About US
Our Story
Phytoflora Gardens is a Miami-based environmental practice developing productive floating wetlands for cleaner water, healthier habitats, and more resilient communities. Our work grew from Dr. Jazmin Locke-Rodriguez’s research at Florida International University exploring how floating wetlands can reduce nutrient pollution while producing useful plant biomass.
What began as applied research has expanded into real-world installations in canals, ponds, and community waterbodies. Today, Phytoflora brings together ecological design, plant production, field monitoring, and long-term system management to help communities and partners put nature-based water treatment into practice.
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As the concept moved from research toward implementation, Phytoflora was selected for the Larta Institute’s 2023 Venture Fellows cohort, supporting Miami-based ventures advancing community-centered climate solutions. In 2024, Phytoflora joined the Seaworthy Collective’s fourth cohort, a BlueTech entrepreneurship program focused on ocean and climate innovation. These experiences helped shape Phytoflora into the research-backed, community-driven environmental practice it is today.
Meet the Team
Founder & Chief Science Officer
Jazmin
Locke-Rodriguez, Ph.D
Dr. Jazmin Locke-Rodriguez is a Miami-based environmental scientist and founder of Phytoflora by Green Thumb Strategies. She holds a PhD in Earth System Science from Florida International University, where her research on productive floating wetlands laid the foundation for Phytoflora’s applied work.
She maintains a research appointment with FIU and works at the intersection of regenerative agriculture, water quality restoration, and bioeconomic innovation. Jazmin has been part of South Florida’s farming and restoration community for over a decade. As a founder, she has represented her work through national incubator programs and continues to focus on translating research into practical, place-based solutions.
Chief Business Officer
Ivan
Rodriguez
Ivan Rodriguez is a co-founder with a background in business and data-driven product development. He holds a BA from Florida International University and has supported the growth of multiple companies through research-informed strategy and product management. Ivan is deeply motivated by practical solutions and focuses on building tools and processes that translate vision into execution.
Environmental Research Associate
Natalie
Valdes
Natalie Valdes is an environmental scientist with a BS in Environmental science and experience in laboratory work and environmental research. She has spent years working hands-on with data and research to better understand how plants interact with their environment. She’s passionate about turning science into something practical and accessible.
Partners & Collaborators
