![sarasota county extension volunteers and staff pose for a group photo at after a county commission recognition ceremony. [credit: sarasota county, steve dawson]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2024/04/20240318_VolunteerAppreciation_007_SD_WEB-2_CROP1650x470TINY-1024x292.png)
Extension, County Volunteers Honored at Ceremony (4/5/2024) - UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County honored a suite of high-performing volunteers at a March 19 ceremony, ahead of global volunteer month in April. At the event, held in the Sarasota County Commission chambers and including volunteers with other county departments, Extension staff highlighted five of its volunteers for outstanding achievement in 2023: Linda Collins June Haley… more
2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Recruitment & FAQs (4/2/2024) - Do you love gardening? Or maybe you just want to learn more? Are you interested in being a part of a community of volunteers and sharing your gardening training with the residents in our county? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Find out what is involved in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV)… more
Can I Plant This? A Guide for Newcomers to Southwest Florida (4/1/2024) - 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 environment of this region and embrace sustainable landscaping practices. Let's dive into what you… more
Fertilizing Palms, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast (3/22/2024) - Yellow palm fronds? What's going on? Are you interested in keeping your palm tree healthy and green? Learn what may be causing your palm trees to turn yellow, how long it can take to correct it, and what to look for in a palm fertilizer. Find out in this episode of Your Central Florid Yard.… more
gARTening: Pound Flower Art – A Creative Twist on Botanicals (3/20/2024) - Welcome to the world of gARTening! In this program we focus on connecting with our residents and creating Garden + Art related activities. Today, we're exploring a unique and creative way to incorporate nature into art with Pound Flower Art! This technique, also known as flower pounding or flower hammer art, offers a unique blend of… more
Florida celebrates 45 years of Master Gardener Volunteer program (3/14/2024) - University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension offices will show appreciation next week for the more than 3,300 residents serving as Master Gardener Volunteers throughout the state. During Master Gardener Volunteer Week — March 17-23 — UF/IFAS Extension agents plan to recognize the hard work of their volunteers through a social… more
Why is My Palm Yellow? (3/13/2024) - One of the most common occurrences with palms is the unsightly yellow appearance that many display. So, why are palms yellow? Palm Nutrient Deficiencies Nutrient deficiencies are some of the most common causes of yellow palm fronds. So, let's take a look at some common nutrient issues that palms experience, what they can look like… more Creating a Native Wildflower Garden in Your Central Florida Yard, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast (3/13/2024) - Creating a Native Wildflower Garden in Your Central Florida Yard In this episode of Your Central Florid Yard, learn how to start adding native wildflowers to your yard! A new episode out now from Your Central Florida Yard Your Central Florida Yard, a podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County has a new episode on wildflowers.… more
Organic mulches in the Florida-Friendly Landscape: How do I know which ones to use? (3/7/2024) - The answer might be - it depends! Are you mulching a large landscape bed of trees or shrubs, or more delicate annuals or perennials? Are you creating a mulched pathway? Do you have a wildflower area? Read on for a few facts, tips and myths about mulch choices. For more complete information, check out the… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Speaker’s Bureau (3/6/2024) - 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 dedicated volunteers bring horticultural expertise, community spirit, and a love for sustainable practices to the forefront of our… more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff (3/5/2024) - Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32326 UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla Master Gardener Agent Khadejah Scott-Price, khadejahscott@ufl.edu more
Horticulture Workshops and Events in Clay County – March 2024 (3/1/2024) - March is a busy month for our horticultural programs as the gardens wake up and we get to work updating our demonstration areas at the office, answer the spring gardening questions of our communities, and go out to educate around the county. Even more exciting is the preparations underway for the 2024 Clay County Fair.… more
Cultivating Sustainable Bliss: Announcing the 2024 Orange County Garden Festival & Plant Sale! (2/20/2024) - Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the much-awaited 2024 Garden and Plant Festival! This year, we're thrilled to present the theme, "Sustainable Garden Paradise," where we'll delve into the world of eco-friendly plants, Florida-friendly gardening, and sustainable horticultural practices. The festival is entirely organized by our dedicated Orange County Master Gardener… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Educational Outreach Garden (2/12/2024) - 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 dedicated volunteers bring horticultural expertise, community spirit, and a love for sustainable practices to the forefront of our Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV)… more
Growing Together: Orange Co Master Gardener Volunteer 2023 Highlights (2/2/2024) - UF/IFAS Extension owes much of its success in community outreach and horticulture education to the invaluable contributions of the Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program. From providing assistance in the Plant Clinic to conducting classes countywide, supporting our 4-H initiatives, and drawing crowds of over 2,300 at our annual Garden Festival & Plant Sale, our dedicated… more
Horticulture Workshops and Events- February 2024 (1/31/2024) - In February, the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardeners and Horticulture Agent have plenty of opportunities for you to learn and increase your gardening skills! Here are some upcoming classes and events. UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers host a help desk every month of the Orange Park Farmers Market at the Orange Park… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: Shamrock Park Demonstration Garden (1/24/2024) - 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 dedicated volunteers bring horticultural expertise, community spirit, and a love for sustainable practices to the forefront of our Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV)… more Spanish Moss, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast (1/22/2024) - Spanish moss: creepy or cool? What comes to mind when you think of a southern landscape? Large, graceful oaks draped oh-so-perfectly with Spanish moss? Spanish moss is a quintessential part of our landscapes “down south” and it is often something that interests our visitors. What do you know about Spanish moss—there are many myths and… more
Horticultural Workshops and Events- January 2024 (1/12/2024) - Come out of the cold and rainy weather this January to learn more about horticulture with the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County and our amazing Master Gardener Volunteers . Here are some of our available workshops this month: Homeowner Hydroponics: Learn about how to start and manage your own hydroponic systems in this fun workshop, you… more Welcome to Your Central Florida Yard, a new podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County (1/5/2024) - Welcome to the podcast series where we explore how to successfully garden in the unique climate of central Florida. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this podcast is for you. So grab your shovel and get ready to dig into this monthly podcast for gardeners in and around the central Florida area!… more
Aromatic Sweet Almond Bush (12/28/2023) - One of my all time favorite plants in my backyard are my sweet almond bushes. I first discovered these plants as I wandered around a local lawn and garden center, drawn to their wonderful almond scent emanating from its small, white flower clusters. They are one of two plants that I added with pollinators in… more 2024 UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Citrus Picking Starts Now! (12/20/2023) - It is winter and the temperatures are dropping, the holiday season is upon us, and citrus across the state is ripening on the trees. In this season of giving, have you ever noticed your backyard orange trees produce just too much fruit for you to eat? If that's the case, consider having the UF/IFAS Clay… more
Hillsborough County Extension Partners with Tampa Family Health Centers to Provide Planter Pots (11/29/2023) - The Planter Pot Giveaway at the Tampa Family Health Center (TFHC) was a huge success! We provided a total of 90 low-income households with pots, soil and seeds to improve their food security and health. The planter pot kits were provided through a grant with the USDA-NRCS. UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Master Gardener Volunteers provided… more
2024 MGV Landscape Matters Programs (11/28/2023) - Landscape Matters: Old World Roses When: January 10, 2024; 10:15am – 11am Where: Online or In-Person, 25 N 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqcuiqpzMuHNJnqZhrxSEr-h8qT81vhk8l An unequivocal component of gardens is roses. Roses, especially in Florida, can be difficult to maintain. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Fernandina Beach Library Branch (25… more
Grow Grapes? Wine Not? Muscadine grapes in Florida. (11/17/2023) - The grape of the south, the Muscadine The grape of the south is the muscadine. It is one of the few grape varieties that perform well in the hot climate of the southeastern United States. The native variety of muscadine is called 'Scuppernong'. Here in Florida it grows well in our poor soil conditions. It… more
Proper Planting: Trees and Shrubs (11/16/2023) - Trees and shrubs can be purchased in many sizes, most are no smaller than a one gallon size, and many go up to 7 gallon (or larger). Because of both size at planting and maturity, cost of plants, and large root spread, planning for proper placement before planning is important. 1. Always call before you… more Proper Planting: Annuals and Perennials (11/1/2023) - Proper planting ensures a good start to a healthy landscape. The following guidelines for installing plants apply for sandy, well-drained soils. Annuals and Perennials Annuals and perennials are typically small (4”) to one gallon sized pots and last at least one season. Examine plants prior to purchasing. Check for signs of disease or insects. Check… more
Let’s Get Florida-Friendly Polk County! (10/27/2023) - What's the big deal? As one of the fastest growing counties in Florida, Polk County, it's time to get serious and get Florida-Friendly! With so much development and population growth our natural resources, including our water resources, are strained. What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and how can it help? Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a program offered through… more
Something bugging your landscape? Ask for help at the Residential Plant Clinic in Apopka! (10/16/2023) - Orange County is the 5th largest county in the state of Florida. Our residents are fortunate to have access to 2 free Plant Clinics, one of which is located in Apopka at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC)! At our Plant Clinics, residents can find answers to what’s ailing their landscapes, from lawns… more
Scent-sational Shrubs: Unveiling the Aromatic Allure of the Tea Olive (9/22/2023) - When it comes to choosing plants for my yard, I follow my nose. And I have found nothing is more aromatically exquisite than the Osmanthus fragrans, tea olive tree. The tea olive is a tree, reaching heights of 20 feet or more, but since it is slow growing, it is usually pruned and kept as… more
Late summer in your Florida-Friendly landscape: A few quick tips (9/2/2023) - It’s the end of summer and it’s hot--and not just hot, but hot and humid! Now is a good time to keep your garden activities to a minimum. If you work in your landscape addressing the few chores that might be necessary, always remember to STAY SAFE! Work primarily in the morning or late afternoon… more
Greenhouse Guide for Educators (9/1/2023) - Are you an educator interested in building and installing a greenhouse? Do you have a greenhouse but need age-appropriate curriculum? The Greenhouse Manual: An Introductory Guide for Educators from the United States Botanical Garden was adapted to use in Florida by UF/IFAS Extension. The manual contains information on installing a greenhouse, what to grow when,… more
August Landscape Jobs and Plant Clinic (8/16/2023) - August is usually a harsh month in the North Florida landscape. Heat and humidity take their toll on both the landscape and the gardener. But there are things to do now that can make a difference in your landscape in the near future. Now is a good time to cleanup roses for fall flower production.… more
Quick Tips on Hand-Weeding in Your Florida-Friendly Yard (7/14/2023) - The act of hand-weeding is often considered a dreaded chore, but gardeners take heart! With just a few modifications and – perhaps – a slightly different mindset, you can make this chore less daunting and even enjoyable. Some tips: Don’t let your weeds get out of hand. In Florida, weeds appear during each season. The… more
Residents Guide to the Polk County Fertilizer Ordinance (6/3/2023) - On June 1, many local fertilizer ordinances start the "blackout period", a restricted time of year where no fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus are to be applied. What does that mean for Polk County? It is important that residents in Polk County know what the local fertilizer ordinance states. What is the purpose of a… more
Changes to the Orange County Plant Clinic (5/17/2023) - Did you know that UF/IFAS Extension Orange County has a group of trained volunteers to help you with your plant needs? If your plants are in need contact our Residential Plant Clinic! What exactly is a Plant Clinic? Think of it as a one-stop-shop for all your plant health questions or walk-in clinic for your… more
Tips for Florida Homeowners on Fertilizing Plants (5/17/2023) - Fertilizer can help plants grow but can also have adverse effects on the environment. Be sure to apply best management practices when fertilizing to optimize your plant health without harming our water bodies. Watch the recording of our How to Fertilize Plants webinar here. The key to having healthy plants is to build good soil.… more
Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer FAQ & 2023 Recruitment (5/16/2023) - Do you love gardening? Or maybe you have a “black thumb” and want to learn more? Are you interested in being a part of a community of volunteers and sharing your gardening training with the residents in our county? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Find out what is involved in becoming a… more Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale includes Native Plants (4/27/2023) - The UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold their 2023 Spring Plant Sale 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at the temporary UF/IFAS Extension Annex located at the Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) in Fort Walton Beach. Our former location on Hollywood Blvd. closed. We are now in a temporary location in… more![group of volunteers and staff members after receiving sarasota county honor for their efforts. [credit: sarasota county government]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2023/04/20230320_VolunteerAppreciationBreakfast_013_SD_CROP1338x357-1024x273.png)
Sarasota County honors Extension, other volunteers (4/17/2023) - In celebrating National Volunteer Week (April 16-22), UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County thanks it’s 255 volunteers. Throughout the 2022 fiscal year, Extension volunteers gave 13,042 hours of service worth $390,615 in labor to the residents of Sarasota County. On March 21, the Sarasota County Commission recognized Sarasota County volunteers for their efforts in the 2022 fiscal… more
UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Applications Being Accepted in Sumter County (4/11/2023) - Applications are now being accepted for the UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Master Gardener Volunteer Program for the 2023 class. Have you always wanted to be Master Gardener Volunteer? Now is the time to apply through July 15, 2023! When are Classes and What do we Learn? Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 9 am… more
The gARTening Program: 2023 Schedule (4/11/2023) - What is the gARTening Program? The gARTening Program is designed to connect residents to both our UF/IFAS Extension Services and Horticulture through the use of art within gardening. The gARTening program is a program for all ages, from 4-104 years old! While gardening has physical health benefits, it also has mental health benefits. In a study… more
Thank you, Orange County! Garden Festival & Plant Sale Recap (4/10/2023) - March 4th, 2023, was a beautiful sunny day. The UF/IFAS Extension Orange County campus was flooded with 2300 people to celebrate the 12th annual Garden Festival and Plant Sale. Plant and craft vendors were here showcasing their beautiful products. Patrons loved the locally grown plants, honey, and corn meal, as well as the locally produced… more
Sustainable Gardening-How to Grow Microgreens at Home (4/6/2023) - Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Urban Horticulture Agent Lorna Bravo What are Microgreens? Microgreens are emerging specialty crops that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are young, tender greens harvested at the cotyledon stage or when the first true leaves emerge. The stem is snipped just above the soil and sold with the… more
Support Your Local Pollinators – and Your Local Bookstores! (3/31/2023) - The UF/IFAS Sumter County Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener Program will be holding a Pollinator Short Course at the Sumter County Fairgrounds in Bushnell next Wednesday, April 5, and the IFAS Bookstore will be there! The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include presentations on local butterflies and conservation, honey beekeeping, bee conservation,… more
Happy Birthday! The Master Gardener Volunteer Program Turns 50! (3/20/2023) - This year, the Master Gardener Volunteer program celebrates its fiftieth year. Programs across the United States (and beyond) are recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments the program has made in so many communities. Additionally, March 20-26 is officially National Extension Master Gardener Volunteer week. How did the Master Gardener Volunteer program start? How does it benefit the… more
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Series: Five Steps to Become a Florida-Friendly Landscaper (3/6/2023) - Join us in celebrating 30 years of Florida-Florida Friendly Landscaping™ this blog series. Since 1993, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ has served as the state of Florida’s premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping, providing guidance on low impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters.… more
Gardening with Florida Native Plants (3/2/2023) - Where is IFASBOOKS this weekend? This Saturday, March 4, 2023, the IFAS Extension Bookstore will be at the UF/IFAS Extension Orange County Garden Festival and Plant Sale in Orlando. The festival is a free, family-friendly event from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature, in addition to the bright demeanors of your favorite bookstore’s… more Florida-Friendly Landscaping Series: Take some action in five simple steps! (2/27/2023) - Join us in celebrating 30 years of Florida-Florida Friendly Landscaping™ with this blog series. Since 1993, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ has served as the state of Florida’s premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping, providing guidance on low impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida… more 2023 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Now Open for Applications- UF/IFAS Extension Clay County (2/23/2023) - Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Master Gardener Volunteer training offered by UF/IFAS Extension Clay County. UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are educators who work alongside agents to deliver workshops, answer client questions, develop educational displays and demonstration gardens, and help our community be successful with their gardening endeavors. As the outreach component… more