The University of North Florida Botanical Garden has recently received five gold-level Florida Yards and Neighborhoods commercial certifications from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. These achievements were accomplished — despite staffing shortages — with the help of garden volunteers, which include Duval Master Gardeners and tree stewards.
To receive this distinction, a garden must exhibit and follow nine Florida-friendly landscaping principles using low maintenance, low impact and environmentally sustainable practices. The gold award signifies the highest possible excellence implementation of landscaping standards. These designations exemplify UNF’s continual commitment to designing, planting and maintaining landscapes that preserve water quality, wildlife habitats and sustainable initiatives.
The gardens recognized include Healing, Bamboo, Bioswale, Climate Change and Peace Plaza. A specific point of pride for the botanical garden is its sustainable practices that serve as a learning experience on native and Florida Friendly plants. The various displays provide calming experiences supported by the arts program, amid eye-catching sculptures accentuating each space.
The UNF Botanical Garden’s mission is to foster environmental conservation, sustainability, biodiversity and stewardship of healthy ecosystems for education, research and community outreach through natural and unique living garden displays. The university grounds department and volunteers have worked to create and maintain a wide diversity of garden styles, as well as plant collections.
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Volunteers have helped Rhonda Gracie, horticulturist and the grounds team to maintain and expand the gardens. They meet early to begin pitching in to weed, water, install new plants and many other activities. After working for a few hours, the volunteers enjoy lunch in the gardens. Their goal is to have fun while learning many new things as they contribute to a beautiful public university garden. Also, Duval County Master Gardeners and Tree Stewards can receive CEU credits when volunteering.
There are 16 primary gardens encompassing a total of 100 acres.
The immersion healing garden includes a rose parterre and bee patch, while the Florida Native Gardens include wildflowers, a beach dune and a coastal hammock. There are also four gardens in development that include cycad, palm, a food forest and a children's space.
The university will host an official grand opening in the fall featuring its 16 primary gardens (two of which contain several smaller gardens). Presentation of all of these will take place during this event. Signage and maps will be available at that time.
For now, the main circle of the campus is full of easy walking paths and sitting areas in the lovely gardens, so visitors may park anywhere and explore.
The UNF Botanical Garden is free and open daily from dawn to dusk. A parking permit fee is required Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours take place on the second Saturday of each month, starting at 10 a.m. in front of the library.
If you would like to volunteer, take a tour or find out more, contact Rhonda Gracie at rhondagracie@unf.edu or (904) 620-1375 or email Joyce Buscaglia, volunteer coordinator, at n01513547@unf.edu.
Diana Openbrier, volunteer, UNF Botanical Gardens
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