: Dierdre Irwin, Florida Water Star
- FFL Ambassador: Ann Bryan, Florida Master Gardener Volunteer, Alachua County
- FFL Extension Ambassador: Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Educational & Program Awards
- FFL Educational Campaign: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County
- FFL Faculty of the Year: Sandy Wilson, UF/IFAS professor of environmental horticulture
- FFL Educator of the Year: Tina McIntyre, UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County
- FFL Educators Outstanding Collaboration (Agent & Master Gardener Volunteer): UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Water Ambassador Program
- Industry GI-BMP Instructor of the Year: Epifanio Carvajal from Riverview
- Extension GI-BMP Instructor of the Year: Ralph Mitchell, UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County
- Bilingual GI-BMP Instructor of the Year: Henrique Mayer, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County
- Master Gardener Volunteer GI-BMP Instructor of the Year: Peter Monti from Collier County
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