1. Be purposeful. Determine how you want to use your yard, break the space into zones and then use plants and other features to indicate where activities will happen.
2. Know your climate zone. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can help you choose plants that are most likely to succeed in Southwest Florida’s environment.
3. Plant for pets. You can protect your dogs, cats and horses by avoiding poisonous plants listed on the ASPCA’s guide.
4. Plant for pollinators and wildlife. Planting nectar and pollen-rich flowers will nourish pollinators (bees, butterflies and birds) and support backyard wildlife.
For more inspiration, visit TurfMutt.com.
– Cyndee Woolley, APR, C2 Communications