CEU Course: Right Plants, Right Place — All Native

Course Description and Objective
This course serves as an introduction to selecting and using native plants in urban landscapes. Instructor provides a working definition and parameters of what is considered a “native landscape” in context of the Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™). Instructor discusses why native plants are well adapted to suite the needs of the SITES™ goals. Examples are cited from federal research studies of typical urban landscapes showing the negative effects of landscapes that increase stormwater runoff, promote the use of chemical applications, lack sustainable environments and require excessive water use.

Instructor reviews the reasons why native landscapes are important in urban areas, public perception aspects related to the success of these landscapes, and how landscape architects can make better selection and specification decisions to assure success in their native landscape designs. Examples of topics discussed include the benefits of a community vs. individual landscape approach, common problems associated with site preparation, soils, pH, diversity, sustainability, installation and establishment; native plant selection and use, growing techniques, landscape design and cultivar selections.

Course Outline

Introduction: Defining a Native Landscape
Reviewing SITES™ (LEED system for landscapes)
What research tells us about urban landscapes
Why native plants are important components of urban landscapes
Wildlife attraction (not all are seen)
Sustainability and adaptability
Drought tolerance (proper placement)
Cost effective approach

Client perception and appeal

Aesthetics
Maintenance

Individual landscapes vs. community approach

Buffers
Pyrogenic species
Local codes and ordinances

Design

Site: soil, climate, hydrology, sun & shade
Plant selection: common pitfalls, diversity, sustainability, ecotypes, cultivars

Installation and Establishment

Reference and Source Materials/Bibliography
Florida’s Best Native Landscape Plants, 200 Readily Available Species for Homeowners and Professionals, by Gil Nelson, published by University Press of Florida, 2003.
Xeric Guide to Landscaping with Florida Native Plants, M. Jameson and R. Moyroud, editors, published by FANN, 1991.
Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens, A Handbook for Gardeners, Homeowners, and Professionals, by Gil Nelson, published by University Press of Florida, 2010.

Total hours of instructor information: 1 (one) hour in classroom

Instructor: Brightman Logan

Other info: Florida Board of Landscape Architecture Approved Course # 009269