Adding biodiversity for more resilient Florida landscapes

Adding biodiversity to your Florida yard is a great way to create a vibrant, sustainable environment that supports local wildlife and plants. Here’s how you can do it:

Choose native plants

Native plants are adapted to Florida’s climate and soil, requiring less water and maintenance while providing food and shelter for local wildlife. Some examples for Florida include:

• Trees: Live oak, Southern Magnolia, Slash Pine
• Shrubs: Saw Palmetto, Firebush, Beautyberry
• Flowers: Black-Eyed Susan, Blanketflower, Beach Sunflower
• Groundcovers: Sunshine mimosa, Perennial Peanut

Create layers of vegetation

Different layers (canopy, understory, shrubs, groundcover) provide habitats for a variety of species. Incorporate trees, shrubs, and groundcover to create vertical diversity. For example, plant tall trees like Live Oaks, mid-height shrubs like Wax Myrtle, and groundcovers like Dune Sunflower.

Plant pollinator-friendly species

Attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators essential for a healthy ecosystem. Milkweed is loved by the Monarch butterflies, while the flowers on Firebush and Pentas attract various pollinators.

Provide water sources

Water sources attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Install a birdbath, a small pond, or a rain garden. Ensure that water features have sloping or terraced sides to allow easy access for small animals.

Reduce lawn area

Lawns provide minimal ecological benefits and require a lot of water and chemicals. Replace sections of your lawn with native plants, wildflower meadows, or edible gardens.

Add wildlife habitats

Specific habitats attract specific wildlife.

• Birds: Install birdhouses, nest boxes, and bird feeders.
• Bats: Add a bat house.
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Leave some natural debris, like logs or rock piles, for shelter.
• Insects: Create a “bug hotel” or leave patches of bare soil for ground-nesting bees.

Use organic mulch and compost

Organic mulch improves soil health and provides habitat for beneficial insects. Use mulch from local sources like pine straw or leaf litter. Compost kitchen and garden waste to enrich your soil.

Avoid pesticides and herbicides

These chemicals can harm beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. Use natural pest control methods like introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings) and using insecticidal soaps.

Incorporate edible plants

Growing your own food reduces the need for transporting goods and supports the local ecosystem. Plant fruit trees like citrus, mango, or mulberries, vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, and herbs like rosemary and basil.

Connect with local conservation groups

They can provide additional resources, plant sales, and advice. Contact your local extension office, native plant society, or wildlife conservation groups.

By following these steps, you can create a yard that’s not only beautiful but also a thriving ecosystem that supports a wide range of species.