The Florida Meadow Manual
Creating and Maintaining Resilient Green Spaces

Gage Daniel J. LaPierre and Isabella Guttuso Browne


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Available for pre-order. This book will be available March, 2026
 

Learn how to transform turfgrass lawns and open spaces into biodiverse meadows with this practical and inspiring step-by-step guide
 
“If there is a question about establishing meadows in Florida that is not addressed in The Florida Meadow Manual, I cannot imagine what it is. Hats off to LaPierre and Browne for creating a superb reference for conservationists in Florida and beyond.”—Douglas W. Tallamy, author of How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard                                                                                                   
 
“If you are looking for an easy-to-read book on the topic of design, installation, and maintenance of Florida native meadows, this is it.”—Mark B. Fiely, Center for Pollinator Research, Penn State University  
 
“This practical, inspiring manual is your go-to guide for creating a resilient, eco-friendly meadow that works with nature, not against it. Rooted in ecological principles and informed by conservation science and local, on-the-ground expertise, it walks you through every step of the process. The only comprehensive guide specifically designed for Florida’s unique environment, this book is your roadmap to a thriving, sustainable landscape.”—Jeff Norcini, consultant, OecoHort, LLC  
 
The Florida Meadow Manual spurs readers to create their own living patches of wonders with detailed, step-by-step processes.”—Nancy Bissett, horticulturist, restoration ecologist, and botanist with The Natives, Inc.  
 
Today’s homeowners and landscapers are increasingly seeking to make a positive impact on the environment through the natural spaces they create. For Florida residents looking for alternatives to traditional turfgrass lawns, The Florida Meadow Manual is a timely guide. Meadows—diverse plant communities of native grasses and wildflowers—require fewer resources than lawns and provide critical habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.
 
This book provides clear, step-by-step instructions for transforming yards, parks, and other open spaces into thriving biodiverse ecosystems. Drawing on the expertise of seasoned professionals and real-world case studies from urban and rural settings across the state, this book details the full process of creating a meadow, from site assessment and plant selection to installation and long-term maintenance. Readers will find guidance on design principles that balance ecological function with visual appeal, as well as practical strategies for managing weeds, planning mowing schedules, and addressing invasive species. Color illustrations and sample design plans showcase successful projects and offer inspiration.
 
Blending ecological insight and hands-on advice, The Florida Meadow Manual is the perfect resource for home gardeners, land managers, and planning professionals. By making the principles behind meadow creation understandable and actionable, this book empowers readers to contribute meaningfully to Florida’s environmental resilience—one meadow at a time.  
 
Gage Daniel J. LaPierre is an ecologist who focuses on understanding and restoring the natural landscapes of the southeastern United States. Isabella Guttuso Browne is a coordinator with the Center for Landscape Conservation Planning at the University of Florida, where she works to integrate green infrastructure design and planning practices into land use and conservation efforts across the state.

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