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Home My WebLink AboutOrdinance No. 2025-018GARY J. COONEY, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT 6 COMPTROLLER, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA REC FEES: $707.00 - CITY:OFCLERMONTCL .. - . ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 AN ORDINANCE. OF THE .CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF .. CLFRMONT, LAKE COUNTY;FLORIDA, AME14DING CHAPTER f8, . "ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL''RESOURCES", ARTICLE VHI !'WATER EFFICIENT. IRRIGATION AND LANDSCAPING"; DIVISION 1 "GENERALITY", SECTION 18-212.• "DEFINITIONS", . SECTION .18-216 "APPLICATION OF LANDSCAPE: AND : :IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN PROVISIONS",, SECTION 18-219--- '!EXCEPTION TO. LANDSCAPE. IRRIGATION PROVISIONS";. . DIVISION 2 "IRRIGATION", SECTION 18-247 "IRRIGATION' PLAN : 3UBMIITAL'!, SECTION 18-248;"IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN", SECTION- 18250 "LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION SCHEDULE"; DIVISION 3""LANDSCAPING", SECT_ION 18-279 "LANDSCAPING STANDARDS? ; ' SECTION: 16-281. -DESIGN. STANDARDS.,. .; PRO VIDING-FOR..CONFLICT SRVERABILITY, CODIFICATION; 'THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR,' - - :PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. - . WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions'of Chapter 163, F.lorida.slannes,;;the City of Clermont Planning and Zoning Commission, acting as the.LocalPlanning Agency of the City, has - - held a public hearing on Mar6, 2025','and follow; ig such Bearing found this Ordinance to be in -the best interest of the .City of Clermont, and recommended that the City.Council adopt this .. Ordinance; and . .. ' WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Clermont shall =end the City Code, Chapter ' - 18,. "Environment and Natural' Resources", Article VDI: "Water Efficient lirigation.and .Landscaping'; Division 1 "Generally", Section 18-212 "Definitions", Section IS-216 - "Application of Landscape and Irrigation System Design Provisions", Section 18-218 ".Exception . to Landscape Irzigation Provisions"; Division 2 "krigation",.'Section 18-247 "Irrigation .Plan 'Submittal", Section 18-248 `Irrigation System Design", Section:18-250 "Landscape Irrigation.. Schedule"; Division 3. "Landscaping", Section T8-279 "Landscaping Standards' ; Section 18-291.: - "I"ign Standards.."; and . NOW, THEREFORE,;BETP HEREBY ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Clereiont, that various section's with Chapter 18, "Environment and. Natural. Resoutces";:Article... VID, Divisions 1, 2 and 3 of the Clermont City Code shall be amended to'make changes, asset forth in the following amendments shown in Section 2. SE�•ION 1: AUTHORITY . The City Council of the City of Clermont has the authority.to adopt this Ordinance pursuant to Article VII of the Constitution of the State of Florida and Chapter I63 and 166, FloridaStatutes. . - CITY OFCLERMONT ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 SECTION.2: The Land Development Code of the City of Clermont Code.of Ordinances is hereby amended to . read as follows (notestrikethrough indicates removed words and underlined indicates added): CHAPTER 18 ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES, ARTICLE VIII WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION AND LANDSCAPING DIVISION I GENERALLY Section 18-212 " Definitions For the,purpose of this article the following terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall have the meaning given herein. .. Address means the house number of the physical location of a specific property. This includes :rural route numbers but excludes post office box numbers, If a lot number in a mobile home park orsimilar community is used by the United States Postal Service to determine a delivery location, .the lot number shall be the property's address. _ - Annual beds means any landscape where the majority of plants are replaced yearly or more frequently. Automatic irrigation smart controller means a web based controller that monitors weather Best management practices (BMPs) means irrigation system, lawn, and landscape practices designed to reduce negative impactson the environment and promote water conservation. District means the St. Johns River Water Management District Drought tolerant plants means plants, once established, that survive on natural rainfall with occasional irrigation during dry periods. Emitter. means a device thatapplies irrigation water. The tens "emitter" is primarily used to , refer tothe low flow rate devices used in micro -irrigation systems. . Even -numbered address means an address ending in the numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or the letters A ' through M. .. Florida Friendly Landscape, as provided for in F.S. § 373.185, means quality.landsdapes"that conserve water and protect the environment and are adaptable to local conditions and which are drought tolerant. The principles of Florida Friendly Landscape include planning. and design, appropriate choice of plants, soil analysis which may include the use of solid waste compost, " efficient irrigation, practical use of turf, appropriate use of mulches, and proper maintenance. Green space means the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways, vehicular use areas, hardscapcs such as decks, swimming pools, decorative fountains, patios, and other nonporous areas. Stormwater management systems, and wetland conservation areas, lakes, rivers - and creeks are excludedin the calculation of green space area. _ C �0�. CITY OFCLERMONT .",M.. ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 Irrigation system means a permanent watering system designed to transport and distribute water to plants as a supplement to natural rainfall. Irrigation zone means a control valve circuit containing emitters and/or sprinklers with consistent application rates. Landscape irrigation means the outside watering of plants in a landscape such as shrubbery, . trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens and other such flom that ire situated in such diverse locations as residential areas, public, commercials and industrial establishments, and _ public medians and rights -of -way. The term 'landscape irrigation" does not include agricultural crops, nursery plants, cemeteries, golf course greens,.: tees;. fairways, primary roughs, and vegetation associated with recreation areas, such as, but not limited to, football, baseball and soccer fields. Landscape plant zone means a grouping of plants with similar water and cultural needs, such .: as sunlight and soil. Plant groupings based on water use are as follows: natural plants, drought tolerant plants, and oasis plants. Micro -irrigation means the frequent application of small quantities of water directly on or below the soil surface or plant root zone, usually as discrete drops, tiny streams or miniature sprays through emitters placed along the water delivery pipes (laterals). Micro -irrigation encompasses a number of methods or concepts, including drip; previously known as trickle irrigation, subsurface, bubbler and micro -spray irrigation, Mulch means any material applied to the soil surface to retain soil moisture, control erosion, inhibit weeds, and/or regulate soil temperatures. Natural plants means plants, onceestablished, that survive on rainfall without irrigation. Nonresidential landscape irrigation means the irrigation of landscape not included within the definition of the term "residential landscape irrigation," such as that associated with public, commercial and industrial property, including commercial or transient housing units, hotel and motel units, and public medians and rights -of -way. Oasis plants means plants, once established, requiring frequent irrigation. . Odd -numbered address means an address ending in the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 or the letters M throughZ. Overspray means water that is delivered beyond the landscape area wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other nonlandscaped areas.. - Rain sensor device means a calibrated device that is designed to measure rainfall and override the irrigation cycle of the irrigation system when a predetermined amount of rainfall has occurred. Reclaimed water means a reclaimed water system, including systems in which the primary source is reclaimed water; which may or may not be supplemented from another source during peak demand periods.: CITY OF CLERMONT a ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 - Residential landscape irrigation means the irrigation of landscape associated with any housing unit having sanitary and kitchen facilities designed to accommodate oneor more residents, including multiple housing units and mobile homes. Running annual water budget means a water budget based on 12 consecutive months of irrigation water consumption. Runoff means water not absorbed by the soil that flows from the area. Site appropriate plants means landscape plant species that are suited to' the site growing _ conditions. Turf and/or mwf grass means continuous plant coverage consisting of .grass species appropriately suited to the site where it is planted. Waterfeatures means features of a site that holds water temporarily or permanently. The term . "water features" may include both natural features such as lakes, wetlands, riven and creeks, or artificial features such as retention and detention ponds, fountains, ditches and canals. Wind sensor means a device used to measure the wind: speed or velocity and override the irrigation cycle of the irrigation system when a pre -determined wind speed has occurred. Section 18-216 Application of Landscape and Irrigation System Design Provisions (a) Compliance with the landscape and irrigation system design provision of this article is required of all office, commercial, industrial, institutional, multifamily,- and single-family sites receiving potable water service from the city and/or located within the city limits in the following categories: (1) New construction. (2) Newly irrigated landscaped and turf areas. (3) R. All new developments shall incorporate language in (b) Alternate methods of compliance may be considered as long as they meet the intent and purpose of this article and the intent of the district. 'Section I8-218 Exception to Landscape Irrigation Provisions (a) Irrigation using micro -spray, microjet, drip or bubbler irrigation is allowed anyttaae. roP vided it meets SIRWMD.standards. (b) Irrigation of new landscape is allowed daily for the initial 30 days following installation and every other day for the next 30 days for a total of one 60-day period, provided that the irrigation is limited to the minimum amount necessary for such landscape establishment. AZOFCLERMONT d `rr ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 (c) Watering in of chemicals, including insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, and herbicides when required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices, is allowed at any time of day on any day within 24 hours of application. Lawn maintenance/pest control companies must install an advisory marker, visible in the front yard, showing the date of the application. Watering in of chemicals shall not exceed one-fourth inch of water per application except as otherwise required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices. (d) Irrigation systems may be operated anytime for maintenance and repair purposes not to exceed 20 10 minutes per hour per zone. (e) Irrigation using a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed any, time of day on any day. (f) Discharge of water from a water -to -air air conditioning unit or other water -dependent cooling system is not limited. - (g) The use of recycled water from wet detention treatment ponds for irrigation is allowed anytime provided the ponds are not augmented from any ground or of£ site surface water, or public supply sources. DIVISION 2 IRRIGATION Section. 18-247 Irrigation Plan Submittal A detailed irrigation plan shall be submitted by an irrigation contractor certified by the city and/or the county, illustrating zones, pipe sizes, emitter types, nozzle size and precipitation rate and total precipitation rate for each zone, irrigation water source connection point, backflow prevention device, type and locations of automatic shutoff devices, controller specifications, and any other pertinent information shall be submitted to the water conservation coordinator for review and approval prior to installation of an irrigation system. Section 18-248 Irrigation System Design - -(a), A site plan, at a readable and defined scale, shall be submitted illustrating the proposed irrigation zones: Turf areas shall be on separate irrigation zones from other landscape plant zones. The,irrigation system shall be designed to accommodate separate landscape plant zones based on differing water requirements. CITY OFCLERNONT R aT ORDINANCE N0.20Z5-018 (b) Spacing for rotors and sprays shall not exceed 50 percent of the sprinklers' diameter of coverage, per manufacturer's specifications to accomplish head -to -head coverage. ,(c) Sprays and rotors shall have matching application rates within each irrigation zone. Sprays and rotors may not be mixed within a single zone. Tree bubblers must be on a separate zone or on thezone with shrubs. Tree bubblers must be of a type that can be adjusted to be on or shut off. (d) All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid overspray, runoff,.low head drainage, or other similar conditions where water flows onto or over adjacent property, non -irrigated areas, walkways, roadways, structures, or water features. Narrow areas four feet wide or less shall not be irrigated unless such irrigation can be. contained within that narrow area. Emitters may not transverse sidewalks or driveways in order to cover a larger. area. (e) Irrigation control equipment installed prior to the 2025 landscape standards adoption shall include an automatic irrigation controller having program flexibility such as -repeat cycles and multiple program capabilities. Automatic irrigation controllers shall have a replaceable battery back-up to retain theirrigation programs. The irrigation control equipment shall be reset to accommodate irrigation needs based on the season. Automatic control systems shall be equipped with an operable and properly,placed and calibrated automatic shut-off or rain sensor device which will disable the system after a maximum of one-half inch of rainfall. Vents on such sensor must be closed. Such sensors may not be disabled at any time. (f) All properties that receive water from the city for the purpose of landscape irrigation must have a separate landscape irrigation meter. The city shall establish smarting annual water budget (RAWB) for eachlandscape irrigation customer based on property size, pervious area, and the annual landscape irrigation application rate e"s established by St JoLs River Water Management District tSJRWMD) that is identified in the City's most recent consumptive use Permit. 35 28 ineMs. Where individual residential lot sizes have not been determined, an initial running annual water budget shall be based on an assumed property size of 11,000 square feet (one-fourth acre) with 50 percent pervious area. (g). For a property for which a running annual water budget has been determined using an assumed property size and pervious area where a property exceeds the assumed specified property size of 11,000 square feet, a water customer may request that a new running annual water budget be established by submitting a signed and sealed property survey to- the city's planning and development services department showing the total square footage of the property and the percent of pervious surface. (h) .Exceeding the running annual water budget is subject to the fine schedule identified in - section 18-245. WY OFCLERMONT a. ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 Section 18-250 Landscape Irrigation Schedule (a) All landscape irrigation shall be limited in amount to only that which is necessary to meet landscape needs and no more than three -fourths inch of water may be. applied per irrigation zone on each day that irrigation occurs. Irrigation. shall beprohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Irrigation shall be limited to two days per week during Daylight Saving Time and one day per week during Eastern Standard Time, but at no time may any one zone runfor more than one hour per zone per watering day. (b) The watering schedule is as follows: (1) Daylight Saving Time (second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November). a. Odd addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 or no address may water on Wednesday and Saturday. ' b. Even addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 may water on Thursday and Sunday. c. Nonresidential irrigation -may water on Tuesday and Friday. (2). Eastern Standard Time,(first Sunday. in November to the second Sunday in March). a. Odd addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 or no address may water on Saturday. b. Even addresses ending in0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 may water on Sunday. c. Nonresidential irrigation may water on Tuesday. (c) The city may adjustschedules for reclaimed customers to accommodate the city's reclaimed water system demands. These schedules may be changed in the future should the supply of reclaimed water either exceed or not meet demand. The city will notify such customers, in 'writing; should such changes be necessary. This schedule will follow_ the St Johns. River Water Management District schedule and restrictions. ",(d) A variance from the specific landscape irrigation days or day set forth in subsections (a) and - (b) of this section may be granted if strict application of the scheduled days or day would lead to unreasonable or unfair results in particular instances, provided that the applicant demonstrates with particularity thatcompliance with -the scheduled days or day will result in a substantial economic, health or other hardship on the applicant requesting the variance or those served by the applicant. Where a contiguous property is divided into different zones, a variance may be granted hereunder so that each zone may be irrigated on different days or day than other zones of the property. However, in no event shall the variance allow a single zone to be irrigated more than two days per week during Daylight Saving Time or more that one day per week during Eastern Standard.Time. DIVISION LANDSCAPING Section 18-279 Landscaping Standards Landscaping shall meet all applicable4andscape requirements adopted by the city, including those .outlined "in this division.All landscaping must comply with the attached Landscape Standards adopted on June 29 2025 [Exhibit A) which are Florida Friendly quality landscapes that conserve water and.protcet the environment and are adaptable to local conditions and which _ are drought tolerant. The principles'of Florida Friendly Landscape include planning and design, CLER�ONT CITYOFCLERMONT ,e ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 appropriate choice of plants, soil analysis which may include the use of solid waste compost, efficient irrigation, practical use of turf, appropriate use of mulches, and proper maintenance. . Section 18-281 Design Standards' (a) Installed trees and plants shall be grouped together into landscape plant zones according to water and cultural (soil, climate, and light) requirements. (b) Plant groupings based on water requirements are as follows: natural, drought tolerant and oasis. (c) Landscape designed prior to the 2025 adoption shall have Wwind breaks shall be utilized to reduce wind velocity and water loss that occurs by evaporation during irrigation and by evapotranspiration from plants: Windbreaks can be formed by walls, fences, .shrub beds or hedges. An alternative to the physical windbreaks may be the addition of a wind sensor set to disengage the irrigation system when wind speeds exceed 15miles per hour. (d) (e) A layer of mulch to a minimum depth of three inches, shall be specified on the site plan in plant beds and around individual trees in turf areas. Non -Organic mulch (such as rubber) is pEg—ulshe- --- prefie_ea The mulch shall not be laced direct] a amstthe hibite , --`�- P Y � B plant stem or tree trunk. Mulch shall not be required in annual beds. SECTION 3: CONFLICT All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION 4: SEVERABILITY If spy portion of this Ordinance is declared invalid, the invalidated portion shall be severed from the remainder of the Ordinance, :and the remainder of the Ordinance shall continue in full force and effect as if enacted without the invalidated portion; except in cases where such continued validity of the remainder would clearly and without doubt contradict or frustrate the intent of the Ordinance as a whole. CITY OFCLERMONT (a ER IVj ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 SECTION 5: CODIFICATION The text of Section 2 of this Ordinance shall be codified as a -part of the Clermont City Code. The codifier is authorized to make editorialchanges not effecting the substance of this Ordinance by the substitution of "Article" for,"Ordinance", "Section" for "Paragraph", or otherwise to take such editorial license. SECTION 6: ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR Regardless of whether such inclusion in the Code as described in Section 5-is accomplished, sections of the Ordinance may be re -numbered or re -lettered and the correction of typographical and/or scrivener's errors which do not affect the intent may authorized by the City Manager or designee,. without need of public hewing, by filing a corrected or re -codified copy of same with the City Clerk. SECTION 7: PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall be published as provided by law and it shall become law and shall take effect immediately upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. t�ci. t• t,. : _ .,k7� :,F - SSA • , CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards 1. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these standards and guidelines is to contribute to the development of a well -planned urban environment by fostering the creation of visually compatible and harmonious streetscapes. Their intent is to: (a) create and maintain a strong community image, identity and sense of place; (b) create and maintain a positive visual ambiance for the community; (c) enhance and sustain property values; (d) promote a high degree of compatibility between surrounding structures and land uses, (e) establish and promote a standard for quality design and enduring quality development; and (f) foster civic pride and community spirit by maximizing the positive impact of quality development. 2. Applicability The Landscape Standards shall apply to all new development and redevelopment within the City, with the following exceptions: (a) Additions, renovations, replacement or redevelopment of an existing structure or project, where the cost of such additions, renovations, replacement or redevelopment does not exceed 50 percent of the value of the existing structure(s), of 35 percent of the square footage of the existing structure(s), unless the use of the structure(s) or project has ceased for a period of more than 365 consecutive days, or unless cumulative additions, renovations, replacement or redevelopment initiated during any five-year period meet the thresholds listed above, whereupon the provisions herein shall apply. 3. Submittal and Approval Requirements Submission and approval of project plans shall be in accordance with the applicable sections of the City's Code of Ordinances. In addition, the following is required: Landscape drawings shall be a required exhibit of any site plan required to be submitted for development approval. Such drawings shall be rendered in color prior to final project review by the Development Review Committee and shall include construction material specifications, color charts, structure dimensions, service area and mechanical equipment locations, outdoor storage area locations, screening devices, master lighting plan, and any other information as determined necessary by the City to ensure consistency with the intent of this ordinance. Final approval of all required project design submittals shall be by the city as part of the development approval process. CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards 4. Landscape Materials List: Landscape materials below are approved for use for landscape plans. Additional species may be accepted that are approved by the Florida -Friendly Landscaping Program produced by the Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (IFAS), and accepted by the administrative official. Category Common Name Latin Name Ferns Leather Fern Acrostichum denaeffoitum Ferns Giant Sword Fern Nephrolepis bisenate Ferns Sword Fern Nephrolepis exagefa Ferns Bracken Fern Pteddium squiltnum Ferns Bracken Fern Plendium equilinum Ferns Leatherleaf Fern Rumohre adiantiformis Grasses Bluestem Grass Andropogon spp. Grasses Elliott's Loveliness Emgmsfis eigofto Grasses Purple Lovegness Emg=fis spectabdis Grasses Pink Muhy Grass Muhlenbergm capiffans Grasses Little Bluestem Sctuzachynum scopanum Grasses Sand Cord Grass Spanina baker Grasses Fakahatchee Grass Tripsicum dae"des Grasses Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass Tripstcum it ddanum Grasses White Cloud' Muhy Grass Muhlenbergia cW#ans'While Qbud' Grasses Winegrass Anshda stride var. beynchiana Grasses Lemongness Cymbopogon cibatus Grasses Elliott's Lovegrass Emgmshs OWN Grasses Purple Lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis Grasses Zebra Grass Miscanfhus sinensis Grasses Panic Grass jPsnicurn virgalum Groundcover Perennial Peanut Arachis glabrate CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards Groundoover Lanceleaf Coreopsis Corsopsis lenceolate Groundoover Swamp Twirdlower Dyschonsle humishate Groundcover Sunshine Mimosa Mimose sMgNosa Groundoover Frogfruil Phyla nodiRom Groundoover Georgia Calanint Clinopodium georgisnum Groundcover Juniperua carderts Creeping Juniper Groundcover Twin Flower Dyschodsts oblongfta Groundoover Blue Deze Evolvulus gkmieratus Groundoover Tampa vervain Glandulada tampensls Groundoover Giant Sword Fern Nephrolepis biserreta Groundoover Sword Fern Nephrolepa exahWa Groundcover Mondo Grass Oph7opogon japonicus Groundcover Leathedeaf Fern Rumohra ad'antgorrnis Groundoover Inkberry Scaevola plumied Groundoover Asiatic Jasmine Tmchelospermum asiatioum Groundoover Cardboard Plant Zemia fuduracea Groundcover Coontie Zamia pumile Large Shrubs Pineapple Guava Acca sellowisna Large Shrubs Pipestem k Agadsta populaolis Large Shrubs Century plant Agave W. Large Shrubs Sweet Almond Bush Aloysia virgata Large Shrubs Devirs Welkingstick Arabs spinosa Large Shrubs Madberry Ardisie escallonloides Large Shrubs Pawpaw Asknina spp. Large Shrubs Yesterday Today and Tomorrow Snrnfelsla granddlora Large Shrubs Carolina Allspice Calycanthus goridus Large Shrubs Camellia Camellia japonica Large Shrubs Sasanque Camellia sasanqua Large Shrubs Buhonbush Cephslanibus occidentags Large Shrubs Seagrape Coccoloba wifere Large Shrubs Buttonwood Conocerpus ereclus CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards Large Shrubs Golden Dewdrop Duranta erects Large Shrubs Coral Bean, Cherokee Been Erygaina herbaces Large Shrubs Stoppers Eugenia spp. Large Shrubs American Beautyberry celffcarpa amencana Large Shrubs Cocoplrrn Chrysobalanus icaco Large Shrubs Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea gwrcAfolfa Large Shrubs Ocala' Anise lliicium pervi0omm'Ocala' Large Shrubs Shan Stopper Slmpsods Stopper Mycriamhes /ragmns'Show 5E0ppse TM Large Shrubs Florida Privet Foreshem segregate Large Shrubs Tw ing Sihrerbell Halesia dipters Large Shrubs F'rebush Ha ha patens Large Shrubs Hydrangea Hydrangea mecrophyfle Large Shrubs Yaupon Holly Ilex vomftone Large Shrubs Star Anise Illicium spp. Large Shrubs Rusty Lyonia Lyme termginea Large Shrubs Simpson's Stopper Myrcianthes Imgrans Large Shrubs Also known as Twinberry Mynca confers Large Shrubs Hydrangea quemifolia Oaldea( Hydrangea Large Shrubs Mid Olive Osmanthus americans Large Shrubs Tea Olive Osmanthus fmgrans Large Shrubs Sweet Acacia Vachegia famesiana Canopy Trees Red Maple Acermbmm Canopy Trees River Birch Behrla nigm Canopy Treem; Black Olive BuoHa bucams Canopy Trees Hickories Carya slop. Canopy Trees Buttonwood Conocarpus emctus Canopy Trees Lablaly Bay Goldonis lasianthus Canopy Trees S mtgum Uquidambsr styraciflue Canopy Trees Slash Pine Pima egiofffl Canopy Treas Denss'Pine Pams efliotfa'Densa' Canopy Trees Longleaf Pine Pinus palushis CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards Canopy Trees yycamore Planlanus occidentalls Canopy Trees Bluff Oak Quercus austdne Canopy Trees Sand Live Oak Querous geminate Canopy Trees Live Oak Quercus virgintana Canopy Trees Pond Cypress Taxodium ascendens Canopy Trees Bald Cypress Taxodlum disitchum Canopy Trees Waged Elm Ulmus state Canopy Trees Red Cedar Jur*enes virgmisna Canopy Treas Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandtgora Canopy Trees Sweet Bay Magnolia Magnolia virgirdane Canopy Trees Avocado Parsee americans Canopy Trees Loblolly Pine Pinus Made Canopy Trees Turkey Oak Quarcus (skate Palms Pindo Palm Bugs Mutate Palms European Fan Palm Chamaerops humdis Palms Dloon Dkon adule Palms Paurotls palm Acostormaphe wdghbi Palms Bismarck plam Bismardda noblWS Palms Meclool Palen Phoernk daclylifera Palms Sylvester Date Palm Pimnur sylvestds Palms Needle Palm Rhapidophyflum hyst* Palms Dwarf Palmetto Sabel minor Palms Sabel Palm Sabal palmetto Palms Adams Needle Yucca fdamentesa Palms Chinese Fan Palm Livistona spp. Palms Ponytail Palm Wine recumate Palms Lady Palm Rhepts exceka Palms Slender Lady Palm Rhapis humdts Palms Scrub Palmetto Sabel efonie Palms Saw Palmetto Serenoa repans Palms lWashington Palm Washmgtonis robusta CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards Palm Foxtail Palm AWyege bilurcata Palms Cardboard Plant Zamis hafuracea Palms Coordie Zamia puma Perennials Century plant Agave spp. Perennials Mikweed Asclepius spp. Perennials Pawpaw Asmuna spp. Perennials Cast Iran Plant Aspidistra elatfor Perennials Bromeliads Brem baceae spp. Perennials Bulbine Sulbine frutescens Perennials Canna Lily Canna spp. Perennials Coreopsis Coreopsls spp. Perennials Crinum Lily Crinum spp. Perennials Twin Flower Dyschodsfe oblongBoga Perennials Purple Coneflower Echinaces purpuree Perennials Bush Daisy Euryops spp. Perennials Blue Daze Evohulus glomerstus Perennials Yellowtop Havelia linearfs Perennials Swamp Sunflower Helfanfhus angusthVius Perennials Amaryllis l4ppeastrum spp. Perennials Kelenchoe Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Perennials Blazing Star Lfalris spp. Perennials Milkwesd'Swamp' Asclepius incarnate Perennials Aquatic milkweed Asclepius pemmis Perennials Butterfly Milkweed. Asolepius tuberose Perennials Florida Greeneyes Bertandiera subacaulis Perennials Sea Oxeye Daisy Bomchia fnitemaris Perennials Goldenaster Chrysopsis spp Perennials False Rosemary Conredia canescens Perennials Leavenworth Tickseed Conerpsis leavenworthii Perennials Button Rattlesnake Masher Eryngium yt=irolium Perennials Coral been Eythrina herbacea CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards Perennials I Blanket Flower Gallardia pulchefle Perennials Dune Sunflower Hefianthus debgis Perennials Scorpion Tail Helbimpium angiospennum Perennials Scarlet hibiscus Hibiscus coccineus Perennials Swamp Hibiscus Hibiscus grandiliores Perennials Atlantic St. John's Wort Hypericum tenudblium Perennials Buttonsage Lantana invducrefa Perennials Beebalm Monarde punctata Perennials Menylower beardlongue Penstemon multigorus Perennials Norrowleaf Silkgrass Alyopsts graminlfolia Perennials Black Eyed Susan Rudberdda hide Perennials Tropical Sage Salvia coccbea Perennials Pentas Pentas lanceolate Perennials Native Star' Starry Rosin Flower Silphium asfedscus'Native Star Perennials Seaside Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens Perennials Native Blue Porterweed Stachytarphete Jamicensis Perennials Stokes Aster Sfokesia laevis Perennials Ohio Spiderwort Tredescantia ohiensis Perennials• Giant lmd Vemonfe gigantea Perennials Plumbago Plumbago auriculafe Perennials Bracken Fern Pferkkum aquilinum Perennials Rudbeckle Rudbeckia fulgrda Perennials Salvia Salvia spp. Perennials Blue-eyed Gress Slsyrinchium angusWitan Perennials Goldenrod Sogdego spp. Small Shrub Aloe Noe sop. Small Shrub Partridge Pea Chamsecdsfa fasciculafe Smell Shrub Pineland Lantana Lanfam depressa Small Shrub Felterbush, Shiny Lyonia Lyonie fucide Small Shrub Holy'Schilling's Dwarf Itex vomdons'Schdfmg's Dwarf Small Shrub Bahamian Coffee Psychotda iigusidWis CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards Small Shrub Little Psycho' Auld Coffee Psycholda nervose'Lft Psycho'TM Small Shrub Danow's Blueberry Vacrinium derrowH Smell Shrub Rosemary Rosmadnus spp. Small Shmb Scrub Palmetto Sabel efonia Small Shrub Privet Senna Senna ligusmna SmallShrub Stiff Goldenrod Solidago ngrida Small Trees Fomxrse Palm, Sugar palm Arengo angled Small Trees Pindo Palm Buda capitals Small Trees Buttonbush Cephatanfhus occidentelis Small Trees Seegrape Coccoloba where Small Trees Lopuat Edobotrys japorNea Small Trees Stoppers Eugenia SPP. Small Trees Florida Privet Forestiera segregate Small Trees Gallberry Hex glebra Small Trees Yaupon Holy Hex vomitods Smog Trees Simpwn's Stopper Myrclanfhes hagrans Small Trees Jaboticabs MyrcladacauliHors Small Trees Wax Myrtle Mydca centers Small Trees Olive " ' - Olea europa ' Small Trees Wild Olive Osmanthus amerkews Small Trees Chickasaw Plum Prunus angusldblia Small Trees Desert Cassia Sanna polyphylla Small Trees Walter's viburnum Viburnum obovatum Accent Trees PigwripNm Coccolobe diveraHolla Accent Trees Arizona Cypress Cupressus art zone var. ankordce Accent Trees Japanese Blueberry Elaeocarpus decipans Accent Trees Dahoon Holy llex cassine Accent Trees Past Palatka Holly Hex x allenuala Accent Trees Crepe Myrtle Lagershosmia irdice Accent Trees White Fringe Tree Chionenthus virglnlous Accent Trees I Souther Red Cedar 1juniperus silicicola CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards Accent Trees Flatswood Plum Prins umbalata Accent Trees Hercules' Club I Zanffim0um dam-hemul 5. Irrigation Controller: In order to foster water efficiency for landscape plantings, a "smart" Will based irrigation controller will be required for any new or redeveloped property. Unlike traditional irrigation controllers that operate on a preset programmed schedule and timers, smart irrigation controllers monitor weather, soil conditions; evaporation. and plant water use to automatically adjust the watering schedule to actual conditions of the site. These controllers significantlyimprove outdoor water use efficiencies. . . If WIFI is not available, standards prior to this adoption shall apply. See section 18-248 Irrigation System Design. 6. Soil Amendments - Sol[ amendments required: In order to ensure water conservation efforts and provide best management practice for establishing and maintaining landscape material, soil amendments shall be required as ` indicated below: Compost Quality Standards Compost products utilized for soil amending purposes shall be certified by the U.S. - Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance (STA). Program. The *compost should. have an organic matter content of 50- 65% (dry weight), and,a carbon to nitrogen (CcN) ratio below 20:1. _ .Composts with low organic matter contents contain high levels .of silica and other inorganic compoundsand do not add organic matter to the soil. A compost with a C:N. ratio greater than 20:1 indicates that the material is incomplete and will likely utilize nitrogen as it continues to decompose in the soil. This may rob plants of N during the important establishment phase and lead to the need for supplemental fertilizer applications. Particle Size Distribution of the compost: Minimum of 95% by weight shall pass. a 518" screen. pH: of the compost should be 6.0- 8.0 as determined by saturated paste. Practical Instructions for Amending Post -Construction Soils - Preparing the Area to be Amended ' CITY OF CLERMONT — Landscape Standards ti Soil amending.should not occur until all on -site construction traffic ,has .ended. All building construction, including outdoor. pavement, and installation of major utilities should be completed. Installation of irrigation lines and components should occur after amending is complete to avoid risk of damaging irrigation.lines during tilling. 2. The soil surface should be graded smooth and free of any construction debris, or trash, 3..It is recommended that irrigation components, irrigation installation equipment, and sod be staged on -site in preparation to install irrigation system snd lay sodas soon as possible after amending the soil. . Applying Compost to Disturbed Soils 1. , Compost should be spread evenly over the surface at the prescribed rate of 4 yd3 1,000 R2, which is a depth of 1.3 inches. 2. Level out any shallow or deep compost areas to ensure even depth. No areas of bare soil should bevisible:. 4. Retain copies of receipts for compost (volume yd3) delivered to the site, as. they can be used during inspection to verify post -construction soil standards have been met. Incorporation of Compost 1. Using a rotary tiller, incorporate amendment to a depth bf 6 inches into the soil. 10 THE r r � YA-�RD PATTERBOOK FOR FLORID\A'S SUSTAINABLE SINGLE. FA, MILY/J�OMES f SECOND EDIT ON OUTSI /DE COLLAB �gO/RATI,VE A CASE FO RSUSTAINABILITY,FUNM, N. AND/BEAUTY A 'yyII r ' v �_ r DIX HITE The New Yard Pattern Book (Second Edition) for Florida's Sustainable Single Family Homes was produced by Dix.Hite + Partners for the Outside Sustainable Landscape Collaborative in 2623. This project was funded with the help of the Fish & Wildlife. . Foundation of Florida via proceeds from the Protect Florida Springs License Plate Fund DIX.HITE + PARTNERS CONTRIBUTORS Chris Hite, PLA, FASLA Nick Riker RachelTaylor.PLA Erinsohl Johan Buerro Isabelle Hopper Kirsum Farmer Jessica Griggs, PLA Jacob Felidjan Greg Bryla, PLA Tori Francis Kody$mid%PLA a,+awvwirw.: . Emma Luedke David Hopper PLA. . Elizabeth Myers ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS Basil Iznnone III, PhD.(Universi y of Florkla) Pierce Jones. PhD. (University of Florida) Brooke Moffis-(University of Florida) Gail Hansen de Chapman, PhD (University -of Florida). , Mark Hosteder, PhD, (University of Florida) . M.Jennimn Kipp (lhiiveraity of Florida). Patrick Bohlen, PhD Niniversity of.Centnl Florida) . Lesley Bertolord Uhe Nawre Conservancy) ' Klerstyn Cox (The Nature Conservancy) '. Timothee Sallin (Cherrylake) David Ressler (Cherrylake) Jimmy Rogers (Cherrylake).. James Dyer (Cherrylake) .. Gabble Milch (StJohns Riverkeeper) Victor Ortega (My Dragonfly Gardens) Mary Pwlic INTRODUCTION 5 WHY? (HOME BUYER) 6 THE FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM 7 AQUIFERS 9 SPRINGS 10 RIVERS + LAKES I I NEARSHORE ECOSYSTEMS 12 WILDLIFE CONNECTIVITY 13 WHAT? (HOME BUYER) WHAT ISTHE NEWYARD? 15 LANDSCAPE STRATEGIES 16 THE NEWYARD BENEFITS 17 WHATS IN IT FOR US? 18 GOALS:THE BIG 4 19 REDUCE WATER USE 20 ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS 22 HEALTHY SOILS 24 HOLISTIC PEST MANAGEMENT 26 TIME + COST SAVINGS 28 • ' SITE PLAN 30 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 31 CREATING SPACE WITH PLANTS 32 OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES 33 STREETSCAPE 34 FRONTYARD 35 SIDEYARD 36 BACKYARD 37 PICK • s PLANTING PATTERNS - 39 ' SITE PLAN + PLANTING PATTERNS 34' 40 SITE PLAN + PLANTING PATTERNS 50' 41 SITE PLAN + PLANTING PATTERNS 60' - REAR 42 SITE PLAN +'PLANTING PATTERNS 60' - FRONT 43 OUTDOOR LIVING OPTIONS 44 CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANT 46 orrn MMCAIn IZn AIATIVIZ PI AAITC A7 S � PREPARE 49 HOW? (HOME BUYER) 1 MAINTAINING THE YARD 51 PEST CONTROL 52 WHAT'S THAT BUG? 53 WEEDS IN THEYARD 54 PROPER PRUNING ANDTRIMMING 55 DEADHEADING 56 ENSURING THE RIGHT CONDITIONS 57 BIODIVERSITY INTHEYARD 58 WATER CONSERVATION 59 RESOURCES 60 Florida's population has been growing steadily since 1946, and the residential construction industry has become a cornerstone of our state'seconomy. Over the last four decades, the construction of new homes has shifted increasingly towards master .planned communities with the standard practice of mass clearing and regrading land. for buildings, roadways, and stormwater controls. Replacing them with stormwater ponds and turf monocultures that depend on in - ground irrigation systems, regular fertilization, and frequent mowing is unfortunately common development practice. As a result, these residential landscapes use an average of 990 gallons of water each time the average yardis watered.That Is equivalent . to Flushing a to 774 times or running your dishwasher 50 times! This demand is unsustainable and unnecessary. The conventional landscaping patterns established in most master planned communities does little to mitigate or compensate for the larger problem of habitat loss of Florida's natural ecosystems. It also further contributes to the nutrient pollution (Phosphorus and Nitrogen) that negatively affects Florida's watersheds and surface waters [I]. But don't lose hope... there is a better way! Our landscapes can promote healthy soils, conserve water and provide habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Our -yards' can feed our children's curiosity making there want to put down their screens and step into the backyard and enjoy nature. - In response to these Issues,THE OUTSIDE COLLABORATIVE established this handbook to provide landscape guidelines for master planned communities to do just thad These guidelines are based on principles of sustainable design that are intended to maximize community amenities and homeowner experience, while also making w, .. them moFe'funttional for the landscape and its ecology.. -- - rmaym�nenc floNda wkee .n.,...ae r,.u��.... �,.e.T6e Me;.,v .d w..ar..._u -IMF i WMCm� Our yards play a role in the overall ecosystem. I I aro` �Jkl 'T 4 V", G 77 r 1 ��?�S�Li�T ��M•1 s•ef q ` tll'\I R � �91�'. i ♦ I I I f 'i �� I� ' I � III . e l.' n• � ♦' i ♦ i , of Florida has n streams, and ✓9linn NATIVE )0111akes; 1,700 rivers, ousands of miles of canals 1iT? In 199f Ne flower -a the genus Florida is home to COREO0. { f PECIES FUTNE PSIS 300 (common n..N Inert) \• �tJ (F..hd irAareendemlc � was deign ted dill Flo ltla4 lal (Ynund anlY,n Flodtla),I41 t wlNaon nIts mru.Fa �` . _ Florldal roads be Planong_s and hlggwa� ibewtlacatb program (il Ft - Our state animal is the FLORIDA) -W CYPRESS avld ntnnrPAN' Thn iaun.ae 9dium dlntichum) _ l entlangered inlmak in th..1 Y am llu-ntaumy, Floritla p esWimaxd SS10.110 panMers leb i.. ) eS rn.awn.,u �f-eawrcdSr Inches In — — ----�— rctu,n e. cisgueettell,and n.w.ead aa9 read Rl mart with nn n A. wild. (Aphomoma wsruleseens) It is bond only In FloMda suvb Iublta4anec .r thatntl ONLY In central Florida and LIMITED areas of theAtlande coasL Rl "-.ww..wrw.w.u...amn. n.xxA..ww..w•..wmm..w:wa .-_ ,w. . tea. I yy... linrddn C'..Ila6..r-.ri�o-Tho NowY nl Ha�dhr.n4 �I\aa:T�7 AQUIFERS?WHAT ARE Groundwater is water beneath the Earth's surface which Is held in underground materials such as porous rock (e.g. limestone and dolomite) and soil. The underground reservoirs in which this water is stored are known as aquifers. Groundwater is replenished when rainfall permeates the soil and the water seeps into these underground materials. It is also the lifebloodof many rivers, lakes, springs, and streams as underground hydraulic pressure pushes groundwater back out to the surface and into theseamazing aquatic environments known as groundwater dependent ecosystems. THREATS . AQUIFERS Groundwater dependent ecosystem health and the very water that 90% of Floridian's rely on for drinking water depends on the volume and quality of groundwater [7]. Unfortunately, human activity hasstrained and threatened Florida's groundwater resources. Groundwater withdraws have tripled over the last 50 years and present a significant threat to the amount of groundwater available to people, industries, and wildlife, that need it M- rl,nei.ln r'nlle6nrofvm TFn Ne...Y ..i HenAhnnL Florida'sWHAT ARE SPRINGS? iconic springs are one of our state's most cherished freshwater resources, which rely on clean and abundant groundwater. Springs represent major discharge areas, where groundwater is forced to the surface due to pressure from confining beds of impermeable sediments. Releasing over 8 billion gallons of freshwater each day, Florida has the most productive spring systemin the world. Beloved by both locals and visitors. Florida's springs provide abundant opportunities for recreation and connection to the natural environment Notable for providing habitat to the endangered Florida manatee, Floridas springs are relied upon by many species of threatened aquatic and terrestrial animals [9]. THREATS TO SPRINGS Both water pollution and decreased water flow has adversely affected Florida's springs. Chemicals used in fertilizers in residential yards pollute Florida's freshwater systems. Irrigating with groundwater contributes to depleting the water in aquifers, which in turn reduces the pressure pushing the water out of the aquifer, decreasing the water flow and volume into the spring [I0].This sets the stage for algae to proliferate.When thishappensthe balance of aquatic plants is shifted from diverse native species, that provide necessary shelter and food for turtles, fish, manatees and other animals, to a degraded algal dominated system. Onrttdo r nil.k ...i--T6o Now YaM 10 WHY ARE THEY O. Rivers and lakes are significant contributors to Florida's freshwater biodiversity. Over 50,000 miles of riven and streams throughout the sate feed water bodies such as lakes, marshes, and swamps, carrying important nutrients and the essential water needed for these aquatic ecosystems to thrive 111]. Florida boasts nearly 8,000 lakes that provide important habitats to wildlife, the ecological systems supporting Florida's lakes are incredibly productive and biologically rich 1121.These systems also provide us.with drinking water and recreational opportunities. River Systempring ".. Spring .......___......._-77 Limestone --------------=\ Lake..._.._____..____._._..._.__....._._._-......... Intermediate....:_.................................__.......................... e.., W— c....,e,.. Like other water bodies in Florida, one of the biggest threats to the water quality of rivers and lakes is contamination from polluted stormwater that runs off the land. Many nutrients, toxins, and other pollutants that we use on the land can eventually be carried into either surface or groundwater. Anything that we put on the land (pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides) may pollute polluting Florida's pr6cio0s ".11 water resources. Surface Sands Upper Semiconfining Unit ..... _..... .... .......... ........... ..... Florida Well WHATARE NEARSHORE THREATSTO NEARSHORE ECOSYSTEMS? ECOSYSTEMS Nearshore ecosystems occur at the intersection between land and water and are home to some of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth [I3]. In Florida, examples of nearshore habitats included beaches and dunes, estuaries, mangrove swamps, and marshes.These ecosystems are incredibly productive and are home to many of Florida's most well-known sea life including. birds, sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, alligators, game fish, shrimp, crustaceans, oysters and clams. These nearshore ecosystems are threatened greatly by development, as. people love to live along the coastline. It is estimated. that as much as 3% of Florida's hand area consists of nearshore ecosystems, and 80% of the: state's population lives in these areas [I4].This has led to mangrove deforestation in many areas, poor estuarine water quality and other adverse impacts to nearshore ecosystems. v) MONARCH. Connected. wildlife corridors are especially important for migratory species that must locate.natural areas to rest while on long journeys, such, as the Monarch butterfly. As the only, migratory species of. butterfly, every year Monarchs travel thousands of miles across North, America to overwinter in Mexico. On'this long journey, they need plenty of opportunities to rest and feed on milkweed. Many eastern populationsof Monarchs congregate in Florida before they must travel over open water. When native habitats are fragmented.due to large metropolitan areas and urban sprawl, it is hard for these important pollinators to find the energy they. . need to make it to their final destination.Without sufficient wildlife connectivity, we won't be able to enjoy migrating Monarchs!- - 1. What you can improve in your own yard. 0 yF�" 1/ • �• p"♦ TRADITIONALYARD THE NEW YARD Use plants that can thrive bn ninfalfafone ' (beyond a ow -in' establishment ent period) so that permanent in -ground sprinkler systems are not needed, Install mostly native plants - suited to the she soils, with lower water, fertilizer and chemical demand,and ,provide better habitat for wildlife. Incorporate a diversity - of plant species, serve different functions, have different bloom times, and provide habitat and food for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. a00, Incorporate outdoor living ! ,O. spaces for functional use. par��ad� preserve soil moisture. fertility, and nutrients, by adding compost to the soil, and:using mulch and ground. cover. Preserve mature trees when possible and install new trees to provide shade and habitat. 1m,, CrcdSD&Hlle * Rv, Minimize hrigated'turf great G area and use alternative grasses and groundcoverst d thao not require ongoing watering and have wildlife value. GAvoid use of synthetic chemicals. .._. TL_ LI.... V _J LJ__JL__I. 14 STRATEGIES INACTION... 761a o�' �f-j Incorporate Preserve Minimize i cm - "`.•'" 1. •'I I n; Floridafriendly - - planrs provide e u o' ideal habitats for native wildlife. - The use of undcover • • • minimizes [he need for i on. Pesticide reduction 0 • 0 allows for nadve plantings to flourish. .. - Tha use of mulch and compost tickssoil _ - moisture. P.11ina[or-friendly plama add life to the landzope and provide essendal r \ resources. ` I Create usable Nadve drought- .• s • tolerant plants need little to no irdpdon. 1n CredrO hu t P . AI.....V..2 W,-A6.,.,6 17 I 1 1G�,I1: �/� ,(��i {� -•q}-.-ems{+• I4` .�1 �.4.1 �f.41 fYf I�// r' �~, •r vM'.v+� ��`'. L'"„s.�;'} fv SP4 ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS HOLISTIC PEST MANAGEMENT MINIMIZEIELIMINATE IRRIGATION BEYOND ESTABLISHMENT Select native plants that are drought tolerant and appropriate for local soil types and climate. Group species of plants together that are well suited to the unique combination of conditions that exist on the she and account for light and soil moisture. . - fp}I vim' gL.sF?.�1:Fts Avoid tutmss varieties that require irrigation. Instead, utilize combinations of drought _ .tolerant turf varieties and low groundcovers that are more resilient and have just as much flexible use. Reduce Jong -term water use by utilizing moisture sensors on In-groundirrigation systems and irrigating only during the establishment period and times of drought Weaning plants off irrigation helps direct roots deeper into the ground. When plants areselected . . based on soil conditions and location, those native to. Florida are droughocolerant and: adapted to Florida's climate. Follow the principle of Right Plant, Right Place:' Move foundation plantings. out from under the roofs rain shadow. This allows for the plant to utilize rainwater, minimizing supplemental irrigation needs. Organic mulch and nonliving groundcover helps lock moisture into the soil. CLEMONT CITY OF CLERMONT ��,« ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 18, "ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES", ARTICLE VIII "WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION AND LANDSCAPING"; DIVISION 1 "GENERALLY", SECTION 18-212 "DEFINITIONS", SECTION 18-216 "APPLICATION OF LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN PROVISIONS", SECTION 18-218 "EXCEPTION TO LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION PROVISIONS"; DIVISION 2 "IRRIGATION", SECTION 18-247 "IRRIGATION PLAN SUBMITTAL", SECTION 18-248 "IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN", SECTION 18-250 "LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION SCHEDULE"; DIVISION 3 "LANDSCAPING", SECTION 18-279 "LANDSCAPING STANDARDS", SECTION 18-281 "DESIGN STANDARDS", PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, the City of Clermont Planning and Zoning Commission, acting as the Local Planning Agency of the City, has held a public hearing on May 6, 2025, and following such hearing found this Ordinance to be in the best interest of the City of Clermont, and recommended that the City .Council adopt this Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Clermont shall amend the City Code, Chapter 18, "Environment and Natural Resources", Article VIII "Water Efficient Irrigation and Landscaping"; Division 1 "Generally", Section 18-212 "Definitions", Section 18-216 "Application of Landscape and Irrigation System Design Provisions", Section 18-218 "Exception to Landscape Irrigation Provisions"; Division 2 "Irrigation', Section 18-247 "Irrigation Plan Submittal", Section 18-248 "Irrigation System Design', Section 18-250 "Landscape Irrigation Schedule"; Division 3 "Landscaping", Section 18-279 "Landscaping Standards", Section 18-281 "Design Standards"; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Clermont, that various sections with Chapter 18, "Environment and Natural Resources", Article VIII, Divisions 1, 2 and 3 of the Clermont City Code shall be amended to make changes, as set forth in the following amendments shown in Section 2. SECTION 1: AUTHORITY The City Council of the City of Clermont has the authority to adopt this Ordinance pursuant to Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Florida and Chapter 163 and 166, Florida Statutes. CLER ONT CITY OF CLERMONT Chciw �C ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 SECTION 2: The Land Development Code of the City of Clermont Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows (note strikethrough indicates removed words and underlined indicates added): CHAPTER 18 ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES, ARTICLE VIII WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION AND LANDSCAPING DIVISION 1 GENERALLY Section 18-212 Definitions For the purpose of this article the following terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall have the meaning given herein. Address means the house number of the physical location of a specific property. This includes rural route numbers but excludes post office box numbers. If a lot number in a mobile home park or similar community is used by the United States Postal Service to determine a delivery location, the lot number shall be the property's address. Annual beds means any landscape where the majority of plants are replaced yearly or more frequently. Automatic irrigation smart controller means a web based controller that monitors weather conditions and adjusts the irrigation events automatically based on site data. timer, eapable-e€ sae. Best management practices (BMPs) means irrigation system, lawn, and landscape practices designed to reduce negative impacts on the environment and promote water conservation. District means the St. Johns River Water Management District. Drought tolerant plants means plants, once established, that survive on natural rainfall with occasional irrigation during dry periods. Emitter means a device that applies irrigation water. The term "emitter" is primarily used to refer to the low flow rate devices used in micro -irrigation systems. Even -numbered address means an address ending in the numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or the letters A through M. Florida Friendly Landscape, as provided for in F.S. § 373.185, means quality landscapes that conserve water and protect the environment and are adaptable to local conditions and which are drought tolerant. The principles of Florida Friendly Landscape include planning and design, appropriate choice of plants, soil analysis which may include the use of solid waste compost, efficient irrigation, practical use of turf, appropriate use of mulches, and proper maintenance. Green space means the entire parcel less the building footprint, driveways, vehicular use areas, hardscapes such as decks, swimming pools, decorative fountains, patios, and other nonporous areas. Stormwater management systems, and wetland conservation areas, lakes, rivers and creeks are excluded in the calculation of green space area. CLER ONT CITY OF CLERMONT ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 Irrigation system means a permanent watering system designed to transport and distribute water to plants as a supplement to natural rainfall. Irrigation zone means a control valve circuit containing emitters and/or sprinklers with consistent application rates. Landscape irrigation means the outside watering of plants in a landscape such as shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens and other such flora that are situated in such diverse locations as residential areas, public, commercial, and industrial establishments, and public medians and rights -of -way. The term "landscape irrigation" does not include agricultural crops, nursery plants, cemeteries, golf course greens, tees, fairways, primary roughs, and vegetation associated with recreation areas, such as, but not limited to, football, baseball and soccer fields. Landscape plant zone means a grouping of plants with similar water and cultural needs, such as sunlight and soil. Plant groupings based on water use are as follows: natural plants, drought tolerant plants, and oasis plants. Micro -irrigation means the frequent application of small quantities of water directly on or below the soil surface or plant root zone, usually as discrete drops, tiny streams or miniature sprays through emitters placed along the water delivery pipes (laterals). Micro -irrigation encompasses a number of methods or concepts, including drip; previously known as trickle irrigation, subsurface, bubbler and micro -spray irrigation. Mulch means any material applied to the soil surface to retain soil moisture, control erosion, inhibit weeds, and/or regulate soil temperatures. Natural plants means plants, once established, that survive on rainfall without irrigation. Nonresidential landscape irrigation means the irrigation of landscape not included within the definition of the term "residential landscape irrigation," such as that associated with public, commercial and industrial property, including commercial or transient housing units, hotel and motel units, and public medians and rights -of -way. Oasis plants means plants, once established, requiring frequent irrigation. Odd -numbered address means an address ending in the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 or the letters N through Z. Overspray means water that is delivered beyond the landscape area wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other nonlandscaped areas. Plant bed means a grouping of trees, shrubs, around covers, perennials, or annuals rig together in a defined area devoid of turf grass, normally using mulch around the plants (DEP Model Ordinance). For the purposes of Florida Water Star, plant beds must be designed so that, at maturity, the plant material must provide coverage of 60 percent of the plant bed. Rain sensor device means a calibrated device that is designed to measure rainfall and override the irrigation cycle of the irrigation system when a predetermined amount of rainfall has occurred. Reclaimed water means a reclaimed water system, including systems in which the primary source is reclaimed water; which may or may not be supplemented from another source during peak demand periods. S_ CLER ONT CITY OF CLERMONT C�of0ORDINANCE N0. 2025-018 Residential landscape irrigation means the irrigation of landscape associated with any housing unit having sanitary and kitchen facilities designed to accommodate one or more residents, including multiple housing units and mobile homes. Running annual water budget means a water budget based on 12 consecutive months of irrigation water consumption. Runoff means water not absorbed by the soil that flows from the area. Site appropriate plants means landscape plant species that are suited to the site growing conditions. Turf andlor turf grass means continuous plant coverage consisting of grass species appropriately suited to the site where it is planted. Water features means features of a site that holds water temporarily or permanently. The term "water features" may include both natural features such as lakes, wetlands, rivers and creeks, or artificial features such as retention and detention ponds, fountains, ditches and canals. Wind sensor means a device used to measure the wind speed or velocity and override the irrigation cycle of the irrigation system when a pre -determined wind speed has occurred. Section 18-216 Application of Landscape and Irrigation System Design Provisions (a) Compliance with the landscape and irrigation system design provision of this article is required of all office, commercial, industrial, institutional, multifamily, and single-family sites receiving potable water service from the city and/or located within the city limits in the following categories: (1) New construction. (2) Newly irrigated landscaped and turf areas. (3) . All new developments shall incorporate language in their CCR docs to require irrigation systems, as designed and approved must be maintained as designed but maintained as needed. (4) In the case of a phased residential development that is currently under development at the time of this revision, the remaining lots may be completed under the former LDR's pertaining to landscaping (b) Alternate methods of compliance may be considered as long as they meet the intent and purpose of this article and the intent of the district. Section 18-218 Exception to Landscape Irrigation Provisions (a) Irrigation using micro -spray, micro jet, drip or bubbler irrigation is allowed Vie. provided it meets SJRWMD standards. (b) Irrigation of new landscape is allowed daily for the initial 30 days following installation and every other day for the next 30 days for a total of one 60-day period, provided that the irrigation is limited to the minimum amount necessary for such landscape establishment. CLER NT CITY OF CLERMONT .(CORDINANCE N0.2025-018 (c) Watering in of chemicals, including insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, and herbicides when required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices, is allowed at any time of day on any day within 24 hours of application. Lawn maintenance/pest control companies must install an advisory marker, visible in the front yard, showing the date of the application. Watering in of chemicals shall not exceed one-fourth inch of water per application except as otherwise required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices. (d) Irrigation systems may be operated anytime for maintenance and repair purposes not to exceed 2-9 10 minutes per hour per zone. (e) Irrigation using a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed any time of day on any day. (f) Discharge of water from a water -to -air air conditioning unit or other water -dependent cooling system is not limited. (g) The use of recycled water from wet detention treatment ponds for irrigation is allowed anytime provided the ponds are not augmented from any ground or off -site surface water, or public supply sources. DIVISION 2 IRRIGATION Section 18-247 Irrigation Plan Submittal A detailed irrigation plan shall be submitted by an irrigation contractor certified by the city and/or the county, illustrating zones, pipe sizes, emitter types, nozzle size and precipitation rate and total precipitation rate for each zone, irrigation water source connection point, backflow prevention device, type and locations of automatic shut-off devices, controller specifications, and any other pertinent information shall be submitted to the water conservation coordinator for review and approval prior to installation of an irrigation system. All Landscape and Irrigation Plans Must Contain the Following Information: Provide legend on plan with symbol identifying type of emitter for each zone irrigated, rain & wind sensors, controller, irrigation zones, all solenoid valves, and backflow devices (including type). Spray -type & rotor type irrigation may not be mixed within a single zone; and tree bubblers must be on a separate zone or on the zone with shrubs. Identify separately all hardscape/impervious areas and building footprint. Identify distinct property lines & lot dimensions. Provide a legend with each plant species and number of units. Identify species of turf in each turf zone — and calculate the percentage of non -drought tolerant species used on site property. (60/40 — High use) Identify planting beds and included plantings area. Section 18-248 Irrigation System Design (a) A site plan, at a readable and defined scale, shall be submitted illustrating the proposed irrigation zones. Turf areas shall be on separate irrigation zones from other landscape plant zones. The irrigation system shall be designed to accommodate separate landscape plant zones based on differing water requirements. CC CLERWONT CITY OF CLERMONT ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 (b) Spacing for rotors and sprays shall not exceed 50 percent of the sprinklers' diameter of coverage, per manufacturer's specifications to accomplish head -to -head coverage. (c) Sprays and rotors shall have matching application rates within each irrigation zone. Sprays and rotors may not be mixed within a single zone. Tree bubblers must be on a separate zone or on the zone with shrubs. Tree bubblers must be of a type that can be adjusted to be on or shut off. (d) All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid overspray, runoff, low head drainage, or other similar conditions where water flows onto or over adjacent property, non -irrigated areas, walkways, roadways, structures, or water features. Narrow areas four feet wide or less shall not be irrigated unless such irrigation can be contained within that narrow area. Emitters may not transverse sidewalks or driveways in order to cover a larger area. (e) Irrigation control equipment installed prior to the 2025 landscape standards adoption shall include an automatic irrigation controller having program flexibility such as repeat cycles and multiple program capabilities. Automatic irrigation controllers shall have a replaceable battery back-up to retain the irrigation programs. The irrigation control equipment shall be reset to accommodate irrigation needs based on the season. Automatic control systems shall be equipped with an operable and properly placed and calibrated automatic shut-off or rain sensor device which will disable the system after a maximum of one-half inch of rainfall. Vents on such sensor must be closed. Such sensors may not be disabled at any time. (f) All properties that receive water from the city for the purpose of landscape irrigation must have a separate landscape irrigation meter. The city shall establish a running annual water budget (RAWB) for each landscape irrigation customer based on property size, pervious area, and the annual landscape irrigation application rate of —as established by St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) that is identified in the City's most recent consumptive use Permit. 25 28 inehes. Where individual residential lot sizes have not been determined, an initial running annual water budget shall be based on an assumed property size of 11,000 square feet (one-fourth acre) with 50 percent pervious area. (g) For a property for which a running annual water budget has been determined using an assumed property size and pervious area where a property exceeds the assumed specified property size of 11,000 square feet, a water customer may request that a new running annual water budget be established by submitting a signed and sealed property survey to the city's planning and development services department showing the total square footage of the property and the percent of pervious surface. (h) Exceeding the running annual water budget is subject to the fine schedule identified in section 18-245. (j) Newly installed sod will be permitted to have an establishment period not to exceed 45 days. During this establishment period, watering of the new sod is permitted during_typical restricted times as defined in Section 18-250. CLEMMONT CITY OF CLERMONT , ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 Section 18-250 Landscape Irrigation Schedule (a) All landscape irrigation shall be limited in amount to only that which is necessary to meet landscape needs and no more than three -fourths inch of water may be applied per irrigation zone on each day that irrigation occurs. Irrigation shall be prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Irrigation shall be limited to two days per week during Daylight Saving Time and one day per week during Eastern Standard Time, but at no time may any one zone nun for more than one hour per zone per watering day. (b) The watering schedule is as follows: (1) Daylight Saving Time (second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November). a. Odd addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 or no address may water on Wednesday and Saturday. b. Even addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 may water on Thursday and Sunday. c. Nonresidential irrigation may water on Tuesday and Friday. (2) Eastern Standard Time (first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March). a. Odd addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 or no address may water on Saturday. b. Even addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 may water on Sunday. c. Nonresidential irrigation may water on Tuesday. (c) The city may adjust schedules for reclaimed customers to accommodate the city's reclaimed water system demands. These schedules may be changed in the future should the supply of reclaimed water either exceed or not meet demand. The city will notify such customers, in writing, should such changes be necessary. This schedule will follow the St. Johns River Water Manatzement District schedule and restrictions. (d) A variance from the specific landscape irrigation days or day set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section may be granted if strict application of the scheduled days or day would lead to unreasonable or unfair results in particular instances, provided that the applicant demonstrates with particularity that compliance with the scheduled days or day will result in a substantial economic, health or other hardship on the applicant requesting the variance or those served by the applicant. Where a contiguous property is divided into different zones, a variance may be granted hereunder so that each zone may be irrigated on different days or day than other zones of the property. However, in no event shall the variance allow a single zone to be irrigated more than two days per week during Daylight Saving Time or more that one day per week during Eastern Standard Time. DIVISION 3 LANDSCAPING Section 18-279 Landscaping Standards Landscaping shall meet all applicable landscape requirements adopted by the city, including those outlined in this division. All landscaping must comply with the attached Landscape Standards adopted on June 29, 2025 (Exhibit A), which are Florida Friendly quality landscapes that conserve water and protect the environment and are adaptable to local conditions and which are drought tolerant. The principles of Florida Friendly Landscape include planning and design, CLER NT CITY OF CLERMONT C�.fC ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 appropriate choice of plants, soil analysis which may include the use of solid waste compost, efficient irrigation, practical use of turf, appropriate use of mulches, and proper maintenance. For Single Family Home sites, the "The New Yard Pattern Book for Florida's Sustainable Sinale Familv Homes" Second Edition as amended and attached (Exhibit B) shall be referred to and used as a guide for design. Section 18-281 Design Standards (a) Installed trees and plants shall be grouped together into landscape plant zones according to water and cultural (soil, climate, and light) requirements. (b) Plant groupings based on water requirements are as follows: natural, drought tolerant and oasis. (c) Landscape designed prior to the 2025 adoption shall have Wwind breaks shame utilized to reduce wind velocity and water loss that occurs by evaporation during irrigation and by evapotranspiration from plants. Windbreaks can be formed by walls, fences, shrub beds or hedges. An alternative to the physical windbreaks may be the addition of a wind sensor set to disengage the irrigation system when wind speeds exceed 15 miles per hour. (d) Residential (single family and duplex): A maximum of 25 percent of the landscape area may be planted with irrigated turf grass. All other areas shall be planted with approved plants within the adopted Landscape Standards, or drought tolerant turf grass that is not irrigated, A maximum of 60 pervent of the landseape aFea may be planted with turf grass if a non dreu& The 0 1; ;t t the ..t Of t,,..f' grass that be used ;f s eh turf gFass f a a.. vu.. i aavav m ..v uu u,, av un `� Commercial and Multifamilv: commercial, multifamilv. common Breen areas in subdivisions and retention ponds shall use Bahia crass or other approved drouaht tolerant ground cover. (e) A layer of mulch to a minimum depth of three inches shall be specified on the site plan in plant beds and around individual trees in turf areas. Non -Organic mulch (such as rubber) is prohibited. . The mulch shall not be placed directly against the plant stem or tree trunk. Mulch shall not be required in annual beds. SECTION 3: CONFLICT All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION 4: SEVERABILITY If any portion of this Ordinance is declared invalid, the invalidated portion shall be severed from the remainder of the Ordinance, and the remainder of the Ordinance shall continue in full force and effect as if enacted without the invalidated portion, except in cases where such continued validity of the remainder would clearly and without doubt contradict or frustrate the intent of the Ordinance as a whole. CLER ONT CITY OF CLERMONT Leo« ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 SECTION 5: CODIFICATION The text of Section 2 of this Ordinance shall be codified as a part of the Clermont City Code. The codifier is authorized to make editorial changes not effecting the substance of this Ordinance by the substitution of "Article" for "Ordinance", "Section" for "Paragraph", or otherwise to take such editorial license. SECTION 6: ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTION OF SCRIVENERS ERROR Regardless of whether such inclusion in the Code as described in Section 5 is accomplished, sections of the Ordinance may be re -numbered or re -lettered and the correction of typographical and/or scrivener's errors which do not affect the intent may be authorized by the City Manager or designee, without need of public hearing, by fling a corrected or re -codified copy of same with the City Clerk. SECTION 7: PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall be published as provided by law and it shall become law and shall take effect immediately upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. d' cLER ONT CITY OF CLERMONT •ofha�= ORDINANCE NO.2025-018 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Clermont, Lake County, Florida on this 29th day of July, 2025. SEMW CITY OF CLERMONT MOSCOW Tim �o� ATTEST: J�e�e Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC City Clerk Approved as to form and legality: AI;41ku ChKstian W. Waug , City Attorney 13 CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards 1. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these standards and guidelines is to contribute to the development of a well -planned urban environment by fostering the creation of visually compatible and harmonious streetscapes. Their intent is to: (a) create and maintain a strong community image, identity and sense of place; (b) create and maintain a positive visual ambiance for the community; (c) enhance and sustain property values; (d) promote a high degree of compatibility between surrounding structures and land uses, (e) establish and promote a standard for quality design and enduring quality development; and (f) foster civic pride and community spirit by maximizing the positive impact of quality development. 2. Applicability The Landscape Standards shall apply to all new development and redevelopment within the City, with the following exceptions: (a) Additions, renovations, replacement or redevelopment of an existing structure or project, where the cost of such additions, renovations, replacement or redevelopment does not exceed 50 percent of the value of the existing structure(s), of 35 percent of the square footage of the existing structure(s), unless the use of the structure(s) or project has ceased for a period of more than 365 consecutive days, or unless cumulative additions, renovations, replacement or redevelopment initiated during any five-year period meet the thresholds listed above, whereupon the provisions herein shall apply. 3. Submittal and Approval Requirements Submission and approval of project plans shall be in accordance with the applicable sections of the City's Code of Ordinances. In addition, the following is required: Landscape drawings shall be a required exhibit of any site plan required to be submitted for development approval. Such drawings shall be rendered in color prior to final project review by the Development Review Committee and shall include construction material specifications, color charts, structure dimensions, service area and mechanical equipment locations, outdoor storage area locations, screening devices, master lighting plan, and any other information as determined necessary by the City to ensure consistency with the intent of this ordinance. Final approval of all required project design submittals shall be by the city as part of the development approval process. CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards 4. Landscape Materials List: Landscape materials below are approved for use for landscape plans. Additional species may be accepted that are approved by the Florida -Friendly Landscaping Program produced by the Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (IFAS), and accepted by the administrative official. Category Common Name Ferns Leather Fern Ferns Giant Sword Fern Ferns Sword Fern Ferns Bracken Fern Ferns j; I Bracken Fern Ferns Leatherleaf Fern Grasses Bluestem Grass Grasses Elliott's Lovegrass Grasses Purple Lovegrass Grasses Pink Muhly Grass Grasses Little Bluestem rasses Sand Cord Grass rasses r Fakahatchee Grass Grasses Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass Grasses I White Cloud' Muhlv Grass Grasses Wiregrass Grasses Lemongrass Grasses Elliott's Lovegrass Grasses I Purple Lovegrass Grasses Zebra Grass Grasses Panic Grass Groundcover Perennial Peanut Latin Name Acrostichum danaeifolium Nephrolepis biserrata Nephrolepis exaltata Pteridium aquilinum Pteridium aquilinum Rumohra adiantiformis Andropogon spp. Eragrostis elhottii Eragrostis spectabilis Muhlenbergia capillaris Schizachvrium scoparium Spartina baked Tripsicum dactyloides Tripsicum floridanum Muhlenbergia capillaris 'White Cloud' Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana Cymbopogon citratus Eragrostis elliottii Eragrostis spectabilis Miscanthus sinensis Panicum virgatum �Arachis glabrata CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards Groundcover Lanceleaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Groundcover Swamp Twinflower Dyschoriste humistrata Sunshine Mimosa Groundcover Mimosa strigillosa Frogfruit Groundcover Phyla nodiflora Groundcover Georgia Calamint Clinopodium georgianum Groundcover Juniperus conferta Creeping Juniper Groundcover Twin Flower Dyschoriste oblongifolia Groundcover Blue Daze Evolvulus glomeratus Groundcover Tampa vervain Glandularia tampensis Groundcover Giant Sword Fern Nephrolepis biserrata Groundcover i Sword Fern Nephrolepis exaltata Groundcover Mondo Grass Ophiopogon japonicus Groundcover Leatherleaf Fern Rumohra adiantiformis Groundcover Inkberry Scaevola plumieri Groundcover Asiatic Jasmine Trachelospermum asiaticum Groundcover Cardboard Plant Zamia furfuracea Groundcover Coontie Zamia pumila Large Shrubs Pineapple Guava Acca sellowiana Large Shrubs j Pipestem I Agarista populifolia Large Shrubs Large Shrubs Century plant Sweet Almond Bush Agave spp. Aloysia virgata Aralia spinosa Large Shrubs Devil's Walkingstick Large Shrubs Marlberry Ardisia escallonioides Large Shrubs Pawpaw Asimina spp. Large Shrubs Yesterday Today and Tomorrow Brunfelsia grandiflora Large Shrubs Carolina Allspice Calycanthus flondus Large Shrubs Camellia Camellia japonica Large Shrubs Sasanqua Camellia sasanqua Large Shrubs�ttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Large Shrubs Seagrape Coccoloba uvifera Large Shrubs Buttonwood Conocarpus erectus 3 CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards Large Shrubs 'Golden Dewdrop Duranta erecta Large Shrubs Coral Bean, Cherokee Bean Erythrina herbacea Large Shrubs Stoppers Eugenia spp. Large Shrubs American Beautyberry Callicarpa americana Large Shrubs Cocoplum Chrysobalanus icaco Large Shrubs Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia Large Shrubs Ocala' Anise lllicium parviflorum 'Ocala' Large Shrubs Show Stopper' Simpson's Stopper Mycrianthes fragrans 'Show Stopper' TM Large Shrubs Florida Privet Forestiera segregata Shrubs I Two -wing Silverbell I Halesia Large Shrubs Firebush Large Shrubs Hydrangea Shrubs Yaupon Large Shrubs Star Anise Large Shrubs Rusty Lyonia Large Shrubs Simpson's Stopper Large Shrubs Also known as Twinberry e Shrubs Large Shrubs I Wild Olive Large Shrubs Tea Olive Large Shrubs Sweet Acacia Canopy Trees Red Maple Canopy Trees River Birch Canopy Trees Black Olive Canopy Trees Hickories Canopy Trees Buttonwood Canopy Trees Loblolly Bay Canopy Trees Sweetgum I Canopy Trees Slash Pine Canopy Trees Densa' Pine Canopy Trees Longleaf Pine Hamelia patens Hydrangea macrophylla Ilex vomitoria lllicium spp. Lyonia ferruginea Myrcianthes fragrans Myrica cerifera Oakleaf Hydrangea Osmanthus americans Osmanthus fragrans Vachellia farnesiana Acer rubrum Betula nigra Bucida buceras Carya spp. Conocarpus erectus Gordonia lasianthus Liquidambar styraciflua Pinus elliottii Pinus elliottii 'Densa' Pinus palustris 4 CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards Canopy Trees Sycamore Plantanus occidentalis Canopy Trees Bluff Oak Quercus austrina Canopy Trees Sand Live Oak Quercus geminata Canopy Trees Live Oak Quercus virginiana Canopy Trees pond Cypress Taxodium ascendens Canopy Trees Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum Canopy Trees Winged Elm Ulmus alata Canopy Trees Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana Canopy Trees Southern Magnolia Magnolia granditlora Canopy Trees Sweet Bay Magnolia Magnolia virginiana Canopy Trees Avocado Persea americana Canopy Trees Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda Canopy Trees Turkey Oak Quercus falcata Palms Pindo Palm Butia capitata Palms European Fan Palm Chamaerops humilis Palms Dioon Dioon edule Palms Paurotis palm , Acoelorrhaphe wrightii Palms Bismarck plain Bismarckia nobilis Palms Medjool Palm Phoenix dactylifera Palms Sylvester Date Palm _ Phoenix sylvestris Palms Needle Palm Rhapidophyllum hystrix Palms Dwarf Palmetto Sabal minor Palms Sabal Palm Sabal palmetto Palms Adams Needle Yucca filamentosa Palms Chinese Fan Palm Livistona spp. Palms JPonytail Palm Nolina recurvata Palms 'Lady Palm Rhapis excelsa Palms Slender Lady Palm Rhapis humilis Palms Scrub Palmetto Sabal etonia Palms Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens Palms Washington Palm Washingtonia robusta 5 CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards Palms Foxtail Palm Wodyetia bifurcata Palms Cardboard Plant Zamia furfuracea Palms Coontie Zamia pumila Perennials Century plant Agave spp. Perennials Milkweed Asclepias spp. Perennials Pawpaw Asimina spp. Perennials Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior Perennials Bromeliads Bromeliaceae spp. Perennials Bulbine Bulbine frutescens Perennials Canna Lily Canna spp. Perennials Coreopsis Coreopsis spp. Perennials Crinum Lily Crinum spp. Perennials Twin Flower Dyschoriste oblongifolia Perennials Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Perennials Bush Daisy Euryops spp. Perennials Blue Daze Evolvulus glomeratus Perennials Yellowtop Flaveria linearis Perennials ISwamp Sunflower Helianthus angustifolius Perennials Amaryllis Hippeastrum spp. Perennials Kalanchoe Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Perennials Blazing Star Liatris spp. Perennials Milkweed 'Swamp' Asclepias incarnata Perennials Aquatic milkweed Asclepias perennis Perennials Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Perennials Florida Greeneyes Beriandiera subacaulis Perennials Sea Oxeye Daisy Borrichia frutescens Perennials Goldenaster Chrysopsis spp Perennials False Rosemary Conradia canescens Perennials Leavenworth Tickseed Coreopsis leavenworthii Perennials Button Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium Perennials Coral bean Erythrina herbacea 0 CITY OF CLERMONT -r Landscape Standards Perennials Blanket Flower Perennials Dune Sunflower Perennials Scorpion Tail Perennials Scarlet hibiscus Perennials Swamp Hibiscus Perennials Atlantic St. John's Wort Perennials Buttonsage Perennials Beebalm Perennials Manyflower beardtongue Perennials Narrowleaf Silkgrass Black Eyed Susan Perennials Perennials Tropical Sage Pentas Perennials Perennials Native Star' Starry Rosin Flower Perennials Seaside Goldenrod Perennials Native Blue Porterweed Gallardia pulchella Helianthus debilis Hibiscus coccineus Hibiscus grandiflones Hypericum tenuifolium Lantana involucrata Monarda punctata Penstemon multiflorus Pityopsis graminifolia Rudbeckia hirta Salvia coccinea Pentas lanceolate Silphium asteriscus 'Native Star' Solidago sempervirens Perennials Stokes Aster Stokesia laevis Perennials Ohio Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis j Perennials Giant Ironweed Vemonia gigantea Perennials Plumbago Plumbago auriculata Perennials Bracken Fern Pteridium aquilinum Perennials Rudbeckia Rudbeckia fulgida Perennials Salvia Salvia spp. Perennials Blue-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium Perennials Goldenrod Solidago spp. Small Shrub Aloe Aloe spp. Small Shrub 'Partridge Pea Chamaecrista fasciculata Small Shrub Pineland Lantana Lantana depressa Small Shrub Fetterbush, Shiny Lyonia Lyonia lucida Small Shrub Holly 'Schilling's Dwarf Ilex vomitoria'Schilling's Dwarf Small Shrub Bahamian Coffee Psychotria ligustrifolia 7 CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards Small Shrub Little Psycho' Wild Coffee Small Shrub Darrow's Blueberry Small Shrub Rosemary Small Shrub Scrub Palmetto Small Shrub 1 Privet Senna Small Shrub Stiff Goldenrod Small Trees Formosa Palm, Sugar palm Small Trees Pindo Palm Small Trees Buttonbush Small Trees Seagrape Small Trees Loquat Small Trees Stoppers Small Trees Florida Privet Small Trees Gallberry Small Trees Yaupon Holly Small Trees Simpson's Stopper Small Trees Jaboticaba Small Trees Wax Myrtle Small Trees Olive Small Trees Wild Olive Small Trees Chickasaw Plum Small Trees Desert Cassia 'Small Trees I Walter's viburnum Accent Trees Pigeonplum Accent Trees Arizona Cypress _ Accent Trees Japanese Blueberry Accent Trees Dahoon Holly Accent Trees t East Palatka Holly Accent Trees Crape Myrtle Accent Trees 'White Fringe Tree Accent Trees Souther Red Cedar Psychotria nervosa 'Little Psycho'TM Vaccinium darrowii Rosmarinus spp. Sabal etonia Senna ligustrina Solidago rigida Arenga engleri Butia capitata Cephalanthus occidentalis Coccoloba uvifera Eriobotrya japonica Eugenia spp. Forestiera segregata Ilex glabra Ilex vomitoria Myrcianthes fragrans Myrciaria cauliflora Myrica cerifera Olea eurapa Osmanthus americans Prunus angustifolia Senna polyphylla Vibumum obovatum Coccoloba diversifolia Cupressus arizonica var. arizonica Elaeocarpus decipens Ilex cassine Ilex x attenuata Lagerstroemia indica Chionanthus virginicus Juniperus silicicola H CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards Accent Trees Flatswood Plum Prunus umba/ata I Accent Trees Hercules' Club Zanthoxylum clava-hercul 5. Irrigation Controller: In order to foster water efficiency for landscape plantings, a "smart" Wifi based irrigation controller will be required for any new or redeveloped property. Unlike traditional irrigation controllers that operate on a preset programmed schedule and timers, smart irrigation controllers monitor weather, soil conditions, evaporation and plant water use to automatically adjust the watering schedule to actual conditions of the site. These controllers significantly improve outdoor water use efficiencies. If WIFI is not available, standards prior to this adoption shall apply. See section 18-248 Irrigation System Design. 6. Soil Amendments Soil amendments required: In order to ensure water conservation efforts and provide best management practice for establishing and maintaining landscape material, soil amendments shall be required as indicated below: Compost Quality Standards Compost products utilized for soil amending purposes shall be certified by the U.S. Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program. The compost should have an organic matter content of 50- 65% (dry weight), and a carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio below 20:1. Composts with low organic matter contents contain high levels of silica and other inorganic compounds and do not add organic matter to the soil. A compost with a C:N ratio greater than 20:1 indicates that the material is incomplete and will likely utilize nitrogen as it continues to decompose in the soil. This may rob plants of N during the important establishment phase and lead to the need for supplemental fertilizer applications. Particle Size Distribution of the compost: Minimum of 95% by weight shall pass a 5/8" screen. pH: of the compost should be 6.0- 8.0 as determined by saturated paste. Practical Instructions for Amending Post -Construction Soils Preparing the Area to be Amended M CITY OF CLERMONT - Landscape Standards 1. Soil amending should not occur until all on -site construction traffic has ended. All building construction, including outdoor pavement, and installation of major utilities should be completed. Installation of irrigation lines and components should occur after amending is complete to avoid risk of damaging irrigation lines during tilling. 2. The soil surface should be graded smooth and free of any construction debris, or trash. 3. It is recommended that irrigation components, irrigation installation equipment, and sod be staged on -site in preparation to install irrigation system and lay sod as soon as possible after amending the soil. Applying Compost to Disturbed Soils 1. , Compost should be spread evenly over the surface at the prescribed rate of 4 yd3 / 1,000 ft2, which is a depth of 1.3 inches. 2. Level out any shallow or deep compost areas to ensure even depth. No areas of bare soil should be visible. 4. Retain copies of receipts for compost (volume yd3) delivered to the site, as they can be used during inspection to verify post -construction soil standards have been met. Incorporation of Compost 1. Using a rotary tiller, incorporate amendment to a depth of 6 inches into the soil. 10 THE NEW YARD PATTERN BOOK it FOR FLORIDA'S SUSTAINABLE SINGLE FAMILY HOMES f/ SECOND EDITION OUTSIDE COLLABORATIVE A CASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY, FUNCTION, AND BEAUTY DIX•HITE The New Yard Pattern Book (Second Edition) for Florida's Sustainable Single Family Homes was produced by Dix.Hite + Partners for the Outside Sustainable Landscape Collaborative in 2023. This project was funded with the help of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida via proceeds from the Protect Florida Springs License Plate Fund. DIX.HITE + PARTNERS CONTRIBUTORS Chris Hite, PLA, FASLA Nick Riker Rachel Taylor, PLA Erin Sohl Johan Bueno Isabelle Hoppes Kirsten Farmer Jessica Griggs, PLA Jacob Felicijan Greg Bryla, PLA Tori Francis Kody Smith, PLA Emma Luedke David Hoppes, PLA Elizabeth Myers ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS Basil lannone III, PhD (University of Florida) Pierce Jones, PhD (University of Florida) Brooke Moffis (University of Florida) Gail Hansen de Chapman, PhD (University of Florida) Mark Hostetler, PhD (University of Florida) M. Jennison Kipp (University of Florida) Patrick Bohlen, PhD (University of Central Florida) Lesley Bertolotti (The Nature Conservancy) Kierstyn Cox (The Nature Conservancy) Timothee Sallin (Cherrylake) David Ressler (Cherrylake) Jimmy Rogers (Cherrylake) James Dyer (Cherrylake) Gabbie Milch (St. Johns Riverkeeper) Victor Ortega (My Dragonfly Gardens) Mary Paulic ni ng INTRODUCTION 5 THE FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM 7 AQUIFERS 9 SPRINGS 10 RIVERS + LAKES I I NEARSHORE ECOSYSTEMS 12 WILDLIFE CONNECTIVITY 13 WHAT ISTHE NEWYARD? 15 LANDSCAPE STRATEGIES 16 THE NEWYARD BENEFITS 17 WHAT'S IN IT FOR US? 18 GOALS:THE BIG 4 19 REDUCE WATER USE 20 ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS 22 HEALTHY SOILS 24 HOLISTIC PEST MANAGEMENT 26 TIME + COST SAVINGS 28 SITE PLAN 30 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 31 CREATING SPACE WITH PLANTS 32 OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES 33 STREETSCAPE 34 FRONTYARD 35 SIDEYARD 36 BACKYARD 37 rICK(LANDSCAPE DESIGNER) • • PLANTING PATTERNS 39 SITE PLAN + PLANTING PATTERNS 34' 40 SITE PLAN + PLANTING PATTERNS 50' 41 SITE PLAN + PLANTING PATTERNS 60' - REAR 42 SITE PLAN + PLANTING PATTERNS 60' - FRONT 43 OUTDOOR LIVING OPTIONS 44 CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANT 46 RECOMMENDED NATIVE PLANTS 47 u u PREPARE 49 MAINTAINING THEYARD 51 PEST CONTROL 52 WHAT'S THAT BUG? 53 WEEDS IN THEYARD 54 PROPER PRUNING AND TRIMMING 55 DEADHEADING 56 ENSURING THE RIGHT CONDITIONS 57 BIODIVERSITY IN THEYARD 58 WATER CONSERVATION 59 Florida's population has been growing steadily since 1946, and the residential construction industry has become a cornerstone of our state's economy. Over the last four decades, the construction of new homes has shifted increasingly towards master planned communities with the standard practice of mass clearing and regrading land for buildings, roadways, and stormwater controls. Replacing them with stormwater ponds and turf monocultures that depend on in - ground irrigation systems, regular fertilization, and frequent mowing is unfortunately common development practice. As a result, these residential landscapes use an average of 990 gallons of water each time the average yard is watered.That is equivalent to flushing a toilet 774 times or running your dishwasher 50 times! This demand is unsustainable and unnecessary. The conventional landscaping patterns established in most master planned communities does little to mitigate or compensate for the larger problem of habitat loss of Florida's natural ecosystems. It also further contributes to the nutrient pollution (Phosphorus and Nitrogen) that negatively affects Florida's watersheds and surface waters [ I ]. But don't lose hope ... there is a better way! Our landscapes can promote healthy soils, conserve water and provide habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Our yards can feed our children's curiosity making them want to put down their screens and step into the backyard and enjoy nature. In response to these issues,THE OUTSIDE COLLABORATIVE established this handbook to provide landscape guidelines for master planned communities to do just that! These guidelines are based on principles of sustainable design that are intended to maximize community amenities and homeowner experience, while also making them more functional for the landscape and its ecology. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 5 lvk ia_ Our yards play a role in the overall ecosystem. f TTTTTIIIII `C_� J !4b Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook INTRO The way in which we manage our yards plays a vital role in the health of Florida's ecosystems, from the species we plant, our choice of fertilizer, to our irrigation practices.We have the opportunity to support local wildlife and minimize the harmful impacts of these practices on the environment. Through the use of sustainable landscaping practices, homeowners can help lessen the stresses facing our local ecosystems, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, invasive species, and water overuse. Learn more about Florida's amazing natural ecosystems and how you can help protect them in your own back yard on the following pages. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 7 Florida has nearly 8,000 lakes, 1 ,700 rivers, Florida has over streams, and springs, thousands of miles of canals 39200 and extensive wetlands. waterways support natural functions such as fish and wildlife habitat and provide human uses ncludmg navigation, recreation, irrigation, drinking water, and flood control. NATIVE species of plants:(3],` In 1991 the flower of the genus V �^f COREOPSIS ` # (common name: tickseed) was designated Florida's official f wildflower after its extensive use in �� Florida's roadside plantings and highway beautification programs. [3] Florida's LARGEST native tree is a BALD CYPRESS (Taxodium distichum) in Hamilton County, Florida. This tree measures 557 inches in circumference, stands 84 feet tall, and ,tee.-,oe � - -- e^. A of 49 feed [5] Florida is home to f SPECIES OF 300BEESNATIVE 29 of which are endemic (found only in Florida). [4] Our state animal is the FLORIDA PANTHER (Felis concolor coryi) The Florida Panther is one of the most endangered animals in the world with an estimated 120-130 panthers left in the wild. It has been on thr federal endangered species list since 1967 and the states list since 1973. The oA006i nl bird species endemic to Florida is the FLORIDA SCRUB JAY (Aphelocoma coerulescens) It is found only in Florida scrub habitat, an ecosystem that exists I ONLY in central Florida and LIMITED areas of the Atlantic coast. [6] Much of the trub habitat has been altered for agriculture and developmur ent pposes, and what is left Is very >.—ptible to has change. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 8 Groundwater is water beneath the Earth's surface which is held in underground materials such as porous rock (e.g. limestone and dolomite) and soil. The underground reservoirs in which this water is stored are known as aquifers. Groundwater is replenished when rainfall permeates the soil and the water seeps into these underground materials. It is also the lifeblood of many rivers, lakes, springs, and streams as underground hydraulic pressure pushes groundwater back out to the surface and into these amazing aquatic environments known as groundwater dependent ecosystems. Groundwater dependent ecosystem health and the very water that 90% of Floridian's rely on for drinking water depends on the volume and quality of groundwater [7]. Unfortunately, human activity has strained and threatened Florida's groundwater resources. Groundwater withdraws have tripled over the last 50 years and present a significant threat to the amount of groundwater available to people, industries, and wildlife, that need it [8]. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 9 Florida's iconic springs are one of our state's most cherished freshwater resources, which rely on clean and abundant groundwater. Springs represent major discharge areas, where groundwater is forced to the surface due to pressure from confining beds of impermeable sediments. Releasing over 8 billion gallons of freshwater each day, Florida has the most productive spring system in the world. Beloved by both locals and visitors, Florida's springs provide abundant opportunities for recreation and connection to the natural environment. Notable for providing habitat to the endangered Florida manatee, Florida's springs are relied upon by many species of threatened aquatic and terrestrial animals [9]. Both water pollution and decreased water flow has adversely affected Florida's springs. Chemicals used in fertilizers in residential yards pollute Florida's freshwater systems. Irrigating with groundwater contributes to depleting the water in aquifers, which in turn reduces the pressure pushing the water out of the aquifer, decreasing the water flow and volume into the spring [I 0].This sets the stage for algae to proliferate. When this happens the balance of aquatic plants is shifted from diverse native species, that provide necessary shelter and food for turtles, fish, manatees and other animals, to a degraded algal dominated system. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 10 Rivers and lakes are significant contributors to Florida's freshwater biodiversity. Over 50,000 miles of rivers and streams throughout the state feed water bodies such as lakes, marshes, and swamps, carrying important nutrients and the essential water needed for these aquatic ecosystems to thrive [ I I]. Florida boasts nearly 8,000 lakes that provide important habitats to wildlife, the ecological systems supporting Florida's lakes are incredibly productive and biologically rich (I 2].These systems also provide us with drinking water and recreational opportunities. Like other water bodies in Florida, one of the biggest threats to the water quality of rivers and lakes is contamination from polluted stormwater that runs off the land. Many nutrients, toxins, and other pollutants that we use on the land can eventually be carried into either surface or groundwater. Anything that we put on the land (pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides) may pollute polluting Florida's precious water resources. River d f� Surficial Aquifer ...............: System Spring.....I ................... Limestone ................................................€ Lake Intermediate ............................................................................................. Aquifer System Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook •••. Surface Sands Upper Semiconfining Unit .... Florida Well INTRO Nearshore ecosystems occur at the intersection between land and water and are home to some of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth [ 13]. In Florida, examples of nearshore habitats included beaches and dunes, estuaries, mangrove swamps, and marshes.These ecosystems are incredibly productive and are home to many of Florida's most well-known sea life including: birds, sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, alligators, game fish, shrimp, crustaceans, oysters and clams. These nearshore ecosystems are threatened greatly by development, as people love to live along the coastline. It is estimated that as much as 3% of Florida's land area consists of nearshore ecosystems, and 80% of the state's population lives in these areas [14].This has led to mangrove deforestation in many areas, poor estuarine water quality and other adverse impacts to nearshore ecosystems. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook � 12 Wildlife connectivity, or habitat connectivity, is imperative to healthy and resilient ecosystems in Florida. Wildlife are dependent on reliable and connected corridors for food, water, and shelter. For example, the Florida Panther defends territories of up to 200 square miles. Panthers need large contiguous areas to be able to survive and reproduce. Much of Florida is undergoing rapid urbanization and experiencing increased development pressures into environmentally sensitive ecosystems.This rapid development deteriorates Florida's biodiversity by fragmenting habitat and isolating wildlife populations. It is important to protect our ecosystems by preserving natural areas that are spacious and connected enough for wildlife to move, migrate, and adapt [15]. d � � Connected wildlife corridors are especially important for migratory species that must locate natural areas to rest while on long journeys, such as the Monarch butterfly. As the only migratory species of butterfly, every year Monarchs travel thousands of miles across North America to overwinter in Mexico. On this long journey they need plenty of opportunities to rest and feed on milkweed. Many eastern populations of Monarchs congregate in Florida before they must travel over open water. When native habitats are fragmented due to large metropolitan areas and urban sprawl, it is hard for these important pollinators to find the energy they need to make it to their final destination.Without sufficient wildlife connectivity, we won't be able to enjoy migrating Monarchs! - it PP- .9 %ILI MW I& What you can improve in your own yard. r Of 0 74 �rwZ Outside Coll4borative:The New Yarj,L Handbook INTRO The first step towards sustainable residential development is shifting society's mindset of what a yard could be. A yard is much more than simply turf with a band of shrubs around the foundation of a home. Sustainable yards are designed to work with nature instead of against it. Landscaping Native Drought -tolerant Plants strategies to help protect Florida's natural ecosystems include reducing water and pesticide use and choosing native plants. Sustainably landscaped yards can be designed to be aesthetically appealing, functional, and low -maintenance all while providing food, habitat, and safety to wildlife. linage Credit: istockphoto.coin Extensive Sod' Image Credit: Dix. Hite + Partners Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook � Is INCORPORATE Use plants that can thrive on rainfall alone (beyond a short'grow-in' establishment period) so that permanent in -ground sprinkler systems are not needed. Install mostly native plants - suited to the site soils, UNi with lower water, fertilizer .:.� and chemical demand, and provide better habitat for wildlife. Incorporate a diversity - of plant species, serve different functions, have different bloom times, and provide habitat and food for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Incorporate outdoor living spaces for functional use. PRESERVE Preserve soil moisture, fertility, and nutrients, by adding compost to the soil, and using mulch and ground cover. Preserve mature trees when possible and install new trees to provide shade and habitat. Image Credit: Dix. Hite + Partners Minimize irrigated turf grass area and use alternative grasses and groundcovers Ct thatdo not require ongoing watering and have wildlife value. Gr'Avoid use of synthetic chemicals. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook V STRATEGIES IN ACTION... .III? Incorporate Preserve Minimize Native canopies create habitat and provide shade. Florida -friendly plants provide ideal habitats for native wildlife. The use of groundcover minimizes the need for irrigation. �c 1' Pesticide reduction allows for native plantings to flourish. The use of mulch and compost locks in soil moisture. Pollinator -friendly plants add life to the landscape and provide essential resources. Create usable outdoor spaces. 1, 41W t, Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook Native drought - tolerant plants need little to no irrigation. 17 � �� `! bpi ♦ _�_!t-_ ;, z Fyn "In the past, we have asked one thing of our gardens: that they be pretty. Now they have to support life, sequester carbon, feed pollinators and manage water." Doug Tallamy Co -Founder NHP https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook Image Credit Dix. Hite + farmers 18 SLOW WATER Choosing locally adapted site appropriate plant material that minimizes or eliminates the need for irrigation post - establishment, in turn reducing water use and providing cost savings to the homeowner. i' 2-1 « Ott -A* w ..__. ..__.__H, E ,LTHY.50JLS Regular use of compost and organic material, such as leaf litter, minimizes or eliminates the need for mineralized fertilizer and keeps plants happy, well-fed, and healthy! Planting a variety of native species in varied heights, textures, and form results in a resilient and beautiful yard. It also promotes and maximizes ecological diversity and ecosystem services, conserving Florida's natural heritage and promoting human wellness. 14 cl�07__"A* yrr'�f ` . ` •a iw AMINMEML HOLISTIC PEST MANAGEMEN_F�____7 Choosing native plants builds habitat, creating balanced ecosystems in which living organisms suppress pest populations and minimizes or eliminates chemical pesticide use. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 19 MINIMIZE/ELIMINATE IRRIGATION BEYOND ESTABLISHMENT Select native plants that are drought tolerant and appropriate for local soil types and climate. Group species of plants together that are well suited to the unique combination of conditions that exist on the site and account for light and soil moisture. i w v.3 Avoid turfgrass varieties that require irrigation. Instead, utilize combinations of drought tolerant turf varieties and low groundcovers that are more resilient and have just as much flexible use. Reduce long-term water use by utilizing moisture sensors on in -ground irrigation systems and irrigating only during the establishment period and times of drought.Weaning plants off irrigation helps direct roots deeper into the ground. When plants are selected based on soil conditions and location, those native to Florida are drought -tolerant and adapted to Florida's climate. Follow the principle of"Right Plant, Right Place." Move foundation plantings out from under the roof's rain shadow. This allows for the plant to utilize rainwater, minimizing supplemental irrigation needs. MOISTURERETAIN Organic mulch and nonliving groundcover helps lock moisture into the soil. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook I• • V Nearly 1,000 people move to Florida daily, which is analogous to adding a city the size of Orlando to Florida's population annually. Currently, Florida uses 6.4 billion gallons of water per day and usage will continue to increase as more residents move to the state. [ 16] With over two-thirds of a new home's water usage in Central Florida dedicated to landscape irrigation, reducing landscape irrigation is a "low - hanging fruit" to reduce unnecessary water demands. A Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) study found that the total average of surface and ground water use in the CFWI PlanningArea is projected to increase 36% from 667 million gallons per day to 908 million gallons per day by 2040. Instead, this water could be saved to support our amazing springs and other natural freshwater systems such as the Econlockhatchee River. Florida's beloved wildlife, such as manatees and otters, need water supplied by these natural systems to survive, more than we need this water to keep our lawns green. [ 17] Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 21 PROMOTE/MAXIMIZE ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Plant a diverse native palette to provide many different animals and insects with habitat. Use varying heights and growth habits to provide as many types of habitat as possible. Add a naturalized water feature or raingarden at low points and swales for habitat variety and water sources. Flowering shrubs and perennials attract pollinators that support fruit and seed production for birds and wildlife.These pollinators also support our food production on a regional scale. 9• Create living spaces that flow between the indoor and outdoor and celebrate Florida's native ecology. Canopy trees help sequester carbon, improve air quality, and provide shade. Understory trees can encourage bird and insect habitat which encourages a healthy plant ecosystem. Grasses can help catch roof run off. Hardy ground covers with robust root systems help prevent erosion and soak up excess water to prevent flooding and soil washout. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook With over 8 million acres of forest and wetlands developed, which is about 24% of Florida, wildlife habitats and corridors have been lost and biodiversity diminished.This impacts not only local wildlife, but migratory species that need connected wildlife corridors for food and rest as they journey to their next destination. Florida Tickseed (FL) (Coreopsis floridana) White Oak (WO) (Quercus alba) American Hornbeam (AH; (Carpinus caroliniana) 'iw�( I )ft to .4 N "-_II Landscaping with non-native plants exacerbates this issue. Native plants provide a more resilient and plentiful habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and other local wildlife. By embracing nature and providing habitat for different animals from rabbits to butterflies, you can support biodiversity in your own back yard by providing wildlife with places to rest, feed and reproduce. Orange Coneflower (OC) �W►1� (Rudbeckia fulgida) Tulip Poplar (TP) (Liriodendron tulipifera) ry (I) (Ilex Ilex glglabra) Turtle Squirrel Deer Quail Butterfly Hummingbird Cardinals Bee Swan Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook � 23 MINIMIZE/ELIMINATE MINERALIZED FERTILIZER USE i ,-- PLANT • TIVE M' Create a palette of native and hardy plants that can be used to reduce the need for mineral fertilizers after establishment. Use natural fertilizers like compost to improve plant growth instead of synthetic mineral fertilizers. Over fertilizing causes plants to under perform. If necessary, use slow -release fertilizers for the most environmentally safe option. s •• �• Non-native ornamentals can still be enjoyed as garden accents. Planting them in containers allows visual enhancement of outdoor living areas, while giving soil space to fnatives that contribute to the local ecology. A Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook • • 24 Maintaining healthy soils is important because soil is the foundation for healthy plants, wildlife, and people. Applying fertilizer provides many benefits such as plants providing optimal foliage and abundant fruit. Responsible fertilizing means using the most environmentally safe options such as organic or slow release fertilizers, and applying them alongside proper compost use. Using too much fertilizer can cause nutrient imbalances and changes in soil pH. Healthy soil must have enough organic material to retain moisture and provide nutrients and be aerated enough to support healthy root systems. Reducing or eliminating mineralized fertilizers is also key to protecting our water quality. Compost Nutrient Imbalances Acidic pH Algae Blooms can often take over a body of water and can produce poisonous toxins t r•;�.a A;-"' W, 1 Y 1 6: n Seasonal Fertilization Slow Release Organic Fertilization ® Organic Fertilizer NOW— Plant Nutrients Microts Organisms Soil Unhealthy Better Soil Environmentally Roots Fertility Friendly Poor Water Boosts Nutrient High Water Retention Efficiency Retention Stormwater runoff from agriculture, cities and other developed areas have polluted over 50% of Florida's waterways. Using 30 years of water quality data, scientists found that areas with winter fertilizer bans had the most improvement over time in levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Fertilizer ordinances improve water quality, but timing matters - News (ufl.edu) Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook 25 MINIMIZE/ELIMINATE PESTICIDES Using a mix of plants throughout Proper plant spacing provides the space can make diseases and airflow between plants, which pests less likely to spread by reduces the risk of pest and encouraging a complex ecosystem disease spread. instead of a monoculture. i Practice "Tip and Toss" strategies to control mosquito populations. Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water. Each week, tip over any standing water and toss out any unneeded containers. Reduced pesticide use helps support a diverse ecosystem of beneficial insects and micro- organisms that contribute to the health of the yard. Using a diverse and ecologically Place gravel within the dripline appropriate plant palette of the house to discourage pest encourages beneficial insect intrusion into the home and to predators such as ladybugs, provide maintenance access. resulting in a robust ecosystem that in turn prevents pest issues. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 26 When considering using pesticides, think about whether they are necessary for your yard. Ideally, pesticides should be the last approach to manage pests.The University of Florida has abundant resources available through their Integrated Pest Management Program to help homeowners determine the safest and most effective methods of pest management. PETS .0 Pesticides are absorbed by plant matter Chemicals leach below root zone r by rain Surface run off to lakes and rivers It's important to consider the toxicity of pesticides to people and wildlife. Although effective in managing pest problems but can have harmful impacts outside of their intended target. Some natural pest resistant practices include utilizing a diverse native plant palette, proper spacing, natural barriers,"tip and toss" strategies, etc. PEOPLE Chemicals pollute freshwater bodies, resulting in severe impacts on water quality Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 27 HOW SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES IMPACT OURWALLETS By keeping lawns small or eliminating altogether, we can reduce the time spent mowing. Lower -maintenance shrubs and groundcovers kept in natural and untrimmed forms can reduce the amount of time and money spent on yard maintenance. Homeowners should note that the first two years of any landscape will require maintenance to help the plants get established (weeding, watering, selective pruning, etc.) Utilize shade trees to lower heating/cooling costs of the home. Reducing or eliminating irrigation can lower irrigation costs up to 80% after establishment. Reduced runoff from over - irrigation and over -fertilization reduces regional costs of water treatment and lessens the impact on storm sewer systems. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook •• 28 I Plan a vision for your landscape by outlining design goals and functional outdoor spaces. Out:sde':Cea�ca; it +~:The New Yard Handbook PLAN The OUTSIDE landscape design is composed of many systems working together as a whole to satisfy function, form, and sustainable practices.These layers are all designed to work together to provide a residential landscape that can achieve all of OUTSIDE's goals for any lot configuration. PROGRAM: The back, side, and front yard spaces each have a different function and are connected by the circulation paths that move between the spaces. HARDSCAPE: Material changes to hardscape, like gravel or pavers for the pathways and patio areas that lead up to the house and garage. PLANT MATERIAL: Plant material of many different forms, heights and species create a rich native landscape that frames space throughout the yard. Organize the combinations by massing in specific areas such as planting beds, raised beds or framing a walkway for visual appeal. FINAL PRODUCT: The final is the combined product of the three components above, in a rich landscape that has lots of functional and usable space, and meets the'Big 4' objectives. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 11[2� 30 ,0]►1.71MA' OCirculation: Identify pathways that connect important nodes such as exterior doorways with key areas throughout the outdoor space. © Indoor/Outdoor: Utilize your yard to support activities you enjoy - create a relaxing living area, active turf zone or family play area that extends livable space to the outdoors. © Site Conditions: Examine the lot to identify soil type, drainage patterns, prevailing winds and sun/shade areas to help create a plant palette. 0 Frame/Buffer Views: Utilize plantings to enhance favorable views while screening unfavorable views to create privacy and a sense of enclosure. © Plant Spacing: Consider mature size of plants when selecting to ensure they are situated far enough from the home and planted with proper spacing (see "Maintain" section). 0 Grid Guide: Utilize a grid system to help define planting areas, open spaces and create focal points through extensions of architectural features such as roof lines, columns, window locations, etc. Use curves or linear connections. C Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook LEGEND TREES H CONNECTIONS VIEWS DRIPLINE ARCHITECTURAL EXTENSIONS ------- ROOF LINES - - - - - PROPERTY LINE 31 Landscape can shape a home's space just as much as its buildings and walls. In the typical residential lot, most of the outdoor landscape space is used for lawn, shrubs and groundcovers frame the house and paths up to the house. Landscape can be used as a much more useful tool for making spaces functional, comfortable, beautiful, and productive. LEGEND Tall canopy trees create shade and provide a "ceiling" for living spaces. Clean edges around plant beds and hardscape help ° shape a cultivated aesthetic. This lends a casual formality \ to the landscape and allows plants to grow to maturity. to SHADETREE Taller shrubs and hedges provide privacy and help SMALLTREE/PALM create the "walls" of the outdoor living spaces. GROUNDCOVER • TALL HEDGE ACTIVITY ZONES covers and small •Ground MEDIUM SHRUB areas of lawn form a clean • LOW SHRUB carpet for activities. FLOWERING PERENNIALS NnoulaIL1ira,1:6.1 •Lower shrubs and grasses ACCENT PLANTS provide visual interest and rhythm and form the fabric of the yard. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 32 With a focus on programming as an extension of the home, we enhance use and enjoyment of the outdoors through functional and versatile spaces that support wellbeing for all organisms, foster neighborly connections, and help residents better understand the ecosystems around them. By looking at the front yard, side yard, back yard, and public streetscape as four separate spaces with distinct functions, we can better plan out programming and frameworks for each space. r-- a l h 1 I BACKYARD I I i 0 FF- FRONT YARD o .- Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 33 The public realm is what stitches a great community together. Wh ether it be where people linger and socialize or simply pass through, there is opportunity to provide dynamic experiences throughout the community.The public right- of-way and street network can provide a cohesive look for the community while reducing HOA maintenance costs to create thriving and comfortable living streets. A massing of evergreen shrubs helps delineate the threshold between public and private space. Diversity of groundcovers and accent plants in the right-of-way planting strip provide a cohesive look between the lots and street and increase habitat for insects and micro-organisms. To promote a healthy streetscape, provide ample room for healthy root systems to establish. Street trees provide ecosystem services such as shade, habitat, cooling, and carbon sequestration. Consider providing different species of street trees throughout the community for increased biodiversity, better air quality, and lower power bills. Native drought -tolerant groundcover in right-of- way planting strip decreases maintenance, irrigation and fertilizer/pesticide usage. Ensure planting strip is wide enough to provide adequate root space for canopy trees. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook � 34 As the most highly visible area, the front yard serves as a threshold between the public realm and private space. Clean bedlines and accents help guide visitors to the front door, while front porches and living spaces help FRAMETHE ENTRY foster neighborly connections. Accent trees help frame the Evergreen hedges or low walls/ fences delineate the threshold between public and private space. entry and create seasonal interest through flowering, fall color, and sculptural branching. Emphasizing the front porch activates the front yard and creates a friendly atmosphere. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 11[2� 35 Not commonly used for outdoor living spaces, the side yard will typically be used for maintenance access, utilities such as AC condensers, and screening from adjacent homes. Simple plant massing framed by evergreen shrubs will shield utilities from view and provide a workspace for compost bins, work benches, etc.While also creating habitat. Gravel or mulch paths instead of lawn should be used in this area. Evergreen trees and hedges provide privacy on narrow lots. Evergreen shrubs help frame home entries. Flowering plants create seasonal interest and pops of color while requiring very little irrigation. Simple materials like mulch or gravel paths provide access to utility areas and lock moisture into the soil. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 36 As the most private area of the yard, the back yard is the most used living area.A centralized zone for play, entertaining, or relaxing should be the central focus with ancillary living spaces connected with pathways.The living space types are entirely up to the owner and could consist of vegetable gardens, fire pits, outdoor dining rooms, rain gardens, or any other desired outdoor rooms. Lawn should be used sparingly in the central zone and should be framed by native shrubs and groundcover. Access to rear -loaded garages should be provided, and flow between indoor and outdoor spaces is of the utmost importance. Provide access to rear -loaded garages or alleys. Small areas of lawn framed by shrubs provide space for pets or playing while minimizing water use. MAXIMIZE SHADE SEASONAL COLOR Maximize shade through arbors Adjacent areas of the yard can Seamless transitions between or canopy trees wherever provide seasonal color through indoor and outdoor spaces possible for comfort and a sense planting, space for a vegetable provide ease of access and of enclosure. garden, or other uses. elevates the importance of the yard. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook 37 �)1 S ru Rio 4 :L Pick desired landscape elements and identify ways to enhance the public streetscape and front, back, and side yard spaces. Outside Collaborative: The New Yar Handbook PICK The goals and strategies discussed in the introduction are practices that can be used in lots of all different sizes and types.We have demonstrated these on 3 different lot sizes typical to most developments: 34', 50', and 60' widths.The following diagrams are intended to be patterns for developing customized landscape plans for home Iots.With slight alterations to the plant list, these strategies can be applied to any lot size, condition, or climate. Lot landscapes should adhere to the following guidelines: i . 75% of all the planted area should be native. Any non-native species must be Florida Friendly with special care taken to avoid all invasive species. 2. Limit turfgrass to no more than 15% of the lot area.The use of Bahia sod is encouraged over Zoysia, conventional St.Augustine, or cultivar Bermuda sod. When turf can be eliminated entirely, there will be significant reduction in maintenance costs due to areas no longer requiring mowing. 3. Use at least 10 different species of shrubs/grasses/groundcover on each Iot.This increases biodiversity and provides a naturally layered aesthetic. 4. Limit using turfgrass in residential areas, except when implemented in drainage swales to slow water velocity and protect channel from erosion. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 39 STREET TREE Canopy trees approved by local municipality to plant in the right-of-way planting strip between the street and sidewalk. SHADE TREE w' Medium to large trees with t dense canopies that provide shade. Can be evergreen or deciduous. SMALL TREE/PALM Small to medium trees that fed offer visual interest in the understory. Could have 1 ornamental qualities or provide shade. SCREEN/HEDGE Large shrubs and small O trees, most likely evergreen, to plant in rows for privacy and screening. 6-8' tall with varying spreads. SHRUB Flowering plants, either { © evergreen or deciduous, 2-5' tall with matching spreads. GRASSES/WILDFLOWERS Medium and large clumping grasses and perennials add texture, movement, and color to the yard. GROUNDCOVER Low, spreading plants and mulch to keep soil healthy. OPEN SPACE p:f Mowable low grasses and grasslike plants, creating a resilient, sustainable lawn. WALKWAYS Gravel, permeable pavers, crushed coquina, or mulch to formalize circulation. OUTDOOR LIVING Customizable areas to rirm fit homeowner needs. Examples include firepiu, lounge areas, vegetable gardens, and more. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 40 STREETTREE Canopy trees approved by W®R, local municipality to plant in the right-of-way planting strip between the street and sidewalk. SHADE TREE Medium to large trees with dense canopies that provide 9 shade. Can be evergreen or deciduous. SMALL TREE/PALM f. Small to medium trees that offer visual interest in the understory. Could have ornamental qualities or provide shade. SCREEN/HEDGE Large shrubs and small Q trees, most likely evergreen, to plant in rows for privacy and screening. 6-8' tall with varying spreads. SHRUB Flowering plants, either © evergreen or deciduous, 2-5' tall with matching spreads. GRASSES/WILDFLOWERS Medium and large clumping grasses and perennials add texture, movement, and color to the yard. GROUNDCOVER O' Low, spreading plants and mulch to keep soil healthy. OPEN SPACE Mowable low grasses and grasslike plants, creating a resilient, sustainable lawn. WALKWAYS Gravel, permeable pavers, o.` crushed coquina, or mulch to formalize circulation. OUTDOOR LIVING Customizable areas to ✓ fit homeowner needs. gym=. Examples include firepits, -- lounge areas, vegetable gardens, and more. be Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook 41 STREET TREE Canopy trees approved by 0 local municipality to plant in the right-of-way planting i strip between the street and sidewalk. SHADE TREE Medium to large trees with © dense canopies that provide shade. Can be evergreen or deciduous. SMALLTREE/PALM Small to medium trees that © offer visual interest in the understory. Could have ornamental qualities or provide shade. SCREEN/HEDGE Large shrubs and small O trees, most likely evergreen, to plant in rows for privacy and screening. 6-8' tall with varying spreads. SHRUB Flowering plants, either evergreen or deciduous, 2-5' tall with matching spreads. GRASSES/WILDFLOWER Medium and large clumping grasses and perennials add texture, movement, and color to the yard. GROUNDCOVER 0 Low, spreading plants and ^` mulch to keep soil healthy. OPEN SPACE Mowable low grasses and �.0 grasslike plants, creating a resilient, sustainable lawn. WALKWAYS 0 Gravel, permeable pavers, crushed coquina, or mulch to formalize circulation. OUTDOOR LIVING Customizable areas to fit homeowner needs. Examples include firepits, lounge areas, vegetable gardens, and more. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 42 STREET TREE Canopy trees approved by local municipality to plant in the right-of-way planting strip between the street and sidewalk. SHADE TREE Medium to large trees with © dense canopies that provide shade. Can be evergreen or deciduous. SMALLTREE/PALM Small to medium trees that offer visual interest in the understory. Could have ornamental qualities or provide shade. SCREEN/HEDGE Large shrubs and small 0 trees, most likely evergreen, to plant in rows for privacy and screening. 6-8' tall with varying spreads. SHRUB Flowering plants, either © evergreen or deciduous, 2-5' tall with matching spreads. GRASSES/WILDFLOWERS rr� Medium and large clumping grasses and perennials add texture, movement, and color to the yard. GROUNDCOVER Q' Low, spreading plants and ^� mulch to keep soil healthy. OPEN SPACE Mowable low grasses and grasslike plants, creating a resilient, sustainable lawn. WALKWAYS Gravel, permeable pavers, crushed coquina, or mulch to formalize circulation. OUTDOOR LIVING Customizable areas to fit homeowner needs. Examples include firepits, — -- lounge areas, vegetable gardens, and more. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook IEUZ� 43 PICK �r Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 45 The planting diagrams shown in this document provide flexibility for home builders.While plant typologies must be followed, the actual species of plant can vary.This flexibility allows the builder to use many heights and textures to increase biodiversity, add visual depth, and celebrate seasonal changes in the landscape. SITE ANALYSIS • Consider the regional plant communities and which plants are naturally thriving in your area • Consult the USDA Hardiness Zone map for which plants will survive in your region • Analyze drainage patterns in your yard and choose plants with appropriate moisture needs • Analyze sun/shade patterns and choose plants accordingly PURCHASING Purchase plants from nurseries that use sustainable growing practices. Plants should be healthy, pest -free, and disease -free. FLORIDA REGION ZONES USDA COLD HARDINESS ZONES NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH W Image Credit: Florida -friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook � 46 la Recommended native plants for Central Florida that p SHRUB Walter's Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum) are tested, commonly available, hardy and contribute © Firebush (Hamelia patens) to the local ecosystem.* y Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) Dwarf Palmetto (Sabel minor) Scrub Palmetto (Sabal etonia) Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hyrdrangea quercifolia) Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa) STREETTREE American Beautyberry (Collicarpa amerkana) Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) Winged Elm (Ulmus alato) Anise (IIIicium parviflorum) Sweetgum (Uquidambor styroci/luo) Darrow's Blueberry (Voccinium darrowii) Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) (upright varieties) White Stopper (Eugenia axillaris) Sparkleberry (Vocclnium orboreum) SHADE TREE Inkberry. Garberry (Ilex glabra) �= Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) Georgia Catmint (Colamintha ashei x georgiana) j Red Maple (Acer rubrum) (various cultivars) Florida Anise (11licium floridanum) y Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandifloro) (various cultivars) Garberia Gorberio hetero h lla ( P Y ) Longleaf Pine (Pinus polustris) Marlberry (Ardisio escallonioides) Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata) Rusty Lyonia (Lyonia ferruginia) Bluff Oak (Quercus oustrina) Shiny Lyonia, Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifero) Turkey Oak (Quercus loevis) GRASSES/WILDFLOWERS Bluejack Oak (Quercus incana) Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia copillaris) Green Ash (Froxinus pennsylvanica) Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum dacryloides) Laurel Oak (Quercus lourifolia) Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) Eastern Red Cedar (juniperus virginiana) Sand Cordgrass (Spartina bakeri) Elliot's Lovegrass (Eragrostis elliotu) Little Bluestein (Schizachyrium scoporium) Sea Oats (Uniola paniculato) f� SMALLTREE/PALM Lopsided Indiangrass (Sorghostrum secundum) 4 Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) Splitbeard Bluestein (Adropogon ternarius) Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Wiregrass (Aristido stricto var. beyrichiano) Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) Chalky Bluestein (Andropogon virginicus var.glaucus) Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellate) Blue Porterweed (Stachytarphetajamakensis) Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) LanceleafTickseed (Coreopsis lanceolate) Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) Leavenworth's Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii) Dahoon Holly (Ilex cossine) Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) Eastern Redbud (Cercis conadensis) Starry Rosinflower (Silphium asteriscus) Florida Privet (Forestiera segregate) Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco) Lyreleaf Sage (Salvia lyrato) Riverbirch (Betula nigra) Spiderwort (Tradescontia virginiana) Redbay (Perseo borbonia) Paurotis Palm (Acoelorraphe wrightii) Of GROUNDCOVER Sabal Palm (Saba) palmetto) St John's Wort (Hypericum tenuifolium) SwampTwinflower (Dyschoriste humistrata) SCREEN/HEDGE Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigilloso) 0 Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes frograns) Creeping Sage (Salvia misella) Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) Common Violet (Viola sororia) Saltbush (Baccharis halimnifolia) Beach Verbena (Glandularia maritima) Withlacoochee Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum Narrowleaf Silkgrass (Pityopsis grominifolia) 'Withlacoochee') Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) PLANT LIST RESOURCES Florida Native Plant Society (fnps.org) Florida Friendly Plants (ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/plants) Cherrylake (cherrylake.com) Florida Wildflowers Foundation (flawildflowers.org� *Plant list to be expanded to include all of Florida at a later date 0 OPEN SPACE Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) OblongleafTwinflower (Dyschoriste oblongifolia) Bahia Sod (Pospalum notatum) St Augustine Sod (Stenotophrum secundatum) (low -mow and low-water varieties only) Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrato) Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook � 47 r 4F Apo Ile 4 ~J W • T 40000( f f '� Prepare the yard for installation of plant 44 material and understand which native plants will grow best in your climate zone. O tside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook PREP Preparation of the land before planting is just as important as which plants are chosen. Soil testing and consulting with your county extension agent for the most appropriate soil recommendations is the best way to assess soil type and any amendments that may be recommended before planting. If needed amending the existing soil with compost can add important nutrients and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Careful planning and installation practices set the groundwork for a healthy and thriving landscape. Industry leaders like OF/IFAS and Cherrylake have extensive information on sustainable landscape installation and maintenance. Image Credit.• istockphoto.com INSTALLATION RESOURCES OUTSIDE (outsidecollab.com) Cherrylake (cherrylake.com) University of Florida IFAS (ifas.ufl.edu� Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 49 I Manage your landscape from establishment and beyond to limit irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide use while maximizing biodiversity. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook HOW? ESTABLISH Establishment for new plants is an important time for the landscape to take hold and root well in the soil.This means that plants will require more care during the establishment stage.This extra care and time will eventually level off when plants are settled into their environment, and irrigation system use should be able to be reduced. MAINTAIN Learning how to take care of your overall landscape and the individual plants in it is an important step in cultivating a healthy and mature landscape. WATER USAGE /.� Best practice is to have a master controlled irrigation system for the entire community managed by a qualified horticulture professional. During establishment, low -volume irrigation, or hand -watering should be used to help plants develop healthy root systems and settle into their new environment. Monitor irrigation heads regularly for leaks or breaks and run maintenance pulses on drip irrigation systems to prevent clogs.This keeps systems running efficiently and avoids excess water waste. Use of weather -based timers and soil moisture sensors should be standard to prevent unnecessary irrigation after rain events. When irrigation is needed, it should run early in the morning to prevent excess evaporation during the hot hours of the day. MARKETING AND STORYTELLING Community HOAs can work with developers to incorporate the landscape strategies in this guidebook into the community identity and branding. Homebuilders should educate buyers about these strategies, communicating the value that sustainable landscapes bring on both a financial and experiential level. isCOMMUNITY RESOURCE MONITORING Community HOAs can partner with organizations and state agencies to create long-term monitoring and evaluation programs.These could include monitoring overall water use, ecological surveys of the community, and establishment of certifications such as Homegrown National Park and The National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat. https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ https:Hnwf.org/certify MAINTENANCE RESOURCES OUTSIDE (outs idecollab.com) Cherrylake (cherrylake.com) University of Florida IFAS (ifas.ufl.edu/) FFL (Floridafriendlylandscaping.com) Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 51 NATURALAND ORGANIC PEST CONTROLTIPS WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ORGANIC? products available OMRI Aphids and scale: Using natural pesticides such as insecticidal soap (including homemade recipes) or neem oil are effective and safer for plants. Just be sure to always test in small inconspicuous area of the plant first! Identify and keep beneficial insects in your garden such as ladybugs, lace wings, praying mantis.These insects prey on unwanted pests and are the good guys! For leaf rollers and other unwanted caterpillar pests — use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (note: don't spray on desirable caterpillars like butterfly larvae). Other tips for pest removal: Don't be afraid to use your fingers! Hard bodied pests are more difficult to treat with pesticides, so it is often easier to pick them off of plants. You can also place a cloth under the plant and shake insects off the plants. Predatory nematodes in the soil can be used in your garden to feed on unwanted insects. Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 52 ISTHIS INSECT HARMFUL OR HELPFULTO MY SUSTAINABLE YARD? Taking photos of insects in your yard can ensure an accurate ID. Upload the photos into iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.orgn to quickly identify It: the insect. Some different insect species may look the same with only slight variation in marking. Additionally, many adult species look completely different from their larvae! When you are photographing insect species, be sure to take additional photos of the plants you find them on. 074 Not all bugs are bad for your yard! Did you know that less than 1. I % of bugs in the United States feed on plants in a harmful way? 1 Many insects found in Florida yards are pollinators or beneficial predators. By taking the time to accurately ID insects in your ,. garden, you can create a better pest management plan that protects the "good" bugs and gets rid of the pests. C J- Pesticides in your yard may kill unwanted pests, but are not selective and will kill beneficial bugs as well.There are several methods of pest management that can reduce pesticide use in your yard. Planting pest -resistant plants, removing damaged parts of affected plants, and spot -treating can limit the amount of chemicals used within your yard. Also, don't be afraid to use your fingers and pick off insects by hand when possible! By planting a variety of native species, you can encourage the presence of natural predators such 40 as birds and other predatory bugs that will prey on �, Iunwanted pests. Maximizing biodiversity to enable natural predators can help you manage pests in your yard. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook 53 HELPFULTIPS FOR CONTROLLING WEEDS INYOURYARD Weeds can either be just unwanted plants or harmful invasive species. Weeds in your garden can out compete desirable plants for space and nutrients as well as increase the possibility of infestation and disease. • Seasonal control in the fall and winter can reduce problems when growing season begins in the spring. • As a last resort, consider ORMI certified herbicides — but be careful as these are not selective and can kill other plants you desire to keep in your garden! • Use corn gluten meal as pre -emergent seed/weed control [ 18] * Use a 5 gallon bucket to collect pulled weeds in.This prevents the spread of new seeds and lowers maintenance time. rPrepay oil properly when w planting Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook � 54 When pruning trees your number one priority should be removing any limbs that are dead, diseased, or dying. These limbs can impact the health of the tree, as well as become a safety hazard. Routinely pruning your trees can act as a substitute for limb loss through natural causes and will effectively increase the strength and longevity To reduce the need for pruning, it is best to consider a tree's natural form. It is very difficult to impose an unnatural form on a tree without a commitment to constant maintenance. Proper pruning of shrubs depends on the species that you have and your desired shape. Before you plant, know the expected mature height and width of the plants you choose. If a plant is too large for its space, pruning will not be a permanent solution to maintain a particular size. Pruning does not stop growth, it actually stimulates new growth! Instead of pulling flowers, cut them to the ground. Generally you should begin pruning after the first display of flowers, and stop pruning at the end of the plants growing season. Pruning dead and spent flowers, foliage, and stems encourages healthier, fuller plants and more flowers. Depending on your goals and the condition of your plant, there are two types of pruning to choose from, deadheading and thinning. Heading promotes new blooms and a fuller appearance while thinning improves appearance and flower size and helps prevent disease. Bunch grasses cannot be trimmed using generalized pruning rules. They require special timing and techniques on your part to look their best. Bunch grasses are cut back annually typically in February or early March (late winter). It is important to cut back grasses because it simulates wildfires in natural Innrlcr'annc If n nhnt ante rlmmnanrl it m— k. a .r....rl rn—n *-^ ..t k -L t-- #-k- k— Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 55 THE BENEFITS OF DEADHEADING Redirect . erzy- Demonstrateded on a Black-eyed Susan: ....................... ............ ••TECHNIQUE • Deadheading flowers • Snips and scissors Use a clean tool to and blooms when • Dedge shears trim spent blooms they are past peak just above the node bloom •Pruners "Leaving the "brown stuff": can provide habitat for many pollinator and insect species Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook 56 _.m Understand the needs of the different species of plants in your yard. USDA Hardiness zone, sunlight, and irrigation needs should all be considered when choosing a planting location for your garden. Hardiness Zones Water Regime 0 Sunlight DETAILS IN THE DI Minimize soil compaction by tilling soil to allow for better root growth and uptake of nutrients. Tilling can help to aerate as well as deter weeds from taking root ;III T�STINC; Always do a soil test to determine the pH of your soil and determine which nutrients and how much occurs. This will inform the species of plants that will do better in your soil and any soil amendments that may be needed. Keep in mind different types of dressing (e.g pine straw, mulch, compost) have different pH. 6 Note where sun and shade occur in your garden and place plants according to sunlight needs. In very hot areas consider providing shade to your plants from the afternoon sun. AERATION NUTRIENTS =ALTHY )OTS Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 1111111MRIIIIIII 57 HOWTO MAXIMIZE BIODIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE ..... ..... Include sources of water such as butterfly watering stations and bird baths. Providing water to wildlife is crucial, especially in Florida's hot summer months. Include structural features such as drift wood and rocks for shelter and hiding places for wildlife. ...... Have variety of food sources (berries, nectar, seeds) to support needs of birds, bees, and insects. ..... ..... 0 Trees and bushes provide diverse habitat options to populations of native species. Planting native and diverse species with varying heights can offer different habitat characteristics to attract more wildlife to your yard. Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook � 58 ONLY WATER AS NEEDED: ' When you notice grass blades not bouncing back or changing to a blue-green color, it's time to water your lawn! An efficient watering wets only the turfgrass root zone, does not saturate the soil, and does not allow water to run off of your lawn. Once an appropriate amount of water has been applied, do not apply again until drought is noticeable. If it rains, skip your next watering cycle! WATER EARLY IN THE MORNING: Watering at night will cause too much water to sit in the soil, and watering during the day when it is too hot will cause excessive evaporation and plants will not absorb enough water. Watering in late afternoon or late morning may be harmful if it extends the time the lawn is naturally wet from dew. This extended moisture could accelerate disease occurrence. 040 WATER LESS IN COLDER MONTHS: Often, homeowners are unaware that irrigation should be adjusted seasonally. Failure to adjust for seasonal changes will lead to over -watering. Over -watering will harm the long-term health of plants and waste water in the process. The amount of water applied each time you irrigate your lawn should not vary seasonally, though the frequency with which you water will change by season. MAINTAIN IRRIGATION SYSTEM REGULARLYTO PREVENT LEAKSAND MALFUNCTIONS: Ensuring that your irrigation system receives regular maintenance will save both water and money. Preventing leaks will also avoid any damage to your landscape from over -watering. ORGANIZE PLANTS BY SIMILAR WATERING NEEDS AND SCHEDULES FOR OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY: Grouping plants by water needs should top the list when you are building a new bed or updating your landscape. Grouping plants into water use zones will help you use only the water you need for those specific areas and also save plenty of time and money! Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 59 I. University of Florida IFAS (https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/overview-of-florida-waters/ waterbody-types/) 2. Atlas of Florida Plants (http://florida.plantatias.usf.edu/) 3. Florida Department of State (https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state- wildflower/; https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-animal/) 4. Bay Soundings,Tampa Bay's Environmental News (https://baysoundings.com/welcome-floridas- native-bees-into-your-yards 5. Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest- Wildfire/Our-Forests/Florida-Champion-Trees) 6. All About Birds (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/even-small-scattered-florida-scrub-jay- groups-are-vital-to-the-su rvival-of-the-species/) 7. Groundwater as Drinking Water (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE601) 8. Groundwater Withdrawals (https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/ perspectives/groundwater-most-vat uable-resou rce/#:—:text=Though%20it's%201argely%20 out%o20of,needs%20fo r%20a%20healthy%2Oplanet.&text=H idden%2OResource%2OMost%- 20streams%2C%20rive rs,from%20snowmelt%2C%20rainfall%20and%20runoff.) 9. Springs (https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/florida/stories- in-florida/floridas-springso 10. Florida Department of Enviornmental Protection (https://floridadep.gov/springs/protect- restore#OFS) 11. Florida Rivers (https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/overview-of-florida-waters/waterbody-types/ rivers/) 12. Florida Lakes (https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/overview-of-florida-waters/waterbody-types/) 13. Nearshore Ecosystems (https://serc.si.edu/nearshore-ecosystems) 14. Nearshore Ecosystems and Developement (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H350) 15. Wildlife Connections (https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/ connection -counts/) 16. For the People (https://cfwiwater.com/pdfs/CFWI_2020RWSP_FINAL_ PlanDocRpt_ 12-10-2020.pdf) 17. For Sustainable Use (https://floridadep.gov/southwest/sw-permitting/campaign/one-water- flo rida#:—:text=Here%20in%20Florida%2C%20we%20use,gal Ions%20per%20day%20by%20 2040) 18. Corn Gluten Meal (https://www.thespruce.com/corn-gluten-herbicide-careful-timing-2152947) * OUTSIDE Collaborative Conference Materials (outsidecollob.com) Florida's Best Native Landscape Plants: 200 Readily Available Species for Homeowners and Professionals by Gil Nelson Native Plants for Florida Gardens by Stacey Matrazzo and Nancy Bissett Nature's Best Hope:A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Douglas Tallamy Planting in a Post -Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes by Claudia West and Thomas Rainer Priceless Florida: Natural Ecosystems and Native Species by Anne Rudloe, D. Bruce Means, and Eleanor Noss Whitney Florida Native Plant Society's Recommended Books (https://www.fnps.org/resources/books) Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook � 60 Cherrylake (cherrylake.com) University of Florida IFAS (ifas.ufl.edu/) Dix.Hite + Partners (https://www.dixhite.com/) Florida Native Plant Society (f_ps.org/) Florida Friendly Plants (ffl.ifas.ufl.edu, https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/, https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/ publications/) Cherrylake (cherrylake.com) Florida Wildflowers Foundation (flawildflowers.org/) IFAS Invasive Species Programs (invasivespecies.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/) FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM (PG.7): Copyright: Nicholas Larghi/TNC Photo Contest 2021 Copyright: St Johns River Water Management District Copyright: John Winfree/TNC Copyright: Kevin Barry Copyright:Tom Strazulla/TNC Photo Contest 2021 SPRINGS (PG. 10): Copyright: Melissa Shawn Griffith/TNC Photo Contest 2017 RIVERS + LAKES (PG Copyright: Mac Stone WILDLIFE CONNECTIVITY (PG. 13): Copyright: Carlton Ward Jr. https://www.worldwi ld l ife.org/stories/the-great-monarch-migration BIG 4 IMAGES (PG. 19): Low Water Use Image Credit: https://joegardener.com/podcast/efficient-watering-in-the-gar- den-and-landscape/ Ecosystem Benefits Image Credit: https://Iawnlove.com/blog/how-to-grow-wildflower-meadows/ Healthy Soils Use Image Credit: https://www.clf.org/blog/cutting-down-food-waste/ Holistic Pest Management Image Credit Florida Wildflower Foundation PEST MANAGEMENT IN THE LANDSCAPE (PG. 27): Copyright: Roberto Gonzalez CHAPTER IMAGES: Plan Section Image (pg. 29): http://northcoastgardening.com/2009/02/shrubs-to-attract-birds/ Pick Section Image (pg. 38): James St John via https://Iawnlove.com/blog/native-plants-florida/ Prep Section Image (pg.48): Malcolm Manners via https://Iawnlove.com/blog/native-plants-florida/ Maintain Section Image (pg. 50): https://florabundancegardens.com/product/coreopsis-linifolia-savan- nah-coreopsis/ *(All other images are credited beneath the image or owned by Dix.Hite + Partners) Outside Collaborative:The New Yard Handbook 61 OUTDOOR LIVING IMAGES (PG.44-45, in order of appearance): https://www.lambertgrouprealestate.com/blog/tags/watercolor-real-estate/ https://www.decorhomeideas.com/side-yard-ideas/ Hollander Design via https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/front-yard-landscaping-ideas Raymond Jungles, Inc. / Steven Brooke Photography Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture via https://www.gardenista.com/posts/outdoor-furniture-spot- I fight-serenesynthes is-i n-teak/ https://www.naturallandscapegroup.com/blog/landscape-design-ideas-with-pergolas/arbour-final/ Southern Living via https://www.flickr.com/photos/30010636@NO3/3638363949/in/photostream/ https://www.dwell.com/article/ 1843-n-woodside-eichier-42f08920/6502188058566602752 JuliaAbbonizio/Getty Images via https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/vegetable-garden-ideas https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/outdoor-living/personalizing-your-florida-friendly-land- scape.html Mounts Botanical Garden via https://www.phillippicreek.org/create-a-backyard-bird-haven/ https://www.wilcoxnursery.com/inspiration/galleries/florida-native-gardens/ Brown is Beautiful/Terry Moore via https://www.asia.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=47673 https://www.aiofoodpantry.org/news-events/aigrow-aios-commu nity-garden-project https://www.clarkandstone.com/the-u ltimate-gu ide-to-montage-palmetto-bluff/ WMWA Landscape Architects / Mountaintop Garden https://www.amazon.com/ALG Free-Shade-Sunblock-Durable-Breathable-Backyard/dp/B07TD- IDY3C Karen Kempf Interiors Nelson Byrd Woltz / Native Meadow https://www.sortra.com/42-inviting-fire-place-designs-for-your-backyard/ Feldman Architecture, Ground Studio Landscape Architecture Brett Hilton / Falling Waters Landscape Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture via https://www.gardenista.com/posts/outdoor-furniture-spot- I fight -serene synth e s i s- i n-teak/ https://onekindesign.com/2017/04/28/outdoor-hammock-ideas/ *(All other images are credited beneath the image or owned by Dix.Hite + Partners) Outside Collaborative: The New Yard Handbook 62