Since 2014 Nature Coast Master Gardeners (NCMGs) have met with thousands of people during the Cedar Lakes, Woods & Gardens Spring Festival. Plant clinic visitors share garden photos, inquire about vegetable, ornamental and fruit selection, seek advice on pest, water and fertilizer concerns. NCMGs love to talk plants, decipher gardening concerns and discuss Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) options (see this external UF web page for FFL apps).

Here’s How it Works:

Because NCMGs like to have fun, plant clinic demonstrations and activities spark curiosity and add to festivities.

“If you were an insect, what insect would you be?” This question stimulated children’s imagination, prompted creativity and provided opportunity to talk about insect life cycle and importance of insects to humanity.

For me, planting loofa in loofa sections was a fun activity and sparked a lot of conversation.  A middle-school-age student shared she had grown out the luffa seed we provided the year before, harvested the vegetable and sold the luffa sponges for a profit. She was very excited to see us and share that news.  The fish-toss game is a perennial favorite.  

NCMGs provide UF research-based horticulture options, extend UF/IFAS outreach, save taxpayer dollars and provide services on the local level. NCMGs are responsive, enthusiastic and serve with nobility of purpose. We hope to see you at 10th Annual Cedar Lakes, Woods & Gardens Spring Festival. Until then — Happy Gardening!

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