BeFloridian Flock Welcomes Spring!

UPDATE:  “The Art of Being Floridian” flamingo flock tour has begun! These fabulous flamingos, painted by 20 artists from New Port Richey to Avon Park, are on display throughout July at the Safety Harbor Library followed by the Oldsmar Library in August, the Arts Center of Manatee in September, and the Largo Cultural Center in October.. They are helping to spread our message to skip the fertilizer to Protect Our Fun! They will be traveling to libraries, arts centers, museums and other venues in Tampa, Manatee and Pinellas for the next year. Check back for updated tour info.

The BeFloridian flock is getting ready to spring into action! 25 local Tampa Bay artists and crafters were each called upon to turn a simple $12 plastic pink yard flamingo into a beautiful piece of art. The diverse group of artists donated their imagination and time to help promote the “Be Floridian” fertilizer education campaign to “Skip the Fertilizer This Summer and Protect Our Fun.” Once the flock is gathered they will be placed on tour throughout the Tampa Bay area at different community events. After their tour ends the flock will be part of an art exhibit called “The Art of Being Floridian.”

Backyard Dreamer by Lisa Burns

Here is a sneak peak at a few of the wonderfully creative flamingos. I am proud to have my Backyard Dreamer Flamingo included in the campaign alongside many unique designs created by these talented artists and crafters. Check back often, we will be adding new flock members as they are unveiled by BeFloridian.

Dottie by Anita Long

Backyard Getaway is proud to be a BeFloridian.org business partner. Be Floridian business partners must pledge to promote principles of sustainable gardening and responsible fertilizer use to protect the Gulf, bays and lakes that are the chief source of our recreation. Partners display a special web badge denoting their status. Be Floridian is coordinated by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, with support from Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas counties and the city of Tampa. The campaign promotes “Gardening like a Floridian” by complying with local fertilizer ordinances and using native or Florida-adapted plants. As a homeowner you too can be a BeFloridian partner. Take the pledge today!