South Florida Native Plant Seminar 2023

OVERVIEW

FANN’s South Florida Native Plant Seminar of 2023 was held in the Naples Botanical Garden from October 18 – October 19, 2023. The seminar was an educational event for landscape architects, designers, installers, maintenance firms, municipalities, growers, garden centers and retailers focused on using more native plants in South Florida landscapes. It offered continuing education, a new professional micro credential, and networking opportunities with FANN members who possess decades of experience.

Around 100 industry professionals showed up and participated on both days making this a highly successful event. Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, attendees, and volunteers for making this possible! This was truly a great learning and networking experience for those involved. It was an eventful two days. We hope to see you at the next FANN Seminar!

All Photos by Mala Dodge

: Rebeca Siplak and Lexi Greathouse

: Gabbie Salomon (facing) from Wise Hands, + unknown blonde

: Social Group

: Examining a tree on the pruning walk

: Natie Butterfly Flowers crew takes a break near the Site One table

: Patio scene. L-R: Kevin Matherly, Bee Happy Native Nursery, examining info at Sandhill or Sebastian table, Eddie McKeithen talking to Chris Stephens, Joann Larkee Beneficial Landscapes talking to Jayne Stephens, Andrea Lipstein, Mauricio Gonzalez and Natalia Manrique

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

There were a variety of activities planned during the seminar, ranging from different guided garden walks, various presentations on native plants and sustainability, from knowledgeable speakers, and productive networking breaks.

: Opening session with Ellin Goetz, landscape architect.

: Credential applicants examine marlberry on their walk

: Janine Griffiths leading her credential garden walk.

: Credential walk talk – L-R: Miny Marante, Janine Griffiths, Jeff Nurge, Nick Ewy, Rebeca Siplak, Anna iacona and Tim Harrison

Presentations:

Pruning South Florida Native Trees and Shrubs by Donna Corbelli Castro

Marco Island Native Makeovers: Manicured to Natural by Eryk S. Jadaszewksi

The Need for Natives Now by Ellin Goetz

Looking Ahead: Native Plants and Climate Change by Chad Washburn

Beach Dune Habitat Management and Seagrape Pruning by Robert H. Barron

Rooted in Resiliency: Minimizing Our Footprint with Florida Native Plants by Brian Bovard

After Ian: Native Plant Performance by Stephen Brown, Jenny Evans, Nick Ewy, Jared Franklin, Heather Shields

Twelve Shapely Native Plants For South Florida by Janine Griffiths

South Florida Landscapes of the Future Guidance from the Biodiversity and Restoration Sectors by George D. Gann

Elements of a Dune Comprehensive Dune Maintenance Plan by Robert H. Barron

EVENT TEAM

: Shout out to our volunteer event team, L-R: Janine Griffiths, Chairman Eryk Jadaszewski, Jenny Evans, Leslie Landert.

SPONSORS

Naples Botanical Garden

McKeithen Growers

Native Plant Horticulture Foundation

Sandhill

Earth Balance

Sebastian River Farms

Fish Branch Tree Farm

FGCU The Water School

Everglades Native Designs

Landert Landscape Design

Site One Landscape Supply

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Sunbelt Rentals

Florida Wildflower Foundation

Native Tree Nursery

Betrock’s Plant Search

Plantlist.com

Photos of some of our amazing sponsors and their booths

: We successfully attracted the attention of local landscapers like Leo, pictured here at sponsor Site One’s exhibit with Reyna (left) and Rita (center). Leo went home with a copy of Florida’s Best Native Landscape Plants by Bill Nelson, still a classic reference for professionals and homeowners.

: Janine Griffiths and Alyssa Lavoro at the foundation table.

: Wendy Hunter with Fish Branch Tree Farm (SOFLNP seminar sponsor), sports her new FANN Plant Local t-shirt. Wendy took “pages of notes” throughout the event.

: A Wise Hands crew member at the McKeithen table

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Janelle Mendoza

FANN Happenings

South Florida Native Plant Seminar 2023