Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Catalina Franco-Cicero

Growing Community, One Master Gardener at a Time: The Isles Garden Club Story

In the heart of Pembroke Pines, Florida, the Isles Garden Club’s Florida-Friendly story began with a simple idea that blossomed into something extraordinary. The Isles Garden Club, founded by Catalina Franco-Cicero, a proud member of the Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Class of 2025, Broward Master Gardener – Broward County – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS, began as a means to fulfill the 75 volunteer hours required for graduation. What began as a requirement quickly grew into a vibrant community rooted in friendship, culture, and a shared love for nature.

Our members represent a diverse tapestry of backgrounds, spanning the United States, the Caribbean, South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Despite our diverse origins, we discovered a common thread: cherished childhood memories of gardens, family meals, and neighbors sharing the fruits of their labor. One member recalled Brooklyn summers when Italian neighbors shared marinara sauce made from homegrown tomatoes. Another spoke of her father’s lush Romanian garden, where fresh vegetables were a daily staple. A member from India shared how her family moved a beloved tree to their new home—a symbol of deep connection to nature.

These stories reminded us that gardening is more than planting seeds; it is about preserving traditions and creating spaces that nurture both plants and people.

How We Grew Together

Our club meets on the second Friday of each month, and every gathering feels like a celebration. We start with a potluck dinner—because nothing brings people together like food—then move into a mini-lesson on one of the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. Hands-on activities and plant giveaways make learning fun and practical. From the very beginning, we asked members what they hoped to gain from the club, and their answers shaped our mission: to create gardens that reflect our roots and foster a sense of community.

Under the guidance of Lorna Bravo, UF/IFAS Broward County Extension Agent, we measured our impact through pre- and post-assessments of FFL knowledge and encouraged members to take the FFL Pledge.FFL Pledge – Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS. Water conservation quickly became a priority. Three members installed rain gauges, two added water barrels, and one adjusted her sprinkler schedule to meet Broward County’s twice-a-week mandate. These small changes added up, showing how FFL for Home Landscapes can work in real HOA communities.

Butterflies, Microgreens, and Beyond

As we dug deeper into gardening, new passions emerged. Butterfly gardens became a favorite project, sparking conversations about native plants, pollinators, and the importance of removing invasives. Three members designed butterfly gardens—one so her daughters could watch butterflies from their bedroom window, and others for views from their dining rooms. Visiting nurseries for native plants turned into another adventure and learning opportunity.

Outside of meetings, members discovered UF/IFAS classes they never knew existed. A microgreens and sprouts workshop led by MGV Jeannie Schmidle inspired three members to start growing their own. Soon, fresh microgreens appeared in salads at our potlucks, and live demonstrations during meetings brought the learning full circle.

Lessons from the Isles Garden Club Florida-Friendly Journey

Our home garden visits brought the FFL principles to life. One highlight was Steven and Olivia Turowski’s FFL Gold-Recognized yard. A stunning example of native plants, proper mulching, and water harvesting. Seeing these principles in action reinforced why we do what we do and showed how Florida-Friendly Communities can take shape at the neighborhood level. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2025/10/22/florida-friendly-garden-transformation/

The success of The Isles Garden Club has sparked interest beyond our neighborhood. Two other MGVs are now bringing this model to Weston and Cooper City, proving that when you plant seeds of community, they grow far and wide.

What We Learned

This journey taught us that gardening is never a solo endeavor—it thrives on collaboration. Here are our key takeaways:

• Build a team. Share hosting, teaching, and demonstration responsibilities.

• Start with members’ goals. Then weave in FFL principles through lessons, projects, and garden visits.

• Create space for stories. Let members share why gardening matters to them.

• Plan, but stay flexible. We often covered only half of what we planned—and that was okay.

• Community matters. People crave connection; do not underestimate the joy you will create.

• Know your HOA rules.  Work collaboratively with your HOA to find solutions that support both community standards and sustainable landscaping.

Acknowledgments

This club began with an idea, but it grew because many people contributed their help. MGV Ryan Xu and Kasia Jimenez brought energy and knowledge that made each meeting fun and informative. Lorna Bravo, UF/IFAS Broward County Extension Agent, supported the club with research-based resources and guidance. Together, they helped turn a simple garden club into a strong community of learners and friends.

“The Isles Garden Club began as a way to earn experiential hours but grew into something much more—a living, breathing ecosystem of friendship, learning, and shared purpose.  Together, we’ve proven that gardens don’t just grow plants—they grow communities.” – Catalina

Contact us

Visit our Website@ http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/urban-horticulture/

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