2025 Landscape Awards

 

Submissions will open on June 2nd!

Everyone is encouraged to apply - including non-FNPS members

 

The FNPS Landscape Awards celebrate excellence in landscape design, innovation, and sustainability across diverse projects and practitioners throughout the state of Florida. Whether you're a seasoned professional, an enthusiastic amateur, or a dedicated conservationist, we invite you to showcase your contributions to the field of native landscaping. 

Our awards program recognizes outstanding projects that demonstrate creativity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. From urban parks and public spaces to private gardens and restoration initiatives, we welcome submissions that inspire, educate, and enhance the natural and built environment. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of native plants and the individuals and organizations dedicated to creating vibrant, resilient landscapes for future generations.

 

MISSION

The FNPS Landscape Awards aim to showcase exceptional projects that embody our core values of stewardship, sustainability, and environmental integrity. We honor those who create landscapes that support and restore Florida’s native habitats, fostering biodiversity and ecological resilience. Whether through residential gardens, public parks, or habitat restoration projects, the awards spotlight work that advances our collective mission to champion Florida’s native plants and their habitats.

 

VISION

We envision a future where landscapes across Florida reflect a deep understanding and appreciation of our native environment. The FNPS Landscape Awards celebrate projects that contribute to a future where Florida’s native plant communities thrive, and people are empowered to protect and enhance the natural world for generations to come.

 

AWARDS

Native Garden of Excellence

Awarded to one outstanding project in each category, the Native Garden of Excellence celebrates exceptional landscapes that go above and beyond in the use of Florida’s native plants and sustainable landscape practices.

Winning projects excel in:

  • Plant diversity

  • Habitat creation

  • Water conservation

  • Soil health

  • Pest management

  • Long-term maintenance

  • Innovative and thoughtful design aesthetics
     

Winners Receive:

  • The 2025 Native Garden of Excellence Recognition Award

  • An attractive FNPS native plant sign for on-site display

  • Local and statewide media exposure

  • A feature story in the FNPS magazine, website, and social media

  • A complimentary FNPS individual membership for two years

 

Native Garden of Honor

Awarded to up to ten projects across all categories, the Native Garden of Honor recognizes commendable efforts in native landscaping and sustainable design. These projects demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and inspire others, whether led by professionals or passionate individuals.

Winners Receive:

  • An attractive FNPS native plant sign for display

  • Local and statewide media exposure

  • A feature story in the FNPS magazine, website, and social media

  • A complimentary FNPS individual membership for two years

 

CATEGORIES 


Residential Native Landscaping

Requirement: 75% or more of the property’s landscaped areas must contain native Florida plants.

Description: This category recognizes residential properties that incorporate native plants to enhance biodiversity, improve ecological function, and promote sustainable landscaping. By prioritizing native species, these landscapes contribute to habitat restoration, water conservation, and the preservation of Florida Native Plants. 

This category is divided into two subcategories:

  • Professional Native Landscapes – For landscapes designed and/or installed by landscape professionals, showcasing expert planning, sustainable design, and ecological benefits while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

  • Homeowner-Created Native Landscapes – For landscapes personally designed, installed, and maintained by homeowners, demonstrating a strong commitment to conservation and the transformation of residential spaces into thriving native ecosystems.

 

Commercial and Institutional Landscaping

Requirement: 60% or more of the property’s landscaped areas must contain native Florida plants.

Description: This category recognizes commercial, governmental, and institutional properties, as well as public community areas within HOAs,: parks, parking lots, that integrate native plants into their landscapes. These projects prioritize sustainability, water conservation, and ecological resilience while enhancing the aesthetic and functional value of shared spaces.

 

Habitat Restoration and Conservation

Requirement: 100% of the project area must be dedicated to the restoration or enhancement of Florida native plant communities.

Description: This category applies to both public and private lands where the primary goal is ecological restoration rather than aesthetic design. Projects focus on restoring degraded habitats, enhancing native plant communities, and improving ecosystem health. Key considerations include native plant diversity, habitat connectivity, and the reestablishment of ecological functions that support wildlife and long-term resilience. These projects play a critical role in preserving Florida’s natural landscapes and biodiversity.

 

Pollinator and Wildlife Demonstration or Community Gardens

Requirement: 100% of the project must contain native Florida plants known to support local pollinators and wildlife.

Description: This category recognizes community-driven projects designed to attract and sustain native pollinators and wildlife. These gardens are often created and maintained by schools, community groups, garden clubs, or other local organizations, serving as living educational spaces that promote ecological awareness. Emphasis is placed on the selection of native plant species, habitat complexity, and wildlife-friendly gardening practices. These projects enhance public spaces such as schools, libraries, parks, and community centers, fostering a deeper connection between people and Florida’s native ecosystems.

 

    FEES

    • Residential - $60
    • Commercial and Institutional Landscaping - $100
    • Habitat Restoration and Conservation - $60
    • Pollinator and Wildlife Gardens - $40

     

    Early bird applications get a 10% discount

    FANN members get a 10% 

    Chapter members get a 25% discount

    Schools and nonprofits please email [email protected] for a fee waiver

    Discounts cannot be combined

     

    RULES AND REGULATIONS

    • Minimum Grow-In Period

    Projects must have a minimum 2-year grow-in period before submission. Only projects installed on or before August 2023 are eligible.

    • Invasive Species Prohibition

    No plants listed on the Florida Invasive Species Council Category I and II lists may be included. Projects with invasive species present will be disqualified. 

    • Submission Deadline

    Completed applications and fees must be received by 5:00 PM, August 1st 2025 to be considered.

    • Native Plant Requirement

    Residential projects: At least 75% of the landscaped area must consist of native Florida plants.

    Commercial and institutional properties: At least 60% of the landscaped area must consist of native Florida plants.

    Pollinator and Community Gardens: At least 90% of the landscaped Area

    Restoration: 100% of the designated area must consist  of native plants

    • Project Documentation

    A plant list with scientific names is required. Before-and-after photos or progress documentation should be included but are not mandatory to show the success of plant establishment.

    • Community Engagement (if applicable)

    For community-driven projects (e.g., schools, garden clubs), evidence of community involvement (e.g., volunteer participation, educational programs) should be provided.

     

    Defining the Project Area

    • Residential Projects:

    Applicants may submit the entire property or a selected portion (e.g., front yard, backyard, side yard) as the project area. The requirement of 75% native plant coverage applies specifically to the area being submitted for evaluation, not the entire property (unless the entire property is submitted).

    • Commercial and Institutional Projects:

    The project area may include landscaped zones around buildings, along walkways, in courtyards, or other maintained green spaces. For these properties, a minimum of 60% native plant coverage is required within the defined project area.

    • Lawn Areas:

    Large lawn spaces may be included as part of the project, but applicants are encouraged to reduce turfgrass areas where feasible. Replacing lawn with native grasses, groundcovers, or other native plantings can help meet the required percentage of native plant coverage and demonstrates a commitment to ecological landscaping principles.

    For very large properties (5 acres or more), applicants are encouraged to focus on a defined portion of the site (e.g., a courtyard, garden, or natural area restoration zone) that can be clearly evaluated

    • Projects may include but are not limited to:

    Front, side, or backyards

    Entry gardens or courtyards

    Common areas in residential or commercial developments

    Public-facing institutional landscapes (e.g., schools, churches, nature centers)

    Restoration or habitat creation zones within a managed landscape
    Right-of-way buffers, bioswales

     

    SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

    Details Coming Soon!

     

    SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

    Details Coming Soon!

     

    QUESTIONS?

    Email [email protected]

    Submittal materials cannot be returned and may be used in presentations, reports, website, social media, and publications of the Florida Native Plant Society. Private residence addresses will never be shared. Public location addresses may be shared if applicant agrees.

    Need more time to work on your application and want to be notified of awards deadlines next year? Sign up for our interest list.