(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.
“Landscaping on a barrier island is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about resilience and stewardship,” says Sheryl van der Heiden Residential Horticulture Agent at the Lee County UF/IFAS Extension Office. “The right plants can stabilize dunes, provide habitat for wildlife, and withstand the extreme conditions of our coastal environment. FFL gives us the tools to work with nature, not against it, to protect our homes and our natural resources.”
You are invited to join the Lee County Master Gardener Volunteers at the following locations for a free presentation of the award winning “Florida Friendly Landscaping Adapted for Barrier Islands.”Â
- Fort Myers Beach Public Library, 2755 Estero Blvd. from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, October 25th.
- Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957 from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025
Space is limited and pre-registration is preferred HERE.
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF/IFAS) provides Floridians with research-based information and solutions to improve their lives and communities. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program is a cornerstone of this effort. Information from this program will give you the tools that you need to use these principles to promote sustainable practices that protect Florida’s unique ecosystems.
Mariana Pardo is a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Lee County Extension. You can contact Mariana and other Master Gardener Volunteers with your gardening questions at fynlee@ifas.ufl.edu or call (239)533-7505.
There will be a total of six of these presentations over the course of the season. This is the only one on the barrier islands, but similar sessions will be held throughout Lee county at various locations.
Any chance there will be a web broadcast or taped? This would be great information.
I am unable to attend. I would also be interested in a video of the presentation.
Any chance of recording the presentation so those of us that can’t make it could watch at a later date?
We have loved staying and visiting many of Florida’s barrier islands, including Casey Key, Siesta Key, Sanibel, Captiva, Anna Maria Island, and Key West. I love the sea grapes, cacti, and palms, and would love to learn more about plants that can be landscaped.