FNPS - The Villages Chapter
Native Plant Landscape - Workshop Information
Workshop Title:
How to Create a Florida-Friendly Landscape with Native Plants
Workshop Description:
This workshop will take participants through each of the steps in creating a native
plant landscape plan that is attractive, can be approved by the Architectural Review
Committee, reduces water and chemical use, and brings the yard to life. We will
apply the principles from the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program and review
dozens of True-Florida Native plants that are appropriate for use in residential
landscapes. No prior experience is needed, only the willingness to apply what is
learned between sessions and submitting images before and after implementing
any changes.
Length of workshop: 3 sessions (Oct 9th 1:00 pm, 16th 2:00 pm, and 30th 9:00 AM)
Number of days per week: One 90-minute classroom session per week for 3 weeks
(an optional 4th session will be a tour to see native plants in a home landscape)
Minimum number of students: Maximum number of students:_15_
Cost: $5 for paid FNPS members (membership single $35, couple $50)
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 pm
Location: Big Cypress Recreation Center
Workshop Outline:
Prerequisites: The workshop is for FNPS members who are residents of The Villages that are
ready to create a native plant landscape in their residential yard.
Objective: Upon successful completion of the workshop and follow-up assignments, participants
should have a complete plan which will allow implementation of changes to their landscape.
The participants will:
 Make a list of appropriate native plants which they want to install
 Create a rough sketch of their desired landscape
 Fill out an Architectural Review Committee application
 Optional: Obtain quotes for any work that requires contract assistance
* While this workshop does not include any strenuous physical exertion, landscaping can be hard
work. Participants should arrange for assistance if they are not able to perform any tasks, or do
not feel comfortable doing so.
Topics
1. The 9 principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping
2. Basic landscape design
3. Selection of appropriate native plants
4. Basic drip and micro-spray irrigation
5. Steps to execute changes
Required Assignments
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Take pictures of their landscape today
Select some images of generic landscapes with features which you like
Reading assignments
Fill out an ARC application change form
Create a sketch of their future landscape with changes that implement Florida-FriendlyLandscapeTM principles using native plants
Optional: Obtain quotes for any work requiring contract assistance
Optional assignments for future implementation (may require contractor assistance):
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Convert a zone(s) to drip / micro-spray irrigation for bedding plants*
Implement changes to their landscape that reduces the total turf grass area and expands
mulched beds with Florida-Friendly native plants*
Submit images of new landscape
*If you are not physically able to perform the tasks, or feel uncomfortable doing so, please get
assistance. Warning: In-ground valve boxes can be home to stinking and biting wildlife.
Instructor Biography:
A Chemical Engineer by degree, Steve Turnipseed is retired from a 32-year career
with Chevron where he held assignments in Mississippi, Texas, California,
Indonesia and Nigeria. Steve is a certified Master Gardener, Florida Water Star
trained and inaugural president of FNPS – The Villages Chapter. Prior plant
experience includes conversion of a landscape in two homes, a restoration project
in Indonesia and coaching residents with their work.