Designing Coastal Landscapes

Designing Coastal Landscapes teaches property owners how to create resilient, salt-tolerant gardens suited to Florida’s shoreline environment. Hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at the Shamrock Park and Nature Center, the workshop covers the specific challenges of coastal gardening, including high winds, sandy soil, and saltwater intrusion. Instructors highlight native plant species that thrive in these harsh conditions while providing essential habitat for local wildlife. The class emphasizes sustainable, Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles that reduce water usage and protect the fragile coastal ecosystem from fertilizer runoff.