Support Local Ecology
What's wrong with the plants the builder gave you? Do local landscapers support Florida ecology? Check out this presentation from the Florida Wildflower Association. The presenter, Doug Tallamy is a well-known entomologist. He has written two best-selling, award-winning non-fiction books - Bringing Nature Home and Nature's Best Refuge.
Lawn to Wildflowers
This presentation from Florida Wildflowers introduces Dr. Nash Turley and his project, Lawn to Wildflower. Their goal correlates with The VIllages Chapter goal to convert turf to native plants. "The project includes a mobile app that educates users about pollinator natural history and lawn restoration techniques while helping them to find and purchase native plants and seeds. Learn the extent of ecological impacts of lawns in the U.S., as well as the importance of converting lawns to native wildflower meadows."
Trivia Question: Approximate how many species of bees do you estimate there are in North America? The answer is in the video.
A Guide to Restoring the Little Things that Run the World
Susan Griffith, the Manatee County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Coordinator, talks about why we need native plants in Florida yards. (This is a webinar. The presentation begins after the announcements. Unfortunately, most of the plants she recommends at the end are not for our central Florida area. She enumerates several problems with the turfgrass system.
Native Plants for the Florida Landscape
As development replaces natural habitats, planting gardens, parks, and roadsides with Florida natives can provide a “bridge” to nearby remaining wildlands.
Source: California Native Plant Society (Yes! Everyone is going native, from sea to shining sea.)
Why Native Landscapes are Important
Why Native Landscapes are Important pdf 1.2 MB Download
Ginny is a long time Florida Native Plant Society Member and contributor. She has spoken to us in The Villages. She has authored several books about using native Florida plants in the landscape. One well-known book is A Step-by-Step Guide to a Florida Native Yard.
Her blog is Green Gardening Really Matters. There more about her and the books she has written.
Support birds. Support pollinators. Encourage biodiversity.
What you Plant is Important
Ecopsychology
Ecopsychology: What is it? Why is it important to you?
Save Water
Once established, many native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall.
Low Maintenance
Lower maintenance landscaping methods are a natural fit with native plants that are already adapted to the local environment. Look forward to using less water, little to no fertilizer, little to no pesticides, less pruning, and less of your time and dollars.
Pesticide Freedom
Native plants have developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases. Since most pesticides kill indiscriminately, beneficial insects become secondary targets in the fight against pests. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use lets natural pest control take over and keeps garden toxins out of our wetlands, ponds, and watersheds.
Wildlife Viewing
Native plants, birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and interesting critters are “made for each other.” Research shows that native wildlife prefers native plants.
