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2024 FNPS Garden of Excellence: Celebrating Florida's Outstanding Native Landscapes
Written by Natalia Manrique
The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) is delighted to present the winners of the 2024 Garden of Excellence Awards. These distinguished projects, recognized in the categories of Commercial and Institutional Landscaping, Habitat Restoration and Conservation, Pollinator and Wildlife Demonstration and Community Gardens, and Residential Landscaping, showcase exemplary use of native Florida plants to create beautiful, functional, and ecologically valuable spaces. From innovative stormwater management to habitat restoration and pollinator-friendly designs, these efforts embody the mission of FNPS: to preserve, conserve, and restore Florida’s native plants and their ecosystems.
This article highlights the unique stories, designs, and ecological impacts of each award-winning project, celebrating their role as models of excellence in native landscaping.
Ripple Effect: Turning Stormwater Into a Community Treasure
Old Palm City’s Ripple Project Shows How Native Plants and Creative Design Can Restore Ecosystems and Connect a Neighborhood
When you hear the words “stormwater treatment,” the first image that comes to mind probably isn’t a space filled with art, walking trails, and native plants. But in Old Palm City, a small neighborhood in Martin County, Florida has completely redefined what a stormwater treatment area (STA) can be with Ripple...as a Drop of Water Becomes a River. It’s not only part of a larger effort to clean up local waterways—it’s a beautiful community space where residents can connect with nature.
Located near the St. Lucie River, which feeds into the Indian River Lagoon (one of the most diverse estuarine environments in North America), Old Palm City has struggled with pollution for decades. Aging septic systems, untreated stormwater runoff, and rapid development have all played a part in harming the estuary. The project was designed as a solution to address these environmental issues while also creating a space that benefits the community.
Ripple provides a creative approach to clean water. The project covers twenty acres and spans four county-owned parcels of land in Old Palm City. Originally, the area was filled with invasive plants, trash, and stagnant water—far from the vibrant, connected green space it is today. Through a process called “creative placemaking,” the project transformed the lots into interconnected stormwater treatment areas that are now planted with Florida native species.
The concept behind Ripple...as a Drop of Water Becomes a River was inspired by both the local landscape and the need to foster a deeper connection between residents and nature. As Lucy Keshavarz, the EcoArtist and project lead, explains, the project was about more than just stormwater treatment. “Using native plants was never a question,” Lucy says. “We knew they would provide the best ecological benefits by cleaning the water, supporting local wildlife, and giving the community a space that felt natural and tied to Florida’s environment.”
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the forward-thinking approach of the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, whose commitment to using native plants has shown off in Ripple’s success. Their strong backing, along with proactive lobbying for funding, ensured that the project had the resources it needed to fully integrate ecological and community-centered goals. “Martin County staff understood the value of native plants from the start,” says Lucy, “and their efforts to secure funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were essential to making Ripple a reality.”
From the beginning, the design of Ripple was shaped by both the environment and the community’s input. “We held several community engagement sessions where people shared how they wanted the space to feel.” “We wanted to balance the ‘wild’ look of native plants with pathways, seating, and educational elements to make the space welcoming.”
The project design didn’t rely on completely reshaping the land either. Instead, the team worked with the existing topography, deepening some areas to hold water and selecting plants that would thrive in wetlands, swales, and retention areas. “The idea of ‘right plant, right place’ was critical,” Lucy explains. “We also knew that smart maintenance, rather than over-manicuring the landscape, would be essential to keeping the project healthy.”
One of the most significant impacts of the project has been the dramatic improvement in water quality and local biodiversity. These are ecological benefits you can see. Before the project, the lots were described as “invasive species-filled, garbage-strewn, and mosquito-infested.” Now, these same spaces are teeming with life, from hummingbirds and wood ducks to marsh rabbits and snook.
Beyond the ecological impact, Ripple also serves as an educational tool for the community. Marjorie Shropshire created the illustrated panels along the trails, offering information on both the natural history of the area and the connections between Old Palm City and its environment. Just by being there, Ripple is teaching people about the role native plants play in keeping our ecosystem healthy.
While the project is officially complete, the space is far from static. Like any landscape, it will continue to grow and evolve. One of the unique aspects of Ripple is the opportunity to experiment with introducing more native species over time. The plan is to see how different plants perform and learn from the space as it matures. For Old Palm City, it’s become more than just a practical solution—it’s a place of beauty, learning, and connection.
Advice for Aspiring Native Plant Gardeners
For those inspired by Ripple to create their own native plant landscapes, Lucy offers some simple advice: “Start small, and enjoy the process. Learning about native plants is like learning a beautiful new language, full of sights, smells, and sounds. Visit native gardens and nurseries, and experiment in your own yard. The key is understanding ‘right plant, right place’—and remember, smart maintenance is just as important as good design.”
Thanks to the combined efforts of the local community, Martin County’s vision, and Ripple’s innovative design, this project stands as a testament to the power of native plants—not just to restore ecosystems, but to strengthen the bond between people and nature.
Restoring the Longleaf Pine Sandhill Habitat: A Labor of Love and Legacy
Peggy Sias Lantz, a charter member of the Florida Native Plant Society, has long been a passionate advocate for Florida’s native plants. Now, in her latest endeavor, she’s tackling a formidable challenge—restoring a five-acre longleaf pine sandhill habitat on her property along Red Gate Road in Orange County. This project, aimed at bringing back gopher tortoises, scrub lupine (Lupinus aridorum), and a range of other native species, is a testament to the power of dedication, vision, and perseverance.
Peggy’s connection to the Florida Native Plant Society began in the late 1970s when she was asked to write an article for the very first issue of the FNPS newsletter. That initial writing assignment sparked not only a love for Florida’s native plants but also a fifteen-year tenure as the newsletter’s editor. Over the years, her deepening knowledge of native flora has only strengthened her resolve to promote native plant habitats.
Restoring a habitat that had become overgrown with invasive species presented a daunting challenge. The woods, once home to mature longleaf pines, turkey oaks, and native wildflowers, had succumbed to invasive cherry trees, air potato vines, and other non-native species. With housing developments creeping closer, controlled burns—a traditional method for maintaining longleaf pine habitats—were no longer an option. But Peggy didn’t give up.
“I found a machine that could chew up everything in its path,” Peggy explains. This mechanical solution allowed her to clear roughly three and a half acres of the overgrown woods. Working with Green Isle Gardens and Marc Godts, she reintroduced native plants suited to the longleaf pine/ sandhill habitat. The planting included twenty longleaf pines (Pinus palustris), ten saw palmettos (Serenoa repens), and thousands of native grasses and wildflowers.
The work didn’t stop at planting. During a particularly dry summer, Peggy diligently watered her new plantings, moving hoses and sprinklers nearly every day. She hand-pulled invasive plants and herbicided others, all while eagerly watching to see what would naturally return from seeds lying dormant in the soil.
“I never knew it would be such fun to watch grass grow!” Peggy laughs, reflecting on the joy she finds in seeing the native species slowly reclaim the land. Native grasses have come back in force, young lupines are sprouting, and wildlife is returning to the area. Pileated and Hairy Woodpeckers have taken up residence in standing dead trees, and other animals are finding homes amidst the new plantings.
As with any large-scale restoration project, the work is ongoing, and planning for the future is imperative. Green Isle Gardens has a five-year agreement to maintain the land, including the removal of invasive species and the use of herbicides where necessary. Though the project has been expensive, Peggy feels strongly that it’s worth every penny. Her hope is that her children will continue her work and keep this precious habitat thriving.
Peggy has shared her restoration journey with friends, family, and even her church community. Her series of short articles, titled Earth Care, appeared weekly in her church’s newsletter and garnered much interest. On her ninety-first birthday, a group from the Oakland Nature Preserve visited the site to celebrate with her and witness the progress firsthand.
For Peggy, this project is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a legacy of conservation and education, a gift to future generations. The land she’s nurtured back to health is now a living testament to the beauty and resilience of Florida’s native ecosystems.
Creating a Haven for Pollinators and Wildlife at Fanning Springs State Park
At the entrance of Fanning Springs State Park, a vibrant pollinator garden now welcomes visitors, providing a glimpse of Florida’s native beauty and an example of conservation-focused landscaping. Led by Heather Blake and the Garden Club of the Tri-Counties, this project supports pollinators, birds, and mental well-being and serves as a living testament to Florida’s rich ecosystems. The thoughtful design showcases how native plants can benefit wildlife while enhancing landscapes with a touch of “the Real Florida.”
The idea for a pollinator garden first blossomed in 2018 when Assistant Park Manager Alex Kinder spoke to the Garden Club of the Tri-Counties. Conversations between Alex and Heather Blake, who served as the lead on this project, sparked a vision: replacing turf grass with native flora near the ranger station, where visitors enter and exit the park. This space would become a model for park-goers, demonstrating how native plants can support wildlife and inspire conservation efforts in home landscapes.
A number of challenges occurred during the planning process. The biggest hurdle was obtaining approval from the state, requiring patience and perseverance from everyone involved. With Heather’s guidance and the commitment of the park staff, the team kept the project moving forward, setting a strong foundation for its success.
To ensure the garden’s success, the team designed with local ecology in mind by carefully selecting plants suited to the site’s soil type and light conditions. By choosing species adapted to well-drained soils and natural light, the design mirrors the local environment, creating an ideal habitat for native pollinators and birds. Key plants include wiregrass (Aristida stricta), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), coral bean (Erythrina herbacea), firebush (Hamelia patens), dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis), pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), corky-stem passionflower (Passiflora suberosa), and coontie (Zamia integrifolia). Together, these species support biodiversity and enhance ecological resilience.
Since its completion, the garden has not only attracted a wealth of pollinators and birdlife but has also drawn positive reactions from visitors. The Garden Club volunteers and park staff frequently receive comments and questions, showing the community’s interest in native landscaping. The steady presence of pollinators and birds highlights the garden’s success in providing food, shelter, and water for wildlife.
Advice for Aspiring Native Plant Gardeners
For those inspired to create their own pollinator gardens, planning for the future is essential. Heather recommends considering the mature size of plants and recognizing that areas around young trees will transition from sun to partial shade as they grow. Grouping similar plants together creates a striking visual display and makes the garden more inviting to pollinators.
A diversity of plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, groundcovers, and perennials, adds layers to the garden. Structural elements should come first, with pollen and nectar plants filling in around them. Including host plants for specific butterfly species and providing a shallow, safe water source ensures that wildlife needs are met. Cleaning bird baths with a water and vinegar solution, rather than soap, is a simple step to keep pollinators safe.
Looking forward, plans for expansion and education will allow the garden’s educational impact to grow even further. With approval from the state, interpretive signage and plant ID markers with QR codes will be added, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the plants and their role in Florida’s ecosystems.
Thanks to Heather Blake’s leadership and the dedication of the Garden Club of the Tri-Counties, this pollinator garden stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with native plants and a commitment to conservation. It not only enhances the park’s natural beauty but also inspires visitors to bring a piece of Florida’s wild landscapes into their own lives.
Rebuilding the Tropical Hardwood Hammock: A Journey in Native Landscaping
In the heart of Coconut Grove, a restored tropical hardwood hammock is inspiring neighbors and visitors alike. This project celebrates the power of ecological restoration, biodiversity, and sustainable land stewardship. It is a vision rooted in preservation and community impact.
For the property owner, the daily erosion of native flora and fauna across Florida was a powerful motivator. “We wanted to recreate a piece of our natural world,” they shared. “Our goal was to bring back the native, tropical hardwood hammock ecosystem unique to Coconut Grove.” The aesthetic elegance of this hammock restoration, they noted, stands in beautiful contrast to the tropical, non-native landscapes often featured in media.
The project’s challenges were primarily educational, involving a steep learning curve in native plant selection. Guided by experts like Michael Kuras of Kuras Designs, NaMa Native Landscapes, and insights from the Florida Master Gardener Program, the team embraced every step in cultivating their knowledge of local plant communities. The transformation, from an overgrown and invasive-filled property to a landscape that reflects South Florida’s natural beauty, speaks to their dedication and vision.
Positioned at the crossroads of the coastal strand and maritime thicket, this landscape beautifully reflects the natural ecological transitions of its environment. Along the coastal edges, beach creeper (Ernodea littoralis) anchors the ground, leading to a maturing canopy and forest characteristic of a maritime thicket—a stunning homage to Coconut Grove’s native plant progression. Key species like Chapman’s wild sensitive plant (Senna mexicana var. chapmanii), Bahama wild coffee (Psychotria ligustrifolia), and Bahama maidenbush (Heterosavia bahamensis) add depth and authenticity. Complementing this, a variety of native plants enrich the hammock-like landscape, including coontie (Zamia integrifolia), crabwood (Gymnanthes lucida), firebush (Hamelia patens), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), joewood (Jacquinia keyensis), and Key thatch palm (Thrinax morrisii). Together, over fifty different species contribute layers of biodiversity, creating vital habitats for local wildlife.
The ecological benefits have been remarkable. During a recent garden tour, a local resident commented on the abundance of birdlife, describing it as “unlike anything seen before in Coconut Grove.” This thriving wildlife habitat has become a model for other residents, inspiring them to consider similar restorations on their properties.
Advice for Aspiring Native Plant Gardeners
For those new to native landscaping, the property owner emphasizes the importance of investing time, resources and selecting knowledgeable advisors. They advocate for moving beyond partial solutions: “A 100% native landscape is the most practical contribution a Floridian can make to support their community and the environment.”
With future plans to add stone structures for visitors to enjoy the surrounding wildlife, the restoration continues. Once neglected, the property has transformed into a peaceful space for contemplating the beauty of Florida’s native flora and fauna—a project that stands as a testament to the power of ecological landscaping.
About the Author
Natalia Manrique is Chair of the FNPS Landscape Committee and co-owner of NaMa Native Landscapes and Flora of Miami. Natalia has dedicated her career to promoting sustainable landscaping practices, with a special focus on Florida’s native plants. As an advocate for biodiversity and environmental stewardship, she celebrates the visionaries who lead the way in creating landscapes that honor Florida’s unique ecosystems.
