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Learn more about native plants

These articles provide an introduction to Florida native plants and the benefits of using them. For suggestions of specific plants, cultivation and maintenance tips, please consult with your local professionals.

Gaillardia pulchella

Gaillardia pulchella not native? R.I.P. Florida-friendly Blanketflower

FANN continued to list this plant through 2021 and in the 2022 Native Plant & Service Directory. However, effective April 2022, Gaillardia pulchella will no longer be listed as a Florida native in any of our resources. This species is not […]

Seagrape trees grow across a stretch of boardwalk. Natural arbors are enchanting and can provide much needed shade. But be sure to see the forest for the trees ...

About Seagrape pruning and maintaining dune ecosystems

Sometimes you need to cut down or burn native trees and other vegetation to give more native plants a chance. Ecosystems are all about diversity and in our fragmented landscapes, management by we the humans is a must to maintain […]

Mike Kenton, owner of Environmental Equities, died in 2009. He left us all a legacy of conservation and love of native plants.

Blast from the past: Mike Kenton, Environmental Equities

Memorial for Mike, printed in 2009-10 Native Plant & Service Directory, when “FANN” still went by “AFNN”. Michael Wayne “Mike” Kenton (April 17, 1945 – July 14, 2009) AFNN mourns the loss of a very special and long-time member, Mike […]

FANN sponsored Flip My Florida Yard TV pilot

This is a short trailer. See full pilot at howtodoflorida.com FANN is proud to have collaborated with our conservation partner Florida Wildflower Foundation in sponsoring the first pilot production for the new reality TV show, Flip My Florida Yard, produced […]

2017 Real Florida Landscapes Design Competition Award Winners

Real Florida Landscapes: a history of award winners

From 2013-2017, FANN sponsored the Real Florida Landscapes Design Competition. During that time, we received 59 submissions from both professionals and students. This page lists the winners for each year. In 2018, FANN collaborated with the Native Plant Horticulture Foundation […]

Wildflower area along Florida Turnpike in Broward County. Photo courtesy of Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, Florida Department of Transportation.

Economic Impact of using more native plants on our roadways

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) released a study in March 2014 concluding that roadside vegetation in the state highway system should be viewed as an asset, the value of which can be greatly improved through the use of sustainable […]

centralsandhillwildflowers

CEU Course: Native Wildflowers and Grasses for Central and North Florida, Zones 8-9

Course Description and Objective This course serves as an introduction to the diversity of wildflowers and ornamental grasses suitable for use in developed landscapes in Central and North Florida. Florida has the third greatest diversity of native plants of any […]

redbudflowers

CEU Course: Native Trees and Shrubs for Central and North Florida, Zones 8-9

Course Description and Objective This course serves as an introduction to the diversity of native woody plants suitable for use in developed landscapes in Central and North Florida. Florida has the third greatest diversity of native plants of any state […]

rightplantrightplacephoto

CEU Course: Right Plants, Right Place — All Native

Course Description and Objective This course serves as an introduction to selecting and using native plants in urban landscapes. Instructor provides a working definition and parameters of what is considered a “native landscape” in context of the Sustainable Sites Initiative™ […]

ForestAbundantCabbagePalmsc

CEU Course: Florida Native Palms

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVE This course serves as an introduction to Florida native palms. Florida has eleven native palm species but fewer than half of these are used with any regularity in urban and suburban landscapes. Florida native palms provide […]