As a fourth-generation Floridian, Sheridan had an idyllic childhood surrounded by nature. Her grandfather would take her on long walks through the woods, and it was from him, under a canopy of longleaf pines, that she learned the importance of conservation. Explore but leave no trace, he would tell her.
When Sheridan returned as an adult to find those same woods had been developed to make room for office buildings, she became obsessed with helping the wildlife population whose habitat had been destroyed. Her grassroots organization efforts for environmental issues led her to joining the Garden Coach Society and founding Dweller’s Place in 2020.
Dweller’s Place focuses on growing native plants in landscapes around Tampa to benefit Florida’s wildlife. With a Master’s in Humane Education, Sheridan wants to teach others to care for not only each other, but also the plants and animals sharing their neighborhoods. The framework she created for her business allows her to design aesthetically pleasing gardens that transform spaces into authentic habitats for threatened animals.
A certified horticulturist and sustainability coordinator, Sheridan encourages her clients to think of their outdoor spaces as mini-ecosystems that can become places of refuge for birds, bees, butterflies, and more. One property at a time, she hopes to reverse the damaging effects of urban development and chemical lawn sprays, to restore a more authentic Florida—palmettos, pines, beautyberries, and all.
Through my work with Dweller's Place, I help Florida homeowners create beautiful native gardens in order to help local wildlife and connect people to their unique ecosystems.
Connecting to where you live, Sheridan believes, feeling like you belong there and that you can benefit the other lifeforms around you, can have tremendous positive impacts on your own wellbeing by giving you a sense of purpose and peace. Your property is not just a sanctuary for wildlife, but for you as well!
Every garden designed by Dweller’s Place includes native plants and some type of water feature, like a bird bath. Clients also become part of a Tampa Bay home habitat community to share ideas with like-minded individuals.
Each week, I love sharing the different ways our garden coaches are acting as change-makers in their communities. I can't wait to see the positive impact of Sheridan's work in Florida and how her mission will continue to spread!
Connect with Sheridan and Dweller's Place
Dweller's Place helps you design and install gardens that make your home a habitat. Transform your property into a beautiful refuge for you and Florida’s amazing birds, bees, and butterflies. Follow Sheridan's work @dwellers.place on Instagram.