Hello and welcome!
Below is a brief overview of why native plants and habitats are so important, as well as a collection of useful links to resources.

The Good News
Native plants are an essential part of the living system that supports pollinators, butterflies, birds, wildlife and even you and me.  Nature creates and regulates this living system with amazing sophistication. Sunlight, air and water work with soil, microbes, insects, native plants and animals to bring life to everything on the planet.  When given a chance, nature provides a healthy and thriving environment for all living things.

The Not-So-Good News
Nature is having a pretty rough time these days.  In our busy modern lives we have stopped paying attention to the natural living system that supports us.  As a result, our supply of clean water is shrinking while pollinators, butterflies, birds, wildlife and natural ecosystems are disappearing at the fastest rate in human history.  In addition to this our rivers, lakes,  estuaries, and bays are being overrun with fertilizers, pesticides and toxic algae blooms.

A Healthy Way Forward
Native plants are a beautiful way to create healthy habitats for butterflies, birds and pollinators right in your own yard.  As an added bonus native plants use less water and need no fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides. Native plants also provide food and shelter for wildlife and are vitally important in the reproduction of birds and butterflies. Landscaping with native plants gives you a beautiful yard that costs less, supports wildlife and helps the environment.  Check out the links below to learn more.

The Importance of Native Plants
Doug Tallamy Video Presentation
Doug Tallamy Audio Podcast Interview

Choosing  Native Plants
Plants Native to Pinellas County – FNPS
Florida Native Plants by Ecosystem – FANN
Wilcox Native Nursery (Pinellas)
Sweetbay Native Nursery (Parrish)
Springer Environmental Native Nursery (Plant City)

Native Plants for Wildlife
Native Butterfly Host Plants – FWF
Native Butterfly Host Plants – Wilcox
Native Plants for Birds – Wilcox
Native Plants for Pollinators – Wilcox

Native Landscape Design / Installation
Springer Environmental
Wilcox Native Nursery
Wise Hands Native Plant Landscaping
Wildly Inspired Landscape and Design
Living Roots Ecodesign

Books
Nature’s Best Hope
Native Landscaping for Florida Wildlife
Native Plants for Florida Gardens
Florida Aquatic Butterfly Gardens
Florida  Butterflies
Florida  Birds
Priceless Florida: Natural Ecosystems and Native Species

Native Plant Organizations
Florida Native Plant Society
Florida Wildflower Foundation
National Wildlife Federation
Homegrown National Park