Crystal Simmons 2016 Central Florida Landscape Award Winner

Crystal Simmons, University of Florida student award winner for Central Florida Region, in FANN’s 2016 Real Florida Landscapes Design Competition

Kayak Garden, Central Florida Freshwater Marsh Zone 9
FANN’s Real Florida Landscapes Design Competition 2016

Florida is known for its variety of beautiful ecosystems, among them its freshwater habitats, which are teeming with wildflower and aquatic species. Most of us view these plants from a distance, either on the shoreline or by a boardwalk. Crystal decided to offer people the chance to be up close and personal with our plants at eye level, with a Lake Jesup kayak launch that features a designed setting of native wildflowers, grasses and aquatics. This “garden” brings visitors through a corridor of plants, all at eye level and within reach — a unique, layered viewing experience.

A third year student in the UF landscape architecture program, Crystal is a Florida native from Port Orange, in Volusia County, where she early on developed art skills and a passion for the outdoors and design. She is eager to contribute to projects that benefit the community and natural environment. Chalk up another one for the “Gator Good.”