"We’ve come a long way, baby …"

Judy Drake
Sunscapes Landscape Designs
Jacksonville, Florida

It wasn’t too many years ago that it was illegal for a landscape designer to sell a landscape plan. Through the efforts of a number of designers, then Florida Rep. Jim Fuller of Jacksonville introduced legislation to change the law. The (then) FNGA, as well as the Florida Builders Association, supported our cause and we were successful.

Many designers take these hard earned efforts for granted, but I believe we have an obligation to work with and reach out to landscape architects. As the trade association representing Florida’s vast nursery and landscape industry, FNGLA is our bridge for doing exactly that.

I also believe we have an obligation to “be the best that we can be” in response to the privilege we have been given. I’d like to suggest three ways we can do that.

Become certified. You will learn a great deal through the process of certification, and when you can declare yourself a “FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer,” you will place yourself above the crowd.

Learn, learn, learn. FNGLA offers wonderful educational opportunities through the Short Courses at FNATS and TPIE. These courses, which include low voltage lighting applications to new plants in the landscape, are all taught by nationally known individuals. They all give wonderful opportunities to expand your mind and your resources.

Take advantage of the Landscape Design Tour. The Landscape Division of FNGLA sponsors a Landscape Design Tour each spring. It provides an opportunity to see some of the best gardens in the state while networking with other designers. This tour will challenge and stimulate you to create better designs.

So, get off your duff! It’s not too late to register for the FNATS Short Course. All of these opportunities will really pay off – not only in your skills, but also in your bank account. See you at FNATS in Orlando!