It is a new year and if a new yard or improvements to your existing yard are in order, remember that landscaping in Southwest Florida doesn’t have to be difficult if you plan appropriately and follow certain tried and true practices. Consider the help of a professional landscaping firm when larger, more elaborate installations exceed your yard and garden tool kit. 
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Program, administered through the county extension office is a good resource for assisting homeowners in creating and maintaining beautiful yards. The program provides free educational resources that teach you how to water more efficiently, fertilize appropriately, manage yard pests and more.
When you begin the planning and plant selection process, be sure to take into consideration your home’s architectural style and color. Choose a focal point to design around if possible. This could be a pool or a large, flowering tree. Think about the style—do you want a lush, tropical look or something more formal and structured? Draw out your plan, noting the specific plants you would like to see where. 

Creating a multi-tiered design with a variety of shrubs closest to the home and flowering plants that complement your home’s color can provide an instant face lift. When choosing shrubs that will be positioned close to the house, be sure to select species that will remain lower than the windows. Interspersing smaller trees in a border area can also help break up plant lines for more visual interest.
There is a wealth of information online to help in your plant selection so you can understand what plants will fare better in our warmer climate. Drive around town and see what plants thrive in installations you like, and note how much sun they receive. Better yet, visit a local nursery and garden center like Williams Magical Garden Center & Landscape in Naples for free advice and a wide selection to choose from.
A fundamental consideration when it comes to trees is to be sure to plan for larger trees to be further from the structure of your home and with adequate space from streets and other hard surfaces. Too often a darling tree, when purchased, will grow to its full height, threatening a home’s exterior or causing damage to driveways and sidewalks. Choose ornamentals and flowering plants with an eye for what is aesthetically pleasing to you, keeping in mind the need for sunlight and irrigation of each selection.
In shady areas where grass may not grow as well, select plants that will do well with four hours or less of sun, avoiding darker green foliage and brightening the area by choosing varieties with white or variegated leaves to stand out in the shadows. 

Many plants have evolved to grow well in Southwest Florida, but don’t hesitate to ask your local nursery which plants will do well for your particular situation. Drought tolerant plants are becoming a popular choice in our area and require less maintenance as well as water. In the cooler winter months be prepared to cover less hardy plants and shrubs from the occasional cold spells that come our way. Covering your beds in a layer of mulch will also help plants withstand the damage of plummeting temps.
Don’t be afraid to prune flowering trees and shrubs in January. After pruning, be sure to apply fertilizer and reapply mulch to help retain moisture and keep the fertilizer from running off. Be sure to check your local county guidelines for fertilizer use.  
Incorporating pathways, water features and outdoor lighting can take your home’s landscaping to a whole new level. With this degree of landscaping, however, it might be wise to enlist the help of professionals. Many companies will provide free landscape design if you purchase your installation with the nursery. Not only will you receive the guidance of professionals experienced and trained in landscape design, you can also be confident of getting high-quality plants and a more unique selection than you might find elsewhere. 
Now is a perfect time of year to plant in Southwest Florida, allowing your choices to become well-established and showy before the heat of summer. With some proper planning and assistance in selections (free for the asking at better nurseries), you can transform the exterior of your home into the yard of your dreams.