Wendy’s Wanderings

New Year, New Garden: Fresh Starts for Florida Gardeners

January 6, 2026

January ushers in a new year — and with it familiar phrases like “new year, new me,” “out with the old and in with the new” and “fresh starts and new beginnings.” For gardeners, the start of the year offers an opportunity to make thoughtful resolutions that improve our landscapes while benefiting the environment. Consider making 2026 the year you garden with intention, purpose, and patience.

Plan for Pollinators
With bee and butterfly populations continuing to decline, creating pollinator-friendly habitat is more important than ever. Start by avoiding pesticide use whenever possible. Plant a diverse mix of flowering perennials, shrubs and trees that provide nectar and pollen throughout the year. Leave or create natural areas in the landscape that include bare soil, leaf litter and dead wood; these features offer critical nesting and shelter sites.

Mark your calendar for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a fun and meaningful citizen science opportunity. The 2026 census will take place August 21–22. Learn more at their website.

Include Native Plants
As Florida’s natural habitats continue to be developed, incorporating native plants into home landscapes is increasingly important. Florida natives are not always easy to find, but seeking out nurseries that specialize in native plants and choosing the right plant for the right place pays off. Native plants support pollinators, birds and other wildlife while adding beauty and resilience to your landscape.

My personal goal for 2026 is to plant more spotted horsemint (Monarda punctata) and a native fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus). Learn more about Florida native plants at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.

Remove Invasive Plants
If invasive plants have taken hold in your landscape, perhaps 2026 is the year you finally bring them under control — or even eliminate them altogether. This goal is often easier said than done and may require persistence, whether through hand-pulling, digging or careful herbicide use. The effort is well worth it, as removing invasives creates space for Florida-Friendly plants that better support local ecosystems. Helpful guidance with invasive plants is available at Gardening Solutions.

Add Edibles to the Landscape
Is 2026 the year you grow more food at home? Consider adding long-lived edibles such as pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) or roselle to your landscape. You can also tuck easy-to-grow herbs like rosemary or chives into existing garden beds. You are already tending these spaces — why not enjoy fresh ingredients for the kitchen along with attractive, functional plants? Explore edible gardening options at Gardening Solutions.

Save Water with Microirrigation
Did you know that converting landscape beds from conventional irrigation to microirrigation can reduce water use by 30-60%? Microirrigation systems deliver water directly to the soil, improving efficiency and often enhancing plant health by keeping foliage dry. These systems are easy to install, relatively inexpensive and very Florida-Friendly. Learn more about microirrigation.

Reduce Maintenance: Work Less, Enjoy More
Take time to assess your landscape and identify opportunities to reduce maintenance. If a hedge requires pruning every couple of months, could it be replaced with dwarf shrubs? If mowing feels like a chore, consider turf alternatives that reduce labor while still looking great. Instead of bagging fallen leaves for the curb, allow them to remain under trees as natural mulch. This practice improves soil health and provides valuable habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Gardening Solutions has more on saving money and time in the landscape.

One More Resolution: Be Patient
If you need one final gardening resolution, let it be patience. Be patient with yourself as a gardener and with the changes you hope to see in your landscape. Gardens are not built in a day — they evolve, change and renew over time, just as gardeners do.

Here’s to a rewarding and sustainable 2026. Happy New Year, and happy gardening.