The article was written by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Horticulture Extension Agent: Lorna Bravo

Come and learn about the importance of having a Florida-Friendly butterfly garden in your backyard. Learn the vital role our local pollinators play in our environment. UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener and 4-H programs will be joining forces to host Art in The Garden 2019!

Art in The Garden is a FREE family event. Kids will learn the essential role pollinators play in our environment and engage with fun gardening projects. Parents will be learning about Florida Friendly Landscaping and how to make their yards attractive to pollinators.

Did you know that Florida is home to over 300 species of native bees, most of which are solitary & rarely aggressive? In an urban environment, many native bees lose places to call home due to density development. Bee hotels help replicate the natural cavities many native bees need to make their nests. Native bees are efficient pollinators.

You can help attract native bees by planting native pollen & nectar sources! Some plants such as Partridge Pea, Bahama cassia, & our native Milkweeds flower most of the year profusely providing a constant & consistent food source. These plants also pull double duty, being both attractive to pollinators & serving as a host plant for several butterflies.

Were you aware that by planting pollinator gardens and building solitary beehives, you give bees mini-hotels to stay at as they are passing by your garden? During Art in The Garden event, families can create their own bamboo bee houses (free). We will also have beautiful wood bee houses for sale. Take part in our Free Raffle for host and nectar plants.

Rain Barrels

Did you know that South Florida received an average of 62 inches of rainfall per year? Most of this water washes off lawns and pavements carrying fertilizers and other chemicals into local waterways. You can capture and use our abundance of rain. During Art in The Garden, families will learn water conservation practices with rain barrels, how to build and purchase one ($45). Families can create and paint their rain barrels.

Want to visit us during Art in The Garden?

Our next Art in The Garden will be November 16, 2019, at UF/IFAS Extension Broward County. This event is free. Contact UF/IFAS Extension Broward County at 954-756-8519. To register for the event: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-in-the-garden-tickets-64444569442

Do you want to receive our Broward Green Bites quarterly newsletters?

Stay Connected @ Constant Contact::shorturl.at/tux39]shorturl.at/tux39

Contact: Lorna Bravo at:lbravo1@ufl.edu

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.

0