Spring in Sarasota is a fresh start — a time when even seasoned gardeners feel that itch to try something new. It’s not just about planting; it’s about possibility. And if you’ve been thinking about going more sustainable, more native, or just less high-maintenance, there’s no better guide than Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL).
FFL isn’t just a set of gardening rules — it’s a lifestyle approach to creating beautiful yards that work with Florida’s natural environment, not against it. And this spring, we’re inviting you to take a more creative, action-driven spin on those principles with fun, fresh ways to get your landscape in sync with the season.
Give Your Yard a “Spring Reset”
Skip the spring cleaning and take your energy outside instead. This season is all about setting your garden up for success — with a fresh eye and a Florida-Friendly mindset.
- Prune back native shrubs like firebush or beautyberry to encourage fuller growth.
- Reevaluate high-maintenance spots in your yard. Can you replace them with drought-tolerant or low-input plants?
- Top up your mulch with pine straw or leaf litter to prevent weeds before they show.
How to Create a Pollinator Patch in Your Sarasota Garden
Even if you don’t have the time or space for a full pollinator garden, you can still create a small but mighty native nectar zone.
Spring bloomers to include:
- Milkweed – Monarchs love it
- Blanketflower – Great for bees
- Firebush – A hummingbird magnet
- Coreopsis – Florida’s state wildflower
Add a bee bath (a shallow dish with pebbles and water), and you’ve got a buzzing hot spot that supports local wildlife and boosts your garden’s beauty.
Swap One Thing for Something Smarter
You don’t have to do it all — but this spring, challenge yourself to replace one traditional element with something Florida-Friendly:
- Turfgrass → Sunshine mimosa
- Thirsty annuals → Dune sunflower
- Sprinklers → Drip or micro-irrigation
- Chemical fertilizers → Compost tea or slow-release blends
According to UF/IFAS, Florida-Friendly plantings can reduce irrigation needs by up to 50% after establishment.
That’s a big impact with just one small switch.
Try the FFL Principle You’ve Been Avoiding
Be honest — which of the 9 principles do you keep skipping? Fertilizer management? Water efficiency? Recycling yard waste?
Pick just one this spring and commit to mastering it. Here’s how to start:
- Water Efficiently: Adjust your sprinkler timer and check for leaks
- Recycle Yard Waste: Start a compost bin or use clippings as mulch
- Manage Yard Pests Responsibly: Introduce companion plants like marigolds or install a bat house
Quick Spring FFL Checklist
Looking for a low-pressure way to begin? Use this mini checklist:
- Cut back and shape overgrown natives
- Add at least one new Florida-friendly plant
- Refresh mulch naturally (leaves, pine straw)
- Replace one thirsty plant or lawn patch
- Try a new FFL principle you’ve skipped
Fresh Season, Fresh Perspective
This spring, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ isn’t just something to read about — it’s something to live. Whether you’re adjusting your irrigation, creating a pollinator nook, or simply swapping out one plant for a smarter choice, you’re helping to protect Sarasota’s most valuable assets: clean water, native ecosystems, and a community that cares.
So go ahead — pick your project, dig in, and enjoy a season full of smart growth.
