Florida Native Plant Society Hosts Fourth Annual Landscape TourLots of people would love to incorporate more native plants in their gardens for many good reasons, including to benefit the environment, invite birds and butterflies, reduce maintenance tasks, etc., but they're not sure how to start and wonder: Which plants are native and which aren't? Which species are right for my yard? How do I create a landscape design? One of the best ways to learn is by example, and the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is providing an opportunity for the public to see some successful native landscapes with their fourth annual Native Landscape Tour on Saturday, September 25, and Sunday, September 26. The tour happens over two days, with south county homes open on Saturday, north county homes on Sunday. The south county tour includes seven residential yards in St. Petersburg. The north county tour has six residential yards in Dunedin, Belleair, Largo, and Seminole. The tour will give visitors a glimpse at what is possible when conventionally landscaped yards are transformed into native plant habitats that are environmentally and wildlife friendly. These yards have reduced or zero lawn areas and use less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Even better, they let homeowners watch wild creatures feed, bathe and nest in their own landscapes, of immense educational, recreational and spiritual value in our urban community. Tour-goers will have the opportunity to talk to the homeowners and learn what inspired them and how they accomplished the creative changes to their yards. Native Plant Society members will be on hand to answer questions about native plants and natural landscaping concepts. Tickets for each tour are available for a suggested donation of $5 ($8 day of event). Registration is available from now until the event at three sites (see below for locations). The tours are self-guided, with participants following the map in the provided tour booklet. Carpooling is encouraged. Registration sites: Wilcox Nursery (12501 Indian Rocks Road, Largo.) Phone: (727) 595-2073. Website: www.wilcoxnursery.com. Twigs & Leaves Nursery (1013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street S., St. Petersburg.) Phone: (727) 822-5400. Website: www.twigsnleaves.com. Cool Ponds (2001 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin.) Phone: (727) 738-4974. Website: www.coolponds.com.
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