How Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) saves time and money:
Deercreek is a beautiful community and by incorporating some Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles into your space, you can benefit by reducing the time spent on maintenance and lower water use. In addition, there is a benefit to the environment. The data shows that in the US and Canada 39% of bird species have been lost in the last 50 years. Simply by planting a pollinator garden, or adding a few native plants to your landscaping beds, you can take a natural and FFL approach to providing food for our birds and bees.
Readers may notice a theme in many of the 2026 selections for The View. In keeping with concerns about the environment, and wanting to protect and enhance the community, focus will be given to homes that incorporate Florida-Friendly (FFL) principles.
The 9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles are:
1) right plant, right place, 2) water efficiently, 3) fertilize appropriately, 4) mulch, 5) attract wildlife, 6) manage yard pests responsibly, 7) recycle, 8) reduce stormwater runoff, and 9) protect the waterfront.
As you can see, many, if not all the homes in Deercreek are already practicing some of these principles. The View selections will outline a few of the main principles employed at a particular location so that readers may decide if those principles could work for them.
The monthly selections will include names of some of the trees, shrubs, and other plants in the photo. Where possible, a list of the genus and species, if known, as well as the common names will be provided.
With the internet at our fingertips, research is easy. Consumer advocates emphasize that trusted sources are important. For Deercreek, the best local source is the Duval County Extension Office. While the office itself is on the other side of the river, many articles have been published and can be found at: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/duval/. Classes are given throughout the county, and registration is on Eventbrite. (While many classes are free, if there is a fee involved that will be noted.) The next class, on native plants and pollinators, will be given at the Southeast Regional Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd., 32256 on Tuesday, February 17.
Another trusted source for Florida is: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science . If you are curious about a particular plant, simply type: plant name ifas. Your search engine should find several relevant articles to help you get started.