by Mariana Pardo, UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteer
According to UF/IFAS, the “Right Plant, Right Place” rule is the most important part of Florida-Friendly Landscaping. When you pick plants that actually like your yard’s soil and sun, magic happens. You won’t need to use as much water, fertilizer, or back-breaking maintenance.
Gardening on Sanibel and Captiva is a unique adventure. Our islands are beautiful, but recent years have been tough. Between the record surge from Hurricane Ian (2022) and the flooding from Helene and Milton (2024), our soil has changed. If your favorite trees are struggling, you aren’t alone.
A thriving landscape starts with one simple rule from the University of Florida (UF/IFAS): The Right Plant in the Right Place.
Lessons from the Storms
Scientists from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), FGCU, and the City of Sanibel Natural Resources Department have been studying why some plants lived while others didn’t. They found:
• Geography Matters: Your yard’s “elevation” is key. Higher areas drained quickly. Lower areas stayed underwater longer in a “salty soup” that drowned roots.
• The “Slow Kill”: Some trees, like the Gumbo Limbo, looked fine at first but died years later. This happens because salt has pushed deep into the soil, slowly starving the roots.
Why Native Plants are Heroes
The City of Sanibel requires that at least 75% of the plants in your yard be native. Why? Native plants evolved here to handle the salt and wind. They are also crucial for wildlife.
Most of our birds and butterflies need native plants to survive. Exotic plants are like “plastic food”—they might look pretty, but they don’t provide the nutrition our wildlife needs. Choosing natives helps protect the “sanctuary character” of our islands.
Join the Master Gardeners at Sanibel Library.
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Lee County want to help you rebuild a yard that brings you joy.
• What: Right Plant in Every Place (FREE)
• When: Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Where: Sanibel Library – 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
To get the most out of our interactive session, please download and have the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Plant Guide ready for use before we begin.
Space is limited, and pre-registration is preferred. Register today!
Sheryl van der Heiden, UF IFAS Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, explains, “Living on a barrier island means our gardens must be as tough as they are beautiful. We are so excited to help our neighbors understand our unique salt and surge conditions so that gardening can be joyful and successful again!”
“Our goal is to help every neighbor discover how easy and joyful gardening can be when you work with nature instead of against it,” she said.
You’ll learn Florida-Friendly Landscaping tips on soil and light. Whether you are fixing a ‘problem area’ or redesigning a garden bed, this class will help you create a sustainable landscape.”
Why Attend?
Whether you are redesigning a whole garden bed, trying to fix a “problem area” where nothing grows, or just want to make smarter choices at the plant nursery, this seminar is for you.
By the time you leave, you will have the knowledge and confidence to create a landscape that is both beautiful and sustainable. You’ll spend less time working on your yard and more time enjoying it!
The training is expected to be popular. To secure your space and ensure we have enough material for everyone, registration is strongly recommended. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the first step toward creating a thriving, ecologically valuable yard.
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