Central Florida Landscape Design Tips That Actually Work

Designing for Florida isn’t like designing for anywhere else. Our blazing sun, heavy rains, sandy soil, and long growing season mean that what works in the Carolinas—or even North Florida—might fall flat here in Central Florida. That’s why smart Central Florida landscape design starts with local knowledge, hands-on experience, and a clear plan.

At BLG Environmental, we bring decades of real-world experience into every project—helping homeowners avoid costly mistakes and achieve results that look great and last. Here are what we believe to be the best Central Florida landscape design tips that actually work best in this region.

Real Strategies for Beautiful, Durable Outdoor Spaces

1. Choose Plants That Thrive, Not Just Survive:

   Many homeowners fall in love with a plant they’ve seen online or at a garden center, only to be disappointed when it wilts under our sun or can’t take the heat. A successful Florida landscape design needs plants that are proven performers here in Central Florida.

   Some of our favorite plants that thrive in Central Florida include:

   • Dwarf yaupon holly – tidy, native, and drought-tolerant
   • Firebush – colorful, butterfly-friendly, and resilient
   • Coontie palms – a tough, low-maintenance native
   • Muhly grass – soft texture and seasonal interest
   • Viburnum or podocarpus – great for hedging and screening
   • African iris– tough, low-maintenance, and elegantly blooms with white flowers

   We blend these with tropical textures and evergreen anchors to create layers that look good all year long—using our design experience to make it feel effortless.

2. Design with Shade, Privacy & Purpose:

   Soggy yards are one of the most common issues we see across Orlando landscaping projects. Without proper drainage planning, even the most beautiful design can turn into a mess after a heavy rain.

   We always assess:

   • How water flows across the yard
   • Whether grading adjustments are needed
   • Where to incorporate gravel swales, catch basins, or French drains

   Good drainage is invisible when it works—but a game-changer when it doesn’t. That’s where experience matters.

3. Design That Works in Central Florida:

   The best Central Florida landscape design doesn’t just fill space—it creates experiences. We design for how you want to live outside, not just how it looks from the street.

   Whether that means a shaded pergola, a fire pit tucked under palms, or a private lounging area behind a screen of bamboo or viburnum, our goal is to make your yard feel like an extension of your home.

   And with our One Vision. One Team. approach, the same experienced team that designs your space installs it too—ensuring your project is cohesive, efficient, and personal from start to finish.

The Experience Makes the Difference

As an FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer, I bring a professional, experience-driven approach to every outdoor space we create. We don’t just follow trends—BLG designs with purpose, backed by local knowledge, hands-on field work, and a deep understanding of what works here in Central Florida.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your project and invest in Central Florida landscape design that delivers long-term results, we’d love to help. We take the best Central Florida landscape design tips that actually work for your property.

Contact BLG Environmental Services today to schedule your complimentary landscape design consultation! Let’s discuss real strategies to develop beautiful, durable outdoor spaces for your home or property.

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer