Lilly Browning of Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator at Hernando County Utilities Department held a class about attracting wildlife at Chinsegut Conservation Center. The focus was teaching residents to learn how to create a wildlife haven and with Spring is just around the corner, now’s the time to begin organizing and planning.
There are many reasons why residents should create a pollinator’s garden, and as more areas are developed, natural environs for wildlife are declining.
“It’s also vital,” Lilly Browning said. “Since we’ve taken away so much of their habitat, that we provide some of it back for them.”
Native plants are incredibly essential to Florida, and they provide bees, butterflies and other insects a valuable source of food, while in turn, they pollinate flowers.
“There are hundreds of types of native bees, Browning said. “The more we can provide to attract them the better for everyone.”
The class discussed different ways to provide wildlife a safe haven by planting a variety of plants, shrubs and even creating a no-mow zone.
Creating a wildlife haven is not only bringing out that creative landscaping opportunity for the homeowner, but an exciting way to learn about what species of wildlife is living around you. Florida-Friendly Landscaping is an excellent source for information and provides a booklet The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection and Landscaping Design, free for residents. This booklet gives you ideas on which native plants to have for wildlife and some fantastic landscaping ideas.
For those that do not have landscaping opportunities, planters are another way to create a mini-habitat for bees and butterflies.
The Florida Native Plant Society provides additional information on what native plants attract specific pollinators including hummingbirds.
In case you missed it, Lilly Browning is offering this class on March 13th at Hernando County Public Library – Spring Hill Branch Library at 10:30.
More information about Florida-Friendly Landscaping visit their website at
https://www.hernandocounty.us/departments/departments-n-z/utilities-department/florida-friendly-landscaping
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HernandoFFLProgram/
More information about The Florida Native Plant Society:
https://www.fnps.org/home/
