(By Mariana Pardo) Homeowners on Florida’s 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.
The FFL program is a science-based approach to landscaping that helps residents create healthy, attractive, and sustainable yards. The nine core principles – including Right Plant, Right Place; Watering Efficiently; and Protecting the Waterfront – are especially critical on barrier islands, where a healthy landscape is the first line of defense against erosion and storm surge.
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.
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…