"Huegel has created an excellent guide to growing and using native ferns and wildflowers. Gardeners of all levels will find many new and relatively unknown jewels to add to their landscapes. The wealth of experience and personal knowledge Huegel brings to his subject makes this a veritable step-by-step handbook for the wildflower gardener."--Gil Nelson, author of Florida's Best Native Landscape Plants "Huegel has compiled a large amount of information on Florida's native wildflowers and groundcovers. This is an extremely helpful and refreshing addition to the resources for people interested in these plants, whether they wish to grow them or not."--Daniel Austin, University of Arizona In 1512, Ponce de Leon is said to have named our state "La Florida," the Land of Flowers, for the only real wealth he ever discovered. The peninsula is a treasure-trove of beautiful groundcovers, yet most Florida yards are planted with exotic species of turfgrass and ornamentals.Recent statewide water restrictions and a rekindling of environmental awareness have increased interest in native plants, which are better adapted to the local climate and require less maintenance. Floridians are beginning to appreciate the fact that such landscapes can be beautiful as well as ecologically and economically superior to what we have come to accept as "normal."In this engaging and authoritative guide, ecologist and avid gardener Craig Huegel offers valuable information to anyone interested in integrating native ground covers into an outdoor space. As many of the plants featured in this book are not frequently or adequately discussed elsewhere, Native Wildflowers and Other Ground Covers for Florida Landscapes is a singular resource for homeowners and commercial growers alike.Beautifully illustrated with nearly 300 color photos, this handy book provides clear instructions on how to garden with more than 200 native plants, including ferns, grasses, and an abundance of wildflowers--all commercially available--that work well together in a wide variety of configurations. If you're interested in adding these beautiful, diverse plants to your garden or yard, pick up Craig Huegel's latest book and start redesigning your Florida friendly landscape today. Craig N. Huegel is an ecologist at Ecological Services Associates and cofounder of the Urban Wildlife Program at the University of Florida. He has produced ten video programs and several books including Native Plant Landscaping for Florida Wildlife.