Once you’ve thoroughly examined your lawn and declared it not only merely dead but really most sincerely dead (i.e. morally, ethically, spiritually, physically, absolutely, undeniably and reliably dead) and you're ready to plant, start with trees. Large native trees anchor your home, add height, and soften the building mass. Think of them as the ceiling of your landscape. They provide needed shade during the seven months of the year when temperatures reach daily highs above 85F. degrees. In an urban setting, it is comforting to know that they provide a family's supply of oxygen. Make sure they will thrive on the site you choose because they are going to be there long after you’re gone. Pick cold hardy species that can withstand temperatures as low as the mid twenties. They should also be drought tolerant if your site is high and dry so they can exist on natural rainfall once established. Or they should be able to withstand wet feet if the site you choose does not drain well in the summer months. Place your trees at least 25 feet from your home, driveway, or road. They need to establish a strong root structure to withstand high winds.

Native palms are excellent accent plants adding that tropical touch we are thrilled to find in Florida. They have a fibrous root system concentrated at the base of their trunk so it is possible to plant them nearer (eight to ten feet from) the house foundation. Use them in clusters for a naturalized look. In nature, many grow as an understudy to big trees and can be planted as such in your yard. Remember, they too need to be cold hardy and drought tolerant.

Large native shrubs form the walls of your landscape. We suggest killing the peripheral twenty feet of lawn in your backyard and planting several large groupings of various size shrubs to form a natural green border. Not a hedge. Space your large shrubs so that they can reach their full height. No one wants to trim all summer in the heat. Large shrubs block views, create privacy, and reduce noise from air conditioners and neighboring pool parties. They also provide nesting habitat and/or shelter for migratory and resident birds. Choose cold hardy species for barrier plantings and add frost sensitive plants that bloom over a long period as accent plantings for color and contrast. Place smaller shrubs at random intervals in amongst the larger shrubs forming layers of plantings between your house and the property edge. This will give you a naturalized border that does not require much care once established.

Native vines can be placed at the base of trees or palm clusters and allowed to ramble up the support provided. Or they can be trained on trellises that work particularly well in narrow spaces on the side of your property to block neighboring views of windows, garages, and storage spaces. The trellis alone provides almost instant privacy and fast growing vines will cover large sheets of latticework in a growing season. Vines can create a floral wall and many attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Native clump grasses, native ferns, native low growing shrubs, and the native cycad, coontie, are excellent low maintenance alternatives to lawn and form the floor of your landscape. They should be planted in groups of a single species (perhaps seven, eleven, fifteen specimens) to create larger areas of contrasting form and texture. Don’t think color here. Think ability to cover large areas of ground under trees, around large specimen or cluster palms, or accent shrubbery. Some species thrive in full sun; many need filtered light or partial shade to do well. Work on one planting area first and see if the plants you choose do well there. If they thrive, repeat this planting palette elsewhere.

Be cautious about groundcovers in our area. Many cover the ground where you plant them and then keep going. Some root at every growing node and will need constant edging to keep them from trailing over driveways and sidewalks or into and over plants and planted areas. Some are very difficult to get rid of if you decide you don't want them anymore. We suggest trying a few plants in an area you want to cover and seeing if you like the results before you remove large quantities of lawn and plant in mass. Several types of groundcover can be mowed and maintained as a lawn replacement. Groundcovers are an excellent alternative to grass on septic fields or to hold banks along canals. Several are salt tolerant and will thrive in full sun, drifting sand conditions. Just ask questions before you buy and try a few plants first.

Specialty native plantings such as a butterfly or hummingbird garden or small pond are exciting ways to add focal points to your landscape. Place them near your Florida room, screened lanai, or out the kitchen or office window. They will attract nature to your door and provide hours of viewing pleasure. I put in a small pond near my back porch and instead of burying my nose in a book, I often find myself watching the dragonflies dash about over the water's edge.

Lawns are environmental wastelands. Think native trees, multisize shrubs, vines, grasses, groundcovers and specialty gardens and start replanting. You’ll add life to your landscape!