Your Yard. Our Ecosystem. Make Greener Landscaping Choices with Cherrylake

Wear it on a T-shirt. Put it on a bumper sticker. Say it out loud.

But what does the phrase “Make Every Day Earth Day” really mean?

Is it about being more conscious of the environment year-round? Or making sustainable habits part of your everyday life, not just something you do when it’s convenient or celebratory?

Really, it’s about making every day count. Because the small things you do consistently can add up to a big difference.

That belief, that lasting impact takes time, is what drives Sunbridge’s sustainable landscaping and gardening partner, Cherrylake.

In honor of Earth Month, we’re catching up with Cherrylake’s Greg Noonan to talk about their mission, the power of working toward a common goal and what gives Florida’s native landscapes their distinctly Florida feel.

Sunbridge Blog (SB): For those who may not know, who is Cherrylake?

Greg Noonan (GN): Cherrylake is a family-owned horticulture and landscaping company with over 40 years of farming experience in Central Florida. Our roots began in Florida citrus, and we continue to farm across the state, expanding to ornamental trees, palms, and shrubs. Today, we farm over 12,000 acres in Florida, driven by a passion for protecting our state’s natural beauty and fostering sustainable practices.

(SB): That sounds like a different model than most landscaping companies.

(GN): It is, and that’s intentional. We’re a vertically integrated company, which means we’re involved in every stage of the landscape process, from growing trees in our greenhouses to installing and maintaining landscapes throughout the state. That kind of continuity allows us to think more holistically about the landscape.

At Cherrylake Communities, this philosophy shows up in neighborhoods like Weslyn Park, where the goal isn’t just a well-maintained garden, but a place where people and nature can genuinely coexist.

(SB): Great segue. Tell us a little about your relationship with Sunbridge. What approaches to sustainability do you share?

(GN): We’re proud to partner with Sunbridge both directly and through OUTSIDE Collab. As farmers at heart, a lot of how we approach this work comes back to understanding the land, working with it, and thinking long-term.

We’ve worked closely with researchers, landscape architects, builders, and residents to help guide how these spaces are imagined and cared for over time, always with a focus on water conservation, supporting biodiversity, and reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides.

(SB): How does Cherrylake define a truly sustainable landscape?

(GN): A sustainable landscape is recognizable by the butterflies, birds and other visitors that serve as living proof of a biodiverse approach. These landscapes grow and change with the seasons, provide habitat and food sources for wildlife, and create a sense of place rooted in regional ecology. 

(SB): What are a few simple things residents can do to make their yard more sustainable? How can Cherrylake help?

(GN): One of the simplest things you can do is just slow down and spend a little time in your garden. Pay attention to how it changes throughout the day. That awareness alone can go a long way in making more sustainable choices.

From there, small steps like adjusting your watering habits can make a real impact. Residents can check their water use through the Weslyn Park Water Dashboard, which is a great tool for understanding patterns and finding opportunities to save.

And if you’re not sure where to start, you can sign up for a complimentary garden consultation to learn about your plants and the best ways to care for them. 

(SB): What might residents not realize about their yard’s impact on the environment?

(GN): Your landscape doesn’t exist in isolation – it’s a part of the same ecology as our rivers, lakes, and forests. Providing space for wildlife in your garden and being mindful of the chemicals and fertilizers you’re applying to your garden means that our beautiful environment will be preserved for years to come.

(SB) What do you find most inspiring about being a trusted sustainable resource in Central Florida?

(GN): We value the opportunity to be a part of the first homegrown national park, and the chance to help people steward the land. Guiding development in a direction that means future generations will love Florida tomorrow as much as we do today is a reward in itself.

(SB): What native plants would you point to that really make Central Florida distinct?

(GN): Florida means “land of flowers,” and our pollinator-friendly native perennials make it clear why. From the buttery yellows of lanceleaf coreopsis and black-eyed susan, to the rich purples of stokes aster, and the cheerful pink powder puffs of sunshine mimosa – native landscapes are full of color that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Make every day Earth Day right in your own backyard, with a little help from Cherrylake. They’ve created a dedicated web page just for Weslyn Park residents, where you can explore their services, discover sustainable gardening tips and even order plants or pine straw delivered right to your front door.

Learn more at: https://cherrylakecommunities.com/?community=weslynpark

If you love nature and living a more sustainable lifestyle, you’ll feel right at home here. Come see what Sunbridge is all about with a 15-minute visit to Basecamp, our information center.

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