Frequently Asked Questions

  • The City of St. Pete and Gulfport.

  • We follow the Florida Native Plant Society’s definition of native plant: “a species occurring within the state boundaries prior to European contact, according to the best available scientific and historical documentation.”

  • Native plants…

    • Form the foundation of our food web. Native insects, including pollinators, rely on the plants they evolved with over millenia. Planting native is the best way to attract and support birds and pollinators.

    • Are more resilient and economical than exotic plants. They are best adapted to our soils, pests, and climate conditions, and typically need fewer (or no) inputs like supplemental water after establishment, fertilizers, and pesticides.

    • They foster a sense of place. Many of us live here by choice, because we love it. Landscaping with natives can remind us of the exquisite beauty of Florida’s wild spaces, and bring some of that wonder and inspiration to our home landscapes.

    1. Take clear photos of leaves, flowers, fruit, stems, and overall shape.

    2. Use a Plant ID app (like PictureThis or iNaturalist) to identify the plant and cross-check the result with a trusted database like the USDA PLANTS Database, the Florida Native Plant Society Database, or the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Plant Database.

    3. Review the plant database information to see if it’s native to your area.

    4. Alternatively, or in addition, you can email the photos to the Pinellas County UF/IFAS Extension office and ask for help with plant ID.

  • Pretty much! We can design around existing exotics with custom design services, but we don’t usually find good reasons to specify non-native plants in new designs. If you’re interested in Florida-Friendly planting design that includes exotics, our friends at Wilcox, Living Roots, or Toftegaard Design might be a better fit.

  • Right now, “we” is actually I (Kaitlin), and engaging with Wilder means that you will have my time and attention. You can learn more about me here. I am experienced, professional, reliable, responsive, and strive to communicate clearly. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

  • It depends on your goals, but starting with our plant combinations for fencelines is an economical way to…

    • get a “designer” look, with year-round structure and greenery

    • provide nectar, berries, and safe nesting spots to pollinators and birds

    • address any privacy concerns or unwanted views

    (Many wildflowers are highly seasonal, and can therefore require more effort to incorporate and maintain in the home landscape.)

  • We offer custom planting design, but don’t currently offer hardscape or circulation design as part of our services.

  • If our offerings resonate, let’s talk. 

    Wilder is not for you if you…

    • don’t want more insect and bird life in your yard

    • aren’t interested in learning about the benefits of native plants

    • want to keep using regular pesticide and herbicide applications to manage your landscape

    • are looking for full-yard custom landscape design, including hardscape areas

  • If after reviewing our services you still aren’t sure where to start, you can schedule a free 15-minute discovery call—we’ll answer any questions you have an help you figure out how we can help you reach (or define) your goals.