Responsible Landscapes
????Meanwhile, our St. Augustine lawns and exotic plants—commonly required by homeowner associations—drink up the rain and then quickly beg for more. We turn on the sprinklers. Florida’s water supply continues to dwindle.
????It doesn’t have to be that way, of course.
????Here’s how it could be: The rain falls onto rooftops where it is directed into rain barrels and cisterns. It falls on driveways built of permeable materials that allow it to seep back down into the soil instead of causing runoff.?
????Our exotic plants, meanwhile, have been replaced with native, drought-tolerant plants that need little water beyond the average rainfall and little or no fertilizer once they are established. Pesticides would be all but banished and beneficial insects would help control the population of annoying pests. Just as nature intended.
????The trend of building greener homes is picking up speed because it makes sense.?
????Environmentally responsible landscaping also makes sense.
????“Why would you do one and not the other?” says Tampa Bay builder Charley Hannah of Hannah Bartoletta Homes.
????Hannah Bartoletta is among the growing number of builders, developers, landscaping professionals and homeowners in Florida who are learning to design Florida-friendly yards through programs such as the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program, a University of Florida extension program.?
????This year, several builders in the Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA) Parade of Homes presented environmentally friendly concepts in home building and landscaping, including the showcase home—the Cellini by Homes by John C. Fowke.
????Sales associate Jim Fowke says the company was up for the challenge of using green standards for its 3,446-square-foot entry in the FishHawk Ranch community. The home is loaded with features that save energy and water, promote indoor air quality and reduce maintenance, including energy-efficient windows, recyclable carpets and a storm room.?
????The builder also showed environmental sensitivity by using Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN) principles, such as the prevention of stormwater runoff, efficient and appropriate irrigation and suitable use of plant types.
????TBBA will continue doing its part to encourage eco-friendly landscape design by providing funds to next year’s showcase-home builder to help with the cost of creating a Florida-friendly landscape.
????In the Apollo Beach community of MiraBay, Hannah Bartoletta’s Bay Breeze model demonstrates not only eco-friendly products and materials such as tankless water heaters, cork flooring and low-flow plumbing fixtures, but also FYN-approved landscaping concepts.?
????“We wanted to do it because it’s the right thing to do and we’re moving toward that as a company,” says Amy Castelli, design manager for Hannah Bartoletta Homes. “We used mulch because it protects the roots of the plants. We grouped plants to attract butterflies and bees and things like that. And we planted an herb garden.”
????A yard with native plants and a minimal amount of sod demands far less time and energy to maintain and will consume less water than a typical manicured Florida lawn, Castelli adds.?
????“Being green has become trendy,” she notes, “but it’s really beneficial. You can save a lot of money if you don’t have to water. I don’t want to waste money on watering my yard. I’d rather have a new pair of shoes than spend money watering my lawn.”
????Well said, Amy.??
????If your company is involved in green building and you have a related story idea, email kimh@florida-homebuyer.com.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Here’s a quick course in Florida-friendly landscaping, with several key principles:
????Make good plant choices. Use native and drought-tolerant plants because they generally require less water, fertilizer and pesticides. Plus, they typically create a more suitable habitat for wildlife.
????Water efficiently. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering a lawn for up to two weeks, according to the Tampa Water Department. Otherwise, lawns generally need watering every five to seven days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. Water during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest, which will reduce losses from evaporation. Also, group plants with similar water needs and install efficient irrigation devices.
????Fertilize only as needed. Fertilizers pollute our drinking water when they run off into waterways or leach into aquifers. Choose plants and trees that require little or no fertilizer. When you do apply fertilizer, use those containing slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
????Maximize mulch. Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil and control weeds. When possible, use recycled or by-product and alternative mulches such as pine bark and eucalyptus.
????Control pests responsibly. Remember that many insects are helpful; they help keep pests under control naturally. To manage pests, protect the beneficial insects and reduce the amount of pesticides used.
????Recycle. Don’t toss those grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings. Recycle them. This gives you free mulch and returns valuable nutrients to the soil.
????Reduce storm water runoff. To reduce the amount of runoff, direct downspouts onto lawns and landscaped beds. Collect rainwater in rain barrels and use for irrigation. Use pervious materials such as gravel for paths and driveways.
Need a Rain Barrel?
Hillsborough County residents, would you like to try out a rain barrel for free? Thanks to the Tampa Water Department and Hillsborough County Water Resource Services, you can.?
????Attend a Hillsborough County Extension Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Rain Barrel Workshop and you’ll get a rain barrel that includes a spigot and screen. The workshop and rain barrel are free. Homeowners outside of Hillsborough County may attend the workshop but must pay $20 for the rain barrel.
????To pre-register, check the Web site, www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu, or call (813) 744-5519, ext. 105.