About

Jeff Nurge

Jeff Nurge is an avid Florida Native Plant enthusiast and South Florida resident for the past 53 years. Having been taught by some of the top local experts in the field of Florida native plants, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge as to conditions, suitability and placement of cultivated native plants. His philosophy on Native plants is this: "Having converted my own yard some time back to mostly native plant species the change in the environment has been profound. The increase in the number and variety of bird and butterfly species has been dramatic. From providing seeds and fruit for birds to feed, to nectar for butterflies and host plants for caterpillars the yard is a one stop shop for all wildlife. The words 'If you build it, they will come' has never been truer." Recreating this type of environment for his clients is now a passion for him.

Jeff is a Master Gardener graduate (2009) and current Director at Large for the Palm Beach County's chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.  Jeff is also on the Board of Keep Palm Beach Beautiful and Community Greening.  Both non-profit’s that promote environmentally friendly practices.  Jeff is a public speaker and promoter of native plants giving lectures to Local Garden Clubs, Master Gardener classes and Mounts Botanical Garden educational series courses. Topics including: "Butterflies and their connections to plants in South Florida", "How to create and maintain a native plant landscape" and "The selection, care and use of Florida native trees-Right Tree Right Place".

Also, Jeff was a contributing writer for the Palm Beach Post Newspaper, having written over 60 articles in an ongoing series of columns called "Native Roots" which monthly highlighted one specific South Florida native plant and their attributes.  Jeff also was a contributing writer for the Sun Sentinel, writing a 9 part series on butterflies of South Florida and their native host plants.