Qualifications

woman holding papaya and kale

 As environmental stewards, we specialize in ecological landscapes and native plants that enhance biodiversity. “

Janine Griffiths

Landscape design

Janine is a fourth generation gardener and landscape designer who specializes in residential landscape design, installation and maintenance services, as well as consulting and gardening training spanning from South Palm Beach to North Miami-Dade Counties. Ten years ago, after completing graduate school at Florida Atlantic University, Janine purchased Green Thumb, an interior plant maintenance and fine gardening service specializing in rose gardens. She has evolved the company to include native plant and landscape services and focus on using natural, environmentally safe and non-impactful methods of garden management and pest control protocols. Janine’s experience ranges from working as a child on her family’s nursery in Homestead, to working with high-end interior plantscape companies in New York City, to working with local native and specialty nurseries in Broward County.

As the landscape designer and owner of Green Thumb Inc, she specializes in native and tropical landscape design, installation, maintenance and interior plantscapes in Fort Lauderdale. She is an ISA certified arborist, Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association horticulture professional, Florida Advanced Master Naturalist, a member of Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) and serves on the 

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 Florida Association of Native Nurseries board and Chair of the FANN Education Committee. Janine is also a Naturescape Broward Habitat Steward and a Broward County Master Gardener volunteer. Additionally, Janine is a Florida Water Star Certified Landscape and Irrigation Professional. According to FANN, many native plant grower pioneers are nearing the end of their careers, and facing the same challenges that all small farmers face in expanding and transitioning their operations. The Native Plant Horticulture  Foundation  was established to help strengthen and expand the industry by creating more demand for and supply of native plants, and developing more native plant professionals. 

The team specializes in the integration of native plants for attracting wildlife, especially birds and butterflies, and in habitat creation/restoration in urban Southeast Florida home landscapes. They offer educational programming for all ages in many environmental and Florida-friendly horticultural practices for the homeowner, gardening or other club, school, and not-for-profit organization. They also create antique rose gardens, edible gardens, tropical, low-maintenance and other landscape styles, designs and provide the habitat for insects who thrive on native host plants and native nectar plants.

 

We apply an ecosystem approach which contributes to species diversity, attracting and supporting more birds, butterflies, pollinators, and beneficial insects. Janine educates clients about the underlying benefits of the design choices you make, the plants you select, and the maintenance practices you use to support rather than damage nature.

qualifications

Janine holds the following from Florida Atlantic University:

  • B.A.  in Sociology with Certificates in Women’s Studies from – 1998
  • M.A. in Sociology with Certificates in Women’s Studies  –  2004
  • Certified Gardening Consultant – Gardening Clubs of America, Florida Chapter – 2008
  • Certified Florida Master Naturalist – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, May 2012
  • Florida Association of Native Nurseries – 2013 to present
  • Florida Native Plant Society – 2003 to present
  • NatureScape Broward Habitat Steward 
  • Florida Advanced Master Naturalist
  • Public Speaker and Presenter at the annual Native Plant Show
  • Broward County Master Gardener  – Spring 2003 to present
  • Broward County Master Naturalist – June 2012 to present
  • Broward County’s Annual Water Matters Day – 2004 to present
  • Annual Fort Lauderdale Garden Club Secret Garden Tour & Fundraiser 2018

– Two Clients were recipients of the Naturescape Broward Emerald Award link