Lee County residents can enhance landscapes with Florida-friendly plants

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Rezul -- When it comes to landscaping, there's more to it than just sun, water and weather. In Florida, a multitude of considerations should be taken into account when making plant selections, like climate conditions, soil type and pH. Another important consideration is the types of plants you use and how they interact with the environment you live in.

Florida-friendly plants are eco-friendly plants that adapt and thrive in Florida's environmental conditions. While not all Florida-friendly plants are native to the Sunshine State, all native plants are Florida-friendly and bring many benefits to Southwest Florida's ecosystem, including:

• Water conservation: Because they are drought-friendly, Florida-friendly plants do not require frequent watering.
• No more pesticides: Many Florida-friendly plants are pest resistant, eliminating the need for pesticides and reducing the risk of sending unwanted chemicals into the waterways.
• Less fertilizer: Native plants do not require fertilizer, and Florida-friendly plants that are placed in the right soil and pH require little to no fertilizer, resulting in fewer negative environmental impacts.

Fertilize Smart is a Lee County Government initiative to protect local waterways, the quality of life and the economy through community education on correct fertilization procedures and the harmful effects of improper and unnecessary fertilization. Though the fertilizer ban is in effect during the summer months of June through September, Lee County residents and professional landscapers are encouraged to practice sustainable gardening and lawn care practices year-round to protect our waterways.

• Instead of rinsing with a hose, sweep spilled granules to protect our waterways.
• Do not fertilize within 10 feet of bodies of water and keep it off hard surfaces like driveways or sidewalks.
• Avoid fertilizing if rain is forecasted.

Do your research on your home's conditions when planning your landscaping. When the right plants are selected, maintenance and negative environmental impacts can be minimal. For a full list of Florida-friendly plants, visit ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/apps/plants. For more information on how to fertilize smart, visit FertilizeSmart.com.

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In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Ranice E. Monroe, ADA Coordinator, 239-533-0255, Florida Relay Service 711, or ADArequests@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requester. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.