Along with the many residents of Polk County who have chosen to implement Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) in their yards and apply for recognition, we now have businesses and even municipalities participating.
If you are not familiar with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, it is a way to maintain landscapes in Florida that reduces the use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. By starting with the right plant, right place principle as a part of the nine principles of FFL, these recognized landscapes support wildlife and save money by using less water all while creating and maintaining desirable landscapes.
There are two levels of recognition. Sites that meet the FFL requirements can be recognized at either a silver or gold level. Both are outstanding achievements considering residents and businesses don’t have to implement all of the Florida-Friendly principles in their landscapes, but those that do have gone above and beyond. We are grateful for everyone who chooses to create and maintain a Florida-Friendly landscape.
Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers encourage businesses to use FFL.
The charge in Polk County to encourage more businesses and municipal sites is being led by a UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer, Sarah Nowman. Along with some of her fellow volunteers, Sarah and her team actively seek out and speak with local businesses and municipalities that either currently have or are interested in being Florida-Friendly. Sarah’s passion for bringing FFL to a fast-growing county (top county in the U.S. in 2023) is evident in the meetings and site visits involved as she pursues and encourages more Florida-Friendly sites throughout developed areas of Polk County. Sarah even met with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to share her passion and vision to encourage Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in Polk County as she began seeking sites for FFL recognition.
Recently two businesses in Polk County were added to the list of FFL recognized sites in Polk County.
That list already includes the Auburndale Rotary Butterfly Garden, Pilaklakaha (PK) Ave in Downtown Auburndale, and “The Good Neighbor Wildflower Garden” at the Davenport Police Department.
On November 8, 2024, George W. Butz, III D.D.S., P.A. Dentistry in Winter Haven was recognized for creating and maintaining a Florida-Friendly Landscape. Dr. Butz shared “I added pentas to attract butterflies and caladiums for extra color. The cost to maintain, as well as environmental impact, is much less than a conventional, boring Florida landscape. It is not hard to install or maintain a landscape like mine. To partially paraphrase Edwin Bok, I made my part of the world a more beautiful and pleasant place, while at the same time being a good steward of the environment and resources.”
About a month later on December 11, 2024, a RaceTrac convenience store at 45119 US Hwy. 27 in Davenport (north of I-4) was recognized for installing and keeping a Florida-Friendly Landscape at the gold level of recognition. RaceTrac’s Director of Field Services, Brian Nay, stated “Sustainable landscaping is not just an aesthetic for our stores. It’s a vital commitment to environmental responsibility and community well-being. Our dedication to incorporating eco-friendly practices reflects our values and enhances customer service by fostering a sense of connection to nature, making each visit to our stores a positive and enjoyable experience.”
Do you have a Florida-Friendly Landscape?
If you are interested in having your Polk County residential, commercial, municipal, or even HOA common area recognized as a Florida-Friendly Landscape, please reach out to UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Coordinator, Julie Schelb, at 863-519-1068 or j.schelb@ufl.
For more information on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, check out ffl.ifas.ufl.edu. You can also visit https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2023/10/27/lets-get-florida-friendly-polk-county/ for details on FFL recognized sites in Polk County.
Check out episodes from Your Central Florida Yard, a podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, by Clicking Here.
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