Enjoying the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Experience
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Welcome Master Gardeners!
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook Released in September 2009 Updated photos and graphics Updated fertilizer tables Landscape planning worksheet
FYN Yard Advisor s Guide Aware of this item? Revised to match handbook page numbers Tips and hints
FYN Yard Advisor s Guide Explains checklist items in detail
Yard Recognition Checklist Revising to match handbook page numbers Revising layout of checklist Revising prerequisites Adding aesthetics category Creating new recognition sign
General Comments Recognition not certification Stress education Present unified front Always work in groups Trust your intuition
General Comments Prior to the visit, have the homeowner fill out a copy of the checklist After the visit, fill out the online database form and prepare an optional yard visit report to be sent to the client
Sample Yard Report Letter format Addresses problem areas or areas of concern Should always be written in a positive tone
General Comments Tailor your presentation according to what interests and motivates the homeowner Yard must meet all required practices at beginning of checklist If in doubt, refer homeowners to Extension Agent
Enjoying the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Experience
Yard Advisor shares her FY&N experience
Homeowner Benefits Receive UF/IFAS researched based information specific to their needs Receive BMP s for environmentally friendly, sustainable landscapes
... so that we, and future generations may continue to enjoy the beauty of Florida.
Yard Advice Educating & Learning in the Landscape Lessons are personal and specific in the homeowner s own yard Evaluation process should be positive, educational and enjoyable for you and the homeowner.
FY&N Yard evaluation is an EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE Maintain a positive attitude Have FUN!!!
Rules of the Yard FOCUS on Education not recognition Be Positive- homeowners are sensitive about their yard and hard work.
Cedar Key Island homeowner shares her concerns Provide multiple alternatives Don t be afraid to say: I m not sure or I don t know.
A Florida Friendly yard may take many forms.
Every yard and homeowner will present a unique experience!
Be polite, but don t lose sight of the mission
FY&N Handbook The FY&N checklist provides the framework for yard evaluation.
A Florida-Friendly Yard incorporates 9 Principles: Right plant, Right place Water efficiently Fertilize appropriately Mulch Provide for wildlife Manage yard pests responsibly Recycling Reduce storm water runoff Protect the waterfront
Putting Homeowner at Ease Let the homeowner know the team has arrived Introduce yourself and your team
Putting Homeowner at Ease Ask about pets for their safety and yours Ask if you may take pictures
Putting Homeowner at Ease Ask if the team can review the yard for 5-10 minutes prior to the homeowner joining you Complete as much of the checklist as you can
Putting Homeowner at Ease Irrigation practices (calibration, timing & auto shut off device) Grass clippings Pesticide use and applications Fertilization practices
Putting Homeowner at Ease Offer the homeowner positive feedback and suggestions
Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Provide for Wildlife
habitat, manmade or natural Tiered trees, shrubs, and groundcovers support the greatest diversity of native wildlife.
Managing Yard Pests Responsibly Reduce dependency on chemical pesticides
Homeowner near Withlacoochee River
Reduce Storm water Runoff
Protect the Waterfront
Homeowner with pond concerns
Closing with Homeowner Highlight the positive actions they have taken
Encourage homeowners to call the Extension office when they have implemented changes
If the yard can be recognized: Praise the homeowner. Review specific practices illustrated in their yard. Present the yard sign
Homeowner should be able to articulate principles illustrated in their yard.
Online Database Tool FYN Educators section of website Tool for tracking total number of recognized yards Will allow agents to query database to aid in reporting
Online Database Tool
Master Gardeners, enjoy yourself, and have a good time!!
Through the FY&N program, you may help preserve the quality of life that we enjoy in the Florida. Thank you Master Gardeners!