(By Rose Larkin) According to UF/IFAS, the “Right Plant, Right Place” rule is the most important part of Florida-Friendly Landscaping. When you pick plants that actually like your yard’s soil and sun, magic happens. You won’t need to use as much water, fertilizer, or back-breaking maintenance.
Gardening on Fort Myers Beach is a unique adventure. Our island is beautiful, but recent years have been tough. Between the record surge from Hurricane Ian (2022) and the flooding from Helene and Milton (2024), our soil has changed. If your favorite trees are struggling, or completely gone, you are not alone.
A thriving landscape starts with one simple rule from the University of Florida (UF/IFAS): The Right Plant in the Right Place.
Why Native Plants are Heroes
Native plants evolved here to handle the salt and wind. They are also crucial for wildlife.
Most of our birds and butterflies need native plants to survive. Exotic plants are like “plastic food”—they might look pretty, but they don’t provide the nutrition our wildlife needs. Choosing natives helps protect the true character of our island.
Join the Master Gardeners at Fort Myers Beach Library.
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Lee County want to help you rebuild a yard that brings you joy.
- What: Right Plant in Every Place (FREE)
- When: Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Where: Fort Myers Beach Library – 2755 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
To get the most out of our interactive session, please have the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant Guide downloaded and ready for use before we begin.
The reason for the Plant Guide app is so you can learn how to use it in this class. The app allows you to narrow your search by your zip code, select a category of plant (tree, shrub, perennial, etc.) and then narrow down the category (by shape, color of flowers, whether it likes sun or shade, etc.). The Master Gardener Volunteers will demonstrate how to use it and answer any questions you may have.
Space is limited and pre-registration is preferred. Register today by calling the Fort Myers Beach Library at 239-765-8162 or going to the Eventbrite website.
Sheryl van der Heiden, UF IFAS Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, explains:
“Living on a barrier island means our gardens must be as tough as they are beautiful. We are so excited to help our neighbors understand our unique salt and surge conditions so that gardening can be joyful and successful again!”
“Our goal is to help every neighbor discover how easy and joyful gardening can be when you work with nature instead of against it.”
You will learn Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ tips on soil and light. Whether you are fixing a ‘problem area’ or redesigning a garden bed, this class will help you create a sustainable landscape.
Why Attend?
Whether you are redesigning a whole garden bed, trying to fix a “problem area” where nothing grows, or just want to make smarter choices at the plant nursery, this seminar is for you.
By the time you leave, you will have the knowledge and confidence to create a landscape that is both beautiful and sustainable. You will spend less time working on your yard and more time enjoying it!
The training is expected to be popular. To secure your space and make sure we have material for everyone, registration is strongly recommended. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the first step toward creating a thriving, ecologically valuable yard.
Rose Larkin is a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Lee County Extension. You can contact Rose and other Master Gardener Volunteers with your gardening questions at fynlee@ifas.ufl.edu or call (239)533-7505 to leave a message. Follow the extension service on Instagram at @lee_ufifas and on Facebook at UF IFAS Ext – Lee County. The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.