UF Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program

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UF Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ ( FFL ) program promotes using low-maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable maintenance practices. The result?

The conservation and protection of Florida’s water resources starts at home. Landscaping choices can affect the health of ground and surface waters, and by extension the natural environment. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program educates stakeholders about how to design, install, and maintain healthy landscapes that use a minimum of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Low-cost, low-maintenance,

attractive landscapes that add value to your community and reduce the chance of polluting the water supply. The University of Florida IFAS FFL Program welcomes your comments on our social media posts and
encourages interaction. We also encourage our community to foster respectful and vibrant online connections. Before you post,
please consider the UF Core Values and review these UF Community Commenting
Guidelines (“Guidelines”). We review all comments made, and when necessary, we reserve the right to remove
comments that are:
- Off-topic
- Containing links to third-party websites or content
- Made in violation of Florida or federal law
Comments made by outside users are the authors’ opinions, not the university’s. By posting a comment on our social media pages, you agree to follow the University of
Florida Community Commenting Guidelines, host social media channel Terms of
Service, Florida, federal law, and UF regulations and policies – including but not
limited to the university’s Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy. Your
comments may be removed if they violate these Guidelines.

09/04/2026

It's Time to Rethink the Florida Landscape.
A UF/IFAS study found that homeowners and HOA board members share many of the same goals: attractive neighborhoods, strong property values, and environmental protection. The challenge is that Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) is often misunderstood as looking unkempt or overly natural.

However, well-designed FFL landscapes can maintain a polished appearance while conserving water, supporting wildlife, and reducing maintenance needs. The research recommends using clear landscape guidelines, visual examples, and community education to help HOAs and residents embrace landscapes that are both visually appealing and environmentally responsible.

Live in an HOA community? Share your thoughts. What reservations do you or your community leadership have about implementing FFL maintenance practices?

Photo: Cat Wofford, UF/IFAS - Clock surrounded by Mexican flamevine.

09/01/2026

🌼 Your 2026 pollinator counting may be complete, but conservation never stops.
Keep the buzz going with the new UF/IFAS Plants & Pollinators App! Learn about pollinators and host plants in your area, browse bees and butterflies found in Florida, discover pollinator-friendly plants for your landscape, and search for plants based on the features that matter most to you.

You can even curate and share multiple plant lists with friends and family, making it easier than ever to plan and grow pollinator-supporting landscapes together. 🐝🦋🌸
📲Explore app download options: ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/

Audio described version of this video available on YouTube,, youtube.com/shorts/yW2uBkBplRI?feature=share

08/27/2026

Java Plum (Syzygium cumini) is an invasive problem for Florida.

Originally introduced from Asia as a shade and ornamental tree, Java Plum has escaped into natural areas throughout South Florida and is now spreading aggressively.
Once it takes root, this evergreen forms dense stands in hammocks, wetlands, and forests. These thickets crowd out native plants, reduce biodiversity, and alter habitats that wildlife depends on. Its rapid growth and heavy fruit production make it tough to control once established.

If you live in South Florida and have Java Plum in your yard, consider removing it and replacing it with Florida-Friendly trees that support native ecosystems.

08/26/2026

🌿Commit to using Florida-Friendly mulch!

Using Florida-Friendly mulch helps conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, reduce weeds, and improve soil health over time.

Benefits of mulch include:
✅ Reduced irrigation needs
✅ Improved soil moisture retention
✅ W**d suppression
✅ Erosion reduction
✅ Added organic matter as mulch breaks down

Pledge to use mulch wisely and support a healthier Florida-Friendly landscape, FFLPledge.com

08/25/2026

🌿 Looking for plants that thrive in acidic soils?

The Florida-Friendly Plants & Pollinators App makes it easy to search for species suited to your landscape conditions. Use the soil pH filter to discover trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers that perform well in acidic sites.

Choosing plants adapted to your soil conditions can improve plant health, reduce maintenance, and increase landscape success.

Plant photos include:
Green Ash - Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Virginia Iris - Iris virginica
Southern Slash Pine - Pinus elliottii var densa
Climbing Hydrangea - Hydrangea barbara
Gardenia - Gardenia jasminoides
Hibiscus - Hibiscus coccineus
Star Anise - Illicium floridanum
Wiregrass - Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana

08/19/2026

🐝 Have you picked your Great Southeast Pollinator Census location yet?
The new UF/IFAS Plants & Pollinators App can help you discover plants that attract pollinators, making it easier to choose a spot for this weekend's Great Southeast Pollinator Census.

Find a spot, spend 15 minutes observing and documenting pollinator visits and contribute to community science across the Southeast.

⬇️See download options at ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/

Audio described version of this video available on YouTube, youtube.com/shorts/el9-ceHFvlw?feature=share.

08/17/2026

🌴 Sometimes what looks like a problem is actually normal palm growth.

Palms naturally shed leaves, display unique trunk characteristics, and develop growth patterns that can concern homeowners unfamiliar with these plants. Understanding normal palm features can help prevent unnecessary pruning and improper treatments.

Before assuming your palm is unhealthy, learn about common growth habits that are perfectly normal, ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP344.

08/14/2026

MANY STATEWIDE CENSUS EVENTS: Next week is Pollinator Census week for the southeastern United States! Are you planning to participate? Are there events happening in your county?

Though you can participate from the convenience of your own landscape, there are many public events inviting folks to participate, including local parks, gardens, nurseries, zoos, conservation sites, and more! To find an event near you, or to have your event listed, please visit our blog, where you can also learn all about the Great Southeast Pollinator Census and how to participate: https://shorturl.at/tPga8

08/14/2026

🌧️ Let nature help water your landscape.

Collecting rainwater is an easy way to supplement irrigation while reducing demand on municipal water supplies. Rain barrels and cisterns capture runoff from roofs and make it available for use in landscape beds and gardens.
Benefits include:
✅ Conserving potable water
✅ Reducing stormwater runoff
✅ Source of water to maintain plants between rainstorms.
Learn more water-saving strategies at SaveFLWater.com.

Also, be sure to check your local UF/IFAS Extension calendar for upcoming workshops, sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/.

08/12/2026

👀 We've Been Busy Behind the Scenes...

Big changes are coming to your favorite Florida-Friendly plant resources.
Stay tuned next week as we introduce new ways to explore, learn, and connect with Florida-Friendly plants and pollinators.

Address

Gainesville, FL
32611

Website

http://www.floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

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