This is the third in a series of articles written on the new area program called Florida Yards & Neighborhoods.  The program is being implemented through your local county Extension service in Highlands , Okeechobee and Glades County and is partially funded from Clean Water Act Section 319 funding from the U. S. EPA through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Plant selection can be the fun part of landscaping a “Florida Friendly Yard”.   If you are from the North Country , like I am, you probably marvel at the diversity of plants that grow in this area.  You may want to try everything or are dismayed at the number and find it hard to choose.  Remember, the plants you select determine the level of maintenance required and also how long your landscape will last.

Plants already on your property, particularly low maintenance native plants, should be retained.  Saving existing plants reduces cost and leaves valuable wildlife habitat undisturbed. 

Select from a list that includes suitable native plants as once they are established most require little, if any, supplemental water, fertilizer or pesticides.  If you won’t be irrigating your yard select drought tolerant plants that are suited to your soil.  Consider flowering and fruiting plants that bring birds and butterflies into your yard. 

Please do not plant noxious or invasive species.  Florida prohibits planting of Brazilian Pepper, Australian Pine, Melaleuca, Carrotwood, Chinese Tallow and many others.

Strive to create a mosaic of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, native grasses and wildflowers.  Large plantings of the same species are prone to disease and insect infestation.

Turf areas should be functional and designed for easy maintenance.  Bahiagrass tends to be more carefree than St. Augustine. 

Groundcovers are especially useful in shady or sloped areas where turf may not thrive or is difficult to maintain.

Don’t be fooled by the Quick-fix appeal of fast growing plants.  They require more pruning, resulting in more clippings and yard waste.  Slower growing plants may take longer, but they will last longer and create less work.

Choose plants hardy in this region.  We do have occasional frost throughout the area and non-hardy plants may not survive.  Also, plants tuned to cooler climates may not survive our hot, humid summers.

Ed Ayen is available to address interested groups such as homeowners associations, voluntary organizations and clubs.  For further information he can be reached by calling the Highlands County Extension Service office at (863) 402-6540 or by email at: edayen@ufl.edu . His office location is 4509 George Blvd., Sebring , FL 33875-5837.

I’ve placed more information on our Okeechobee web page,  http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu.  If you need additional information on FYN, please email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu or call us at 863-763-6469.  Local residents can stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North in Okeechobee, and visit our Okeechobee County Master Gardeners on Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 5 PM.

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Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.  Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida.  Larry A.  Arrington, Dean Last update: 06/05/2006 .  This page is maintained by Dan Culbert