Florida limestone rock edging frames the garden pathways that create the shape of a 30-foot wide butterfly.
Photo courtesy of Wade Trim

Every Effort Was Made
As a certified Florida-Friendly yard, the garden meets the requirements of the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods statewide program. It features more than 26 species of local, drought-tolerant plants. Florida limestone rock edging frames the garden pathways, which create the shape of a 30-foot-wide butterfly, visible from the deck above. The mulch is made of shredded Melaleuca trees, a non-native invasive, exotic pest plant that is harvested to improve the health of natural areas throughout the state. Every effort was made to salvage and reuse materials, such as native plants, boulders and signage. The garden also features a collection system designed to harvest rainwater from the roof of the education center and reduce stormwater runoff. Local artists decorated the rain barrels with images of manatees and indigenous birds.

Viewing Station Entrance. The center is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary.
Photo courtesy of Wendy Anastasiou, TECO Energy

A Natural Environment
Wade Trim is a proponent of environmental and social responsibility, we truly enjoy participating in projects that protect natural resources and preserve a region?EUR??,,????'?????<