August 12, 2025

Lynn Barber’s Efforts in Promoting Sustainable Landscaping in Seffner

News Summary

Lynn Barber is actively promoting sustainable landscaping in Hillsborough County through education, community projects, and hands-on classes. As the county’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping agent, she shares gardening tips via her column and engages residents through affordable workshops. Barber’s initiative aims to cultivate awareness about sustainable practices while also beautifying local landscapes. A notable project includes the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, which serves as a practical example of her sustainable landscaping philosophy.

Seffner, Florida – Lynn Barber’s Commitment to Sustainable Landscaping Education

Lynn Barber, the Hillsborough County agent for Florida-Friendly Landscaping, is actively promoting sustainable landscaping practices through education and community engagement. Barber, a resident of Lithia since 2000, has been a key figure in integrating environmentally-friendly gardening techniques within the county.

As part of her outreach efforts, Barber has been writing for community publications like the Osprey Observer since 2015, where she shares practical gardening tips aimed at novice gardeners. Her popular column, ‘The Lazy Gardener’, engages readers by providing straightforward advice on how to maintain their gardens sustainably. She is dedicated to helping Hillsborough County residents learn more about effective landscaping that respects the local ecosystem.

Barber oversees classes for local residents, which are offered at an affordable fee of $10. These classes cover valuable topics such as composting, microirrigation techniques, and rainwater harvesting. Through these educational programs, Barber aims to cultivate awareness of sustainable practices that can improve local landscapes while conserving resources.

Community Engagement

In addition to her writing and teaching, Barber has engaged in significant projects to showcase sustainable landscaping. She oversaw the construction of the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden located at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner. This garden displays various Florida horticulture and landscaping designs, serving as a living example of Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.

Barber emphasizes the importance of composting and resource conservation in landscaping, recognizing that proper landscape management not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of homes but also contributes to environmental sustainability. She has inspired community members like Jose and Rosemary Cosme, who won the 2025 Florida-Friendly Landscaping award for their own sustainably cultivated yard. Jose Cosme has enhanced his landscaping skills by attending Barber’s classes, implementing techniques like using rain barrels for efficient water usage.

Professional Background

Barber’s commitment to promoting sustainable landscaping is supported by her extensive background in this area. She has been associated with the University of Florida organization for 22 years, leveraging the research and resources it provides to enhance her teaching and community outreach. Barber originally hails from Iowa and previously worked in Minnesota before relocating to Florida, where she has fully embraced the climate and landscape.

Despite initially feeling intimidated by the bugs and heat in Tampa, Barber has since developed a strong affinity for her surroundings, particularly through her work in landscaping. Her home landscape received recognition as Florida-Friendly in 2009, further demonstrating her personal commitment to sustainable gardening practices.

Workshops and Additional Resources

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) also provides workshops that complement Barber’s educational efforts. These workshops focus on key areas like soil building, efficient gardening, and water conservation techniques, allowing community members to expand their knowledge of sustainable practices.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, Barber addresses the importance of resilience in landscape management, suggesting practical trimming techniques such as using pruners instead of hedge shears for maintaining shrubs. This not only improves the health of the plants but can also enhance the overall ecosystem.

Conclusion

Lynn Barber’s work in Hillsborough County exemplifies the vital role of education in promoting sustainable landscaping practices. Through her writing, classes, and community involvement, she continues to inspire residents to adopt environmentally-friendly habits that yield both aesthetic and practical benefits, while reinforcing the importance of living in harmony with Florida’s unique environment.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

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