How to makeFlorida-friendlyland~ap~~ work

for you.

Xeriscape is Florida-friendly landscaping that saves water and protects the environment through reduced use ofpesticides and fertilizer. Xeriscape may also require much less maintenance than traditional landscaping.

This guide will help you select and arrange plants for your own Xeriscape.

Virtually any plant can

be used in a Xeriscape

landscape, even your

favorites like roses,

gardenias and annuals.

The key is to group

these plants separatelymalll mU@Il9’S Plants should be grouped

so they can beaccording to water and sunlight needs. Plants needing

A ytered’as neededfull sun should be grouped separately from those

needing shade or moist soil.wttnout watering me --u

entire yard.Drought-toleKlnt plantsDrought tolerant plants are good

Xeriscape choices. Most need

very little water once they are r

established in the landscape. Many

have fewer pest problems so they

M&m A 3” layer of mulch will improve

the appearance of your landscaped beds, as well as

reduce weed growth, moderate soil temperatures,

minimize erosion, and help retain soil moisture.

require much less time to maintain.

5011 alB&rSiS Knowing your soil

type will help you make better decisions

about the plants you need and the way

Many trees can be used in a

Xeriscape landscape. When

choosing a tree, consider its

potential height. width and

cold hardiness. Trees cool

your yard by providing shade

and they help reduce

evaporation, too.

you’ll water. Your county’s coopera-

tive extension service can deter

mine your soil’s pH.

ost grasses requrre more water,

Shrubs and qrmnd covers Shrubs are important in a Xeriscape and fertilizer and pesticides than other areas of a landscape. In a

are often used in border plantings - at the edge of a landscape feature or to sepa- Xeriscape, grass is used where it is most practical, such as an

rate one yard from another. Ground covers can add interest and color to a land- area for children. Ground covers, decks and walkways are

scape and can be used to fill-in open areas in place of grass. often used to reduce grass in Xeriscape landscapes.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District does not discriminate upon the basis of any individual’s disability state. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation underthe ADA should contact the Public Communications Department at 352-796-721 I or I-800-423-1476 (Florida only), TDD only 1-800-231-6103 (FlorIda only).

--- __. ---__ ----. -___

Southwest Florida WaterManagement District

2379 Broad StreetBrooksville, FL 34609-6899

Xeriscape: It’s Growing Like Crazy is apublic education initiative sponsored inpartnership by the Pinellas-Anclote RiverBasin Board of the Southwest FloridaWater Management District, the City ofSt. Petersburg and Pinellas County.Look for the Xeriscape demonstrationsite from the Howard Frankland Bridgeto the Sunshine Skyway along l-275 inSt. Petersburg and Pinellas County.For the location of other sites nearyou, call the Southwest Florida WaterManagement District at I-800-423-1476or TDD only I-800-23 i-6 103.