The Man Behind the Garden Andy Turner, Serenoa Landscape Design I was born and raised in Northeast Florida, shaped by sandy soils, salt air, live oaks, and the quiet beauty that exists when nature is allowed to lead. Long before landscape design became my profession, it was simply my environment—something I lived in, worked in, and learned from every day. I got my start in landscaping back in high school, working for a local landscape company. That work carried me through my

Some of the most beautiful plants in Florida  are also the most destructive. In Northeast Florida , invasive plants don’t just spread — they outcompete natives, damage ecosystems, increase maintenance costs, and are extremely difficult (and expensive) to remove once established . If you’re planning a landscape or reworking an existing yard, these are 10 plants you should stop planting  — and what to use instead. 1. Ruellia (Mexican Petunia) Ruellia is often planted because it

(Climate-Smart, Timeless, and Built to Last) Florida landscape design is unlike anywhere else in the country. Between extreme heat, sandy soils, intense rain, salt air, and fast-growing plants, a successful Florida landscape must be designed intentionally from the ground up —not copied from magazines or cooler climates. This guide explains how Florida landscapes actually work , what to prioritize, what to avoid, and how to design outdoor spaces that stay beautiful, functional