Going Native


From Weeds to Wonders	View in browser

Going Native!		Rooted in Florida: From Weeds to Wonders, My Journey So Far!

Hello there! 😀

If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that I love getting green-fingered! After we moved to our new home with its big corner lot and towering oak trees, I immediately turned to the Nextdoor app to see what the local gardening community was up to. That’s where I stumbled upon a Native Plant Group – and wow, has it transformed the way I see our yard.

Like a lot of St Pete newcomers, I wasn’t sure where to start. Our soil was neglected, and half the plants around seemed like they were just… there. So, I joined the Native Plant Group and started learning about which plants were actually native – and which were just weeds in disguise! I soon realized that going native was the perfect way to reimagine our yard, save water (a huge perk here in Florida!), and support local wildlife.

Phase one of our butterfly and pollinator garden.

As it turns out, Florida is one of the most biodiverse states in the U.S., home to over 3,000 native plant species, each with its own wild name. Ever heard of Sneeze Weed, Beauty Berry, Spider Wort? They’re not just fun to say – they’re essential to local wildlife, too! Native plants here support hundreds of species of bees, butterflies, and birds. And since one in every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators, I love knowing our yard can be part of that cycle.

The more I learn, the more I realize the many benefits of going native. Not only do native plants need less water and no pesticides, but they also help reduce runoff and keep our nearby waterways clean. Plus, they’re super low-maintenance, which means more time to enjoy the yard instead of constantly working on it.

My new herb and veggie raised garden that I’ve worked on for the past several days.

I’m far from an expert yet, but I’m on a mission to create an authentic Florida yard, one that belongs here in every sense. So, if you’re interested in going native too, let’s swap ideas!

My best advice so far? Don’t ask, “What would grow here?” Instead, think, “What belongs here?”

Warm Regards,

Jeannie