A thriving garden isn’t just about beautiful plants; it’s also about supporting local wildlife. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principle of attracting wildlife emphasizes creating habitats that sustain birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial creatures. By...
Principle 4: Mulch – The Secret to a Healthy, Low-Maintenance Florida Garden
Mulching is one of the most effective and eco-friendly ways to improve your garden's health while conserving resources. In the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ approach, mulch plays a crucial role in water retention, soil improvement, and weed prevention. Here’s...
Principle 3: Fertilize Appropriately – Nourish Your Garden, Protect Our Waterways
Fertilizing your garden is essential for healthy, vibrant plants, but in Florida, it’s crucial to do it right. Improper fertilization can contribute to nutrient runoff, harming local waterways and ecosystems. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principle of fertilizing...
Principle 2: Water Efficiently – Maximizing Every Drop in Your Florida Garden
In Florida, where water is a precious resource, efficient watering is essential to sustainable gardening. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ emphasizes the need to water plants wisely to minimize waste, promote deep root growth, and maintain a healthy garden with minimal...

Principle 1: Right Plant, Right Place – The Foundation of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape in Florida starts with the first principle of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL): choosing the right plant for the right place. This foundational step ensures your garden thrives with minimal maintenance, conserves...

New Year, New Garden: Planning Your Spring Garden
As we ring in the New Year, many of us feel a sense of excitement about new beginnings—and for gardeners in Sarasota, this means dreaming up plans for a vibrant, flourishing spring garden. With our region’s unique climate, early planning is crucial to make the most of...
How to Prepare Your Sarasota Garden for Cold Weather: Saturating the Ground Before Frost and Other Tips
When we think of Sarasota County, visions of sunny skies and balmy breezes come to mind. But every once in a while, Mother Nature throws us a curveball with a cold snap. If you're a gardening enthusiast, you know how nerve-wracking those rare frosty nights can be for...
The 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: A Guide to a Sustainable Sarasota Garden
Gardening in Florida comes with unique challenges: sandy soils, unpredictable weather, and the constant need to conserve water. That’s where Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) comes in. Developed by the University of Florida's IFAS Extension, these nine principles...
Holiday Plants for Sarasota, FL: Care and Decoration Tips
The holiday season brings a special kind of joy to our homes, and using holiday plants as part of your festive decor can amplify that spirit. These seasonal favorites not only add vibrant colors and delightful fragrances to your living spaces but also offer a...
Protecting Your Plants from Cold Weather: A Quick Guide
Winter might be mild in Sarasota, but even here, plants are at risk from occasional dips in temperature. Cold snaps and frost can damage or even kill tender plants if they aren’t properly protected. This quick guide will walk you through everything you need to know to...