Hello, have a yard in Zone 10a, pics show current state of the present cover and condition of soil – very sandy. Has full North exposure if that makes any difference, and no irrigation or watering. Looking for suggestions and advice to make it as Florida friendly as possible. – Thanks
by bltgsrq
3 Comments
More than likely you are close to several FL native plant nurseries
https://www.fann.org/
They will be glad to help you and select the plants best suited for your yard and what goals you want to achieve 🙂
I wish I could help you — that is my favorite area in FL 🙂
The most Florida friendly thing to do is use Florida natives. Frogfruit (phyla nodiflora) and beach creeper (Ernodea littoralis) are somewhat aggressive native ground covers that would be happy there. I’d also maybe plant a native shade tree to keep the house cooler and have a nice spot to be outside in
Florida friendly… 🤔 Coming from someone in Colorado, might we suggest a moat?
But in all seriousness, the University of Florida literally has a program called: the [**Florida Friendly Landscaping™ program**](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/) which aims to “promote science-based, low-impact, sustainable, environmentally friendly landscaping practices that conserve water, reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters, and protect Florida’s natural resources.”
The program has resources on the following topics:
# The 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
1. [Right Plant Right Place](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-1-right-plant-/)
2. [Water Efficiently](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-2-water-efficiently/)
3. [Fertilize Appropriately](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-3-fertilize-appropriately/)
4. [Mulch](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-4-mulch/)
5. [Attract Wildlife](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-5-attract-wildlife/) (but *not* alligators)
6. [Manage Yard Pests Responsibly](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-6-manage-pests/)
7. [Recycle Yard Waste](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-7-recycle-waste/)
8. [Reduce Stormwater Runoff](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-8-reduce-runoff/)
9. [Protect the Waterfront](https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-9-protect-waterfront/)