Reimagine Your Yard with Florida Native Landscapes
Drive through almost any neighborhood in Northwest Florida, and you’ll notice a familiar sight: stretches of bright green grass running from sidewalk to porch. Neat and carefully maintained, these lawns may fit the traditional idea of picture-perfect curb appeal, but they rarely reflect the natural beauty and character of the landscape we call home.
Florida Native Landscapes is a small, Pensacola-based landscape design firm that specializes in using native plants in residential and commercial projects. For owner Emily Hauman, reimagining urban spaces isn’t about dismissing beauty or abandoning tradition. It’s about restoring a sense of belonging for the people and wildlife that once thrived here.
Hauman’s approach to designing landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife grew from more than professional ambition—it was sparked by a personal curiosity about plants. During a break from her graphic design studies in college, Hauman found herself unexpectedly captivated by a simple backyard tomato plant. That curiosity quickly evolved into a determination to study horticulture, eager to understand plants not just as decorative elements, but as complex, living systems.
While completing her degree, Hauman worked in the wildlife ecology departments at the Florida Forest Service and the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center. She spent her days in longleaf pine forests, meadows and wetlands. Immersed in these landscapes, where she developed a deep appreciation for Florida’s natural systems.
“During those formative years spent immersed in wild Florida, I learned to appreciate the diversity and natural wonder of these places,” Hauman said. “I would return home from work and realize how stripped of natural Florida our urban spaces are. The more familiar I became with our local ecology, the more apparent it was that our cities had lost much of the beauty of these places and the biodiversity that depends upon these plants.”
At the same time, she was learning about the demanding upkeep of traditional landscaping—constant irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides and mowing and how unsustainable these practices can be, especially in Florida’s sandy soils.
After graduating, Hauman explored several paths before connecting with Native Plant Company, a local wholesale grower based out of Milton, Fla. specializing in regional native plants. Encouraged to pursue their shared passion for bringing more native species into developed spaces, the two partnered to launch Florida Native Landscapes in 2022.
Today, Florida Native Landscapes operates as a small, hands-on team designing, installing and maintaining ecologically beneficial landscapes for clients throughout Northwest Florida.
For those new to the concept, native landscaping goes beyond swapping out a few shrubs or flowers. Hauman defines native landscapes as those that prioritize plants that occurred in the region prior to colonial settlement—species that evolved alongside local climate, soils and wildlife.
“When functioning properly, these native ecosystems clean our water and air, host important wildlife such as caterpillars needed to raise baby birds and create flowers that provide nectar to native insects that pollinate our crops,” Hauman said.
Meaning that native plants aren’t just aesthetically suited to Florida, but foundational to the food web. Choosing native plants isn’t just good for your garden—it’s a way to strengthen ecosystem function and help reconnect fragmented habitats in our local communities, one yard at a time.
Hauman explained how this work is especially critical in our region, part of the North American Coastal Plain, which has been designated a global biodiversity hotspot due to the diverse flora and fauna occurring here.
“The vast majority of our ecosystems have been scrubbed from existence as we continue to develop our cities,” Hauman explained. “Florida’s population is growing rapidly and this suburban sprawl threatens our remaining pockets of high-density, diverse ecosystems. What remains of these fragmented forests and meadows is at risk of being lost entirely, as well as the many species of animals that live within it.”
At the same time, we are witnessing historic biodiversity loss worldwide. Traditional landscaping often centers on large expanses of lawn, or what Hauman refers to as a “carpet of grassy monoculture.”
Lawns require repeated mowing, irrigation, fertilization and pesticide treatments to maintain their uniform appearance. Nationally, turfgrass is considered the most irrigated crop in the United States. That resource use is particularly problematic in Florida’s excessively drained sandy soils, as water and nutrients quickly leach into nearby waterways.
A thoughtfully designed polyculture—the practice of growing multiple, diverse plant species together in the same place to support each other—of native plants requires far less care and maintenance once established. These plants are adapted to local rainfall patterns, soil chemistry and seasonal shifts. Rather than fighting the environment, they work with it.
Hauman notes that one of the biggest misconceptions about native landscaping is that it can’t look polished or formal. In truth, many Florida native plants have clean, structured forms, evergreen presence and vibrant seasonal blooms. Cultivated varieties are also available in specific heights, colors and extended bloom times, making it entirely possible to design landscapes that feel both intentional and refined.
Another common misunderstanding is that transitioning to native landscaping requires ripping everything out. Hauman is quick to reassure clients that positive change can happen incrementally. While she advises removing species listed as invasive to prevent ecological harm, she often works with homeowners to preserve historic plantings such as azaleas and camellias, as well as noninvasive fruit trees.
“By strategically adding even a few pollinator beds, you can greatly increase the resources your landscape provides without a complete remodel,” Hauman explained.
Ironically, one of the most common mistakes she sees is over-care. Homeowners often overwater or over-fertilize native plants, assuming they need the same treatment as traditional ornamentals. However, many native species become more resilient and drought-tolerant as they become established, and excess water or fertilizer can cause disease or make plants grow tall and flop.
For those reluctant to give up the lawn entirely, there are alternatives. Hauman recommends fast-growing, mowable native groundcovers such as sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa), which can create lush green spaces with ecological value and far less maintenance.
For homeowners interested in making that shift, Hauman and her team offer guidance every step of the way. Florida Native Landscapes offers a range of services available for residential, commercial and public projects.
Consultations begin with a one-hour, inperson site evaluation, which costs $200. During this visit, a team member walks the property with the client, assessing light conditions, soil type, existing vegetation (both native and invasive) and discussing the client’s vision.
Following the evaluation, clients receive a detailed report that includes a scaled diagram of planting areas, notes on site conditions, examples of suitable plants and a proposal outlining design fees and a general installation estimate.
The design package features a complete scaled plan and key, a plant list with quantities and an estimate of plant materials. Proposals include photographs of each species to help clients visualize the finished space. Designs may also incorporate hardscape elements such as pavers, pathways, seating areas, lighting or sculptural features.
Once a design is accepted, Hauman coordinates with suppliers to custom grow and source plants, a process that typically takes around four to six weeks depending on availability. The team also grows some plants at their office nursery in smaller sizes to help keep costs manageable, particularly for highdensity plantings.
Installation marks the beginning—not the end—of the transformation. Newly planted landscapes are most vulnerable during their first year, when weeds can easily overtake young plants. For this reason, Florida Native Landscapes recommends a first-year maintenance plan for all installed projects, with monthly visits to manage weeds and support establishment.
Hauman describes her landscape designs as dynamic ecosystems that will grow and shift over time. When properly managed, they become increasingly stable, self-supporting systems—supporting biodiversity, managing stormwater, enhancing soil health and offering year-round habitat.
The process of plant selection is both a science and an art. Hauman and her team study local ecosystems to identify species that would historically have thrived on a given site—constantly learning and adapting their methods to what grows best in urban environments.
Each project palette is tailored to client preferences while matching plant growth requirements to existing light and soil conditions. Emphasis is placed on drought-tolerant species with high ecological impact, and on designing for four-season interest. That means layering varied heights, bloom times and structural elements to ensure color, texture and wildlife resources year-round.
For homeowners looking to start small, Hauman offers simple advice: plant a tree. Choose a species that can grow to its mature size without interfering with structures or utility lines, and that can grow to its mature size within the chosen space. Smaller specimen trees, such as Chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) or fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), provide shade, slow stormwater runoff and create valuable habitats.
At the heart of Hauman’s work is the belief that ecological gardening is accessible to everyone. She emphasizes that change doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor, and that every yard that incorporates native plants, reduces chemical use or simply allows a few wildflowers to bloom, plays a part in a broader cultural shift.
“You don’t have to completely rip out existing landscaping and start over to have an impact,” Hauman said. “All of our combined efforts contribute toward building a more sustainable future and healthier environment.”
In a region celebrated for its natural beauty, Florida Native Landscapes is helping residents reconnect with the landscapes that truly define our region. Through intentional design, thoughtful plant selection and ongoing stewardship, Hauman proves that gardens can be more than decorative backdrops—they can be living, breathing habitats that support local wildlife and bring the outdoors closer to home.
To learn more about Florida Native Landscapes, including prices and consultations, visit flnativelandscapes.com, and check out Florida Native Landscapes on Instagram.