{"id":13469,"date":"2025-10-21T05:22:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T05:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/13469\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T05:22:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T05:22:07","slug":"florida-friendly-landscaping-for-barrier-islands-beach-talk-radio-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/13469\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida-Friendly Landscaping for Barrier Islands – Beach Talk Radio News"},"content":{"rendered":"

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(By Mariana Pardo) Homeowners on Florida\u2019s beautiful, yet fragile, barrier islands face unique landscaping challenges. High winds, salt spray, and sandy, nutrient-poor soil can make traditional gardening practices difficult and can harm the delicate coastal ecosystem. To address these specific needs, the Lee County UF\/IFAS Extension Service is featuring Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Principles adapted for the barrier island environment.<\/p>\n

The FFL program is a science-based approach to landscaping that helps residents create healthy, attractive, and sustainable yards. The nine core principles \u2013 including Right Plant, Right Place; Watering Efficiently; and Protecting the Waterfront \u2013 are especially critical on barrier islands, where a healthy landscape is the first line of defense against erosion and storm surge. <\/p>\n

By choosing salt-tolerant and drought resistant native or adapted plants, residents can significantly reduce the need for irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides, thus controlling stormwater runoff into the Gulf or Intracoastal Waterway.<\/p>\n

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The FFL principles also include information on mulching in order to help retain soil moisture and protect plants. Selecting plants with seeds, fruit, foliage, and flowers to provide food for wildlife is also highlighted.<\/p>\n

\u201cLandscaping on a barrier island is about more than just aesthetics. It\u2019s about resilience and stewardship,\u201d says Sheryl van der Heiden Residential Horticulture Agent at the Lee County UF\/IFAS Extension Office. \u201cThe right plants can stabilize dunes, provide habitat for wildlife, and withstand the extreme conditions of our coastal environment. FFL gives us the tools to work with nature, not against it, to protect our homes and our natural resources.\u201d<\/p>\n

You are invited to join the Lee County Master Gardener Volunteers at the following locations for a free presentation of the award winning \u201cFlorida Friendly Landscaping Adapted for Barrier Islands.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fort Myers Beach Public Library, 2755 Estero Blvd. from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, October 25th.
\nSanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957 from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025<\/p>\n

Space is limited and pre-registration is preferred HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The University of Florida\u2019s Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF\/IFAS) provides Floridians with research-based information and solutions to improve their lives and communities. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program is a cornerstone of this effort. Information from this program will give you the tools that you need to use these principles to promote sustainable practices that protect Florida\u2019s unique ecosystems.<\/p>\n

Mariana Pardo is a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF\/IFAS Lee County Extension. You can contact Mariana and other Master Gardener Volunteers with your gardening questions at fynlee@ifas.ufl.edu<\/a> or call (239)533-7505.<\/p>\n

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