When I moved into the (current) house the entire yard was ST. Augustine Grass, which is highly invasive (although not classified) and my most hated weed. Another problem is this grass is a favorite or rather has a symbiotic relationship with Fire Ants. So after 2.5 years of toil I finnally have a decent tropical (hardy) garden. Not all plants are native but they all are preforming wonderfully and many are mature. Teh entire goal of this garden was to create a "wildlife highway" from the wood,swamp and lake behind my house to the neibors (accross the street) wildlife highway to the other woods and lakes around the golf course. Today I noticed it is in full use. Armadillos live in the garden and have for about a year. We actually have lizards again at my house and the feral cats are nowhere to be seen (I actually think they got picked up by animal control). Mockingbirds and morning doves built nests in it this year and cardinals seem to be checking it out. Gulf Fritteries, Swallowtails, Monarchs and firey skippers abound. Dragonfiles along with my cps are keeping the mosquietos relitively in check. The weeds aren't nearly as bad. Yesterday I saw a male and a Female hummingbird sitting on a branch and so I put out some nectar (I think they maybe nesitng somewhere. Which if they are I would be extrememly proud. Today (this mrning actually) I saw a as of yet undientified 8 inch, fat, greyish, hairy mammal near the edge of the garden. I only saw it for a few seconds though. Bird fequently sleep in the garden. Flying squarrals used the wren nest box this year for their own nest box. Really it has come qutie a long way even if I don't exactly have all natives.