UF/IFAS
Extension Sarasota County

Category: Water

Image of homes along pond with shoreline vegetation and trees.

New Neighborhood Best Practices Program Provides Key Tools for Building Healthy Communities

Ashley Ellis, Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator in Sarasota County.
May 1, 2024

Are you a homeowner living within a Homeowners Association (HOA) or serving on its board? Managing common areas like landscaping, trees, and stormwater ponds effectively can often be a challenge. But, fret not! There's a new initiative tailored ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Coastal Systems, Community Gardens, Florida Certified Arborists, Florida Friendly, HOA, Irrigation, Pgm_Chemicals, Pgm_HortRes, Preservation Area, Stormwater Ponds, Trees, Urban Wildlife, Water Conservation, Water Quality
Low maintenance landscape

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Shrubs


April 30, 2024

Low-Maintenance Shrubs Shrubs are a common addition to the landscape and are often used to outline the home and provide decoration near streets and sidewalks. While some are prized for their foliage, others are planted for their showy blooms. ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Edible, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Lml, Low, Low-maintenance Landscaping, Maintenance, Native, Pgm_Water, Pollinators, Use, Water
Low maintenance landscape

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Succulents


April 16, 2024

Low-Maintenance Succulents Succulents are plants with thick leaves that easily retain water, making them well-adapted to drought-like conditions. They can add interesting textures and forms to the typical landscape, and some residents even ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Edible, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Lml, Low, Low-maintenace, Low-maintenance Landscaping, Maintenance, Native, Pgm_Water, Pollinators, Use, Water
Low maintenance landscape

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Vines


April 2, 2024

Low-Maintenance Vines Vines are so versatile! Vines can be trained to grow on walls, fences, trellises, archways, and even trees. Keep reading to learn about some vines that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County. Note: The ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Edible, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Lml, Low, Low-maintenance Landscaping, Maintenance, Native, Pgm_Water, Pollinators, Use, Water
Picture of Florida-Friendly yard.

Can I Plant This? A Guide for Newcomers to Southwest Florida

Ashley Ellis, Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator in Sarasota County.
April 1, 2024

Welcome to the lush landscapes of Southwest Florida! As you settle into your new home, you might find yourself drawn to the idea of adding some greenery to your surroundings. But before you start digging, it's essential to understand the unique ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Florida Friendly, Master Gardener Volunteer, Native Plant, Pgm_HortRes, StarterKit

Understanding Your Utilities – How to Read and Reduce Your Utility Bills


March 25, 2024

Introduction Whether you're new to the area or have lived here for years, chances are you've used electricity or water in your home. If this is the case, you may have also received a bill in the mail (or your email). It can be tricky to read ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Energy, Pgm_Sustain, StarterKit, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Water
Low maintenance landscape

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Trees and Palms


March 19, 2024

Low-Maintenance Trees and Palms Trees and palms are a staple in many landscapes. They provide shade and shelter, improve air quality, and mitigate flooding. Keep reading to learn about some trees and palms that require minimal watering and ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Edible, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Lml, Low, Low-maintenance Landscaping, Maintenance, Native, Pgm_Water, Pollinators, Use, Water
An artist's workbench. Photo Credit: Canva

Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Speaker’s Bureau

Ashley Ellis, Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator in Sarasota County.
March 6, 2024

Meet a Master Gardener Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful contributions of the passionate individuals who form the backbone of our gardening community. These ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Master Gardener Volunteer, Pgm_HortRes, Volunteer
Low maintenance landscape

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Ferns


March 5, 2024

Low-Maintenance Ferns Dating back to 360 million years ago, ferns are one of the oldest plant lineages. They are a lovely choice for filling out shaded areas of the landscape. Keep reading to learn about some ferns that require minimal watering ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Lml, Low, Low-maintenance Landscaping, Maintenance, Pgm_Water, Use, Water
Glass of water with tropical plants in background

Sipping With Confidence: All About Sarasota County’s Drinking Water

Avatar photo
January 18, 2024

Sarasota County is privileged to source its drinking water from diverse outlets, combining surface and well water to cater to the county's needs. The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority contributes roughly half of the county's ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Work & Life
Tags: Conservation, Drinking Water, Pgm_Water, Public Water Supply, Water, Water Quality

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