Pasco County Extension

Community Water-Wise Awards
For more than 10 years, the Community Water-Wise Awards have recognized those who use the best in water-efficient landscape design and maintenance.  Winning landscapes demonstrate the beauty and resiliency of water-wise, Florida-friendly landscapes, and your yard might have what it takes to win.  Select this link to learn more and to enter your landscape by June 30, 2012.

The Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™

• Right Plant, Right Place
  Plants selected to suit the specific site will require minimal amounts of water, fertilizer and pesticides.
• Water Efficiently
  Irrigate only when your lawn and landscape need water.  Efficient watering is the key to a healthy Florida yard and conservation of our limited water resources.
• Fertilize Appropriately
  Less is often best.  Over-utilization of fertilizers can be hazardous to your yard and environment.
• Mulch
  Maintaining a 3" layer of mulch will help retain soil moisture, prevent erosion, and suppress weeds.
• Attract Wildlife
  Plants in your yard that provide food, water and shelter can conserve Florida's diverse wildlife.
• Control Yard Pests Responsibly
  Unwise use of pesticides can harm people, pets, beneficial organisms and the environment.
• Recycle
  Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings, if recycled on site, add nutrients to the soil and reduce waste disposal.
• Reduce Stormwater Runoff
  Waterfront property, whether on a bay, river, stream, pond or beach, is very fragile and should be protected as a natural treasure.
• Protect the Waterfront
  Waterfront property, whether on a bay, river, stream, pond or beach, is very fragile and should be protected as a natural treasure.
  
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