Native and exotic plants and oaks along with a manicured grass lawn serve as a buffer between the street and a house on the barrier island. The yard was the feature of a recent Florida Native Plant Society, Eugenia Chapter tour.
Along the Treasure Coast there is water, water everywhere, which makes it easy to overlook that water is a finite, fragile resource. Water resources can suffer from stresses such as drought, pollution and inflated human demand. When a water body is in trouble, so is the natural habitat it supports. The job of protecting water starts at home where the biggest use is often outdoors for lawns and gardens. But landscape water doesn’t stay on our property for long.
Rain or excessive irrigation falling on yards, parking lots and roads washes down storm drains or filters into the soil, transporting fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, silt and other contaminants. Eventually these pollutants can enter springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries and the Floridan aquifer. You can unknowingly be part of the problem without actually living on waterfront property.
Fortunately, you can be part of the solution with a yard that reflects the area’s natural beauty and adds value to the community. A Florida-friendly landscape conserves water, reduces pollution and erosion, and creates wildlife habitat. Whether you’re updating or creating a landscape design, use the nine principles of Florida-friendly landscaping described below to build a beautiful yard that protects precious natural resources.
True Tails is a series written by Amy Robinson for Vero Beach’s dog lovers. Ask Amy about your dog’s behavior by clicking below.
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