Local Yard Gets Water-Wise NatureScape Makeover

The Burdeen family's yard in Sunrise, FL has been transformed into a certified NatureScape as part of Broward County's NatureScape Makeover contest. It has become one of the over 1,100 certified NatureScapes found within Broward County and will serve as drive-by example for the public.

NatureScapes save water and support the reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, all while maintaining a healthy landscape. The use of native, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant plants is key. And as we saw last year, native plants fare much better through hurricanes than non-natives!

An important goal of the NatureScape program is to educate the public about landscape Best Management Practices and the role every Broward resident plays in protecting our water resources. Designed to raise awareness of the NatureScape Broward program, Broward County held the NatureScape Makeover contest last year. This contest offered Broward County residents a chance to win a free yard designed with NatureScape principles.  

The Burdeens were selected from nearly 550 entries, and were awarded the prize in mid-January. Over the course of several months a team of local professionals collaborated to design a yard that would thrive in Broward County's unique climate. Twelve companies with specialties ranging from well drilling to landscape architecture donated approximately $50,000 worth of time, services, equipment, and supplies to the project.

Some of the winning property's features include

• Native plants and trees that provide wildlife value and require less water and chemical applications than non-native varieties, and a beautiful butterfly garden
• New turf grass to filter nutrients from landscape runoff, and mulch to hold in moisture around plant beds.
• An attractive, low voltage lighting system
• A super-efficient irrigation system with an automatic rain shut-off sensor
• And a waterfall feature that will help attract native and migratory wildlife

The NatureScape Makeover sponsors - Just Perfect Landscaping, Jef Sprinkler, Alyn Kaye, Parrish Growers, Earth Tech Drilling, Rainbird, Outdoor Gardens, Runway Landscaping, Brown's Design Landscaping, Alexander Landscaping, Earth Tech Drilling, Advanced Electrical, and Earth Advisors were recognized at a Broward County Board of County Commissioners meeting in June. 

"I want to thank all of the sponsors that made this makeover possible. When people see the change in this yard, I think they'll be inspired to create a NatureScape landscape on their own property," said Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs.  "A NatureScape yard is beautiful, environmentally sound and entertaining.  You'll be amazed at how much wildlife this environment attracts."

The hope is that the new yard will not only provide the winners with a great place to relax with family and friends, but will also serve as inspiration for County residents looking for a way to help the environment. 

 

Naturescape is a program of the Broward County Commission - Water Resources Division.