Florida Native Plant Society Blog

WHAT A Legislative Delegation is an office within (most) county governments and the group of state-level legislators that represent that county. This group holds public meetings once a year in the Board of County Commissioners chambers or some other public meeting place. This meeting is in the winter, between December and February. Members of the public who wish to speak must submit a completed Public Hearing Form well before the meeting, although in most cases citizens can show up and file a card on the spot to speak to the delegation. This Legislative Delegation meeting provides local constituents with a rare opportunity to speak directly with the state lawmakers who represent them in Tallahassee. Local politicians often attend these events, so they will hear your concerns, too. WHY Protecting native plants and their habitats in Florida requires action by our state legislature. Attached is the schedule of the state’s remaining meetings for 2019. Fill out and submit a speaker’s card i...

by Francesca Singer Source It's not tough to find native plants for your poolside paradise in Florida. We have plenty of plants to choose from. But not all plants are suited to the swimming pool environment. Poolside plantings should offer shade, privacy, texture, color, and structure. They also should not drop leaves or seeds that make your pool look untidy or clog filters. The perfect ornamentals, shrubs, trees and succulents to grow around your Florida pool also attract hummingbirds and butterflies and bring a sense of wonder to the garden. Ornamentals Standing-cypress Source Perennial flowering plants have exceptional visual qualities that add character and color to your poolside. Since perennials don’t die after they flower, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up after them. They’re also easy to find just about everywhere in Florida . Standing-cypress Ipomopsis rubra When it comes to attracting hummingbirds, there are few better natives than standing-cypress . Their ...