There is something for the professional, Master Gardener and homeowner at the 20th Annual Turfgrass Expo & Field Day. You’ll see and learn the newest in the areas of lawn grass varieties, weed control and many other topics related to selecting, establishing and maintaining a Florida lawn. Plus, the expo includes landscape info.
This University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) event will take place on June 18 at the West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC) in the north part of Santa Rosa County.
The turfgrass research facility is one of the largest in the Southeast and is part of the larger WFREC. The turfgrass research part of the center contains hundreds of turfgrass varieties, which are intentionally planted in blocks for research purposes. You’ll see the newest centipede, St. Augustine, zoysia, bermuda, bahia and other grass varieties. UF/IFAS Researchers will be onsite during the field day to share their research on weed control, lawn insects, new lawn grasses and more.
This year’s expo is offering a track for homeowners. Topics include ornamental grasses, magnolias, crape myrtles, new landscape plants, palm management, new planting methods and weed control in landscape beds. I’ll provide a session titled, “Turfgrasses that are Too-Good-to-be-True.”
The Turfgrass Expo & Field Day begins with registration at 7:45 a.m. followed by research tours beginning at 9 a.m. and a catered lunch at noon. After lunch, they will have vendor updates and equipment demonstrations. Beginning at 2 p.m., educational workshops will be provided. The afternoon workshops are more for the professional needing continuing education to maintain their pesticide licenses. The event concludes at 3 p.m. with door prizes. Attending the afternoon workshops is optional.
This popular expo and field day attracts hundreds of attendees and includes research plot tours, workshops, equipment demonstrations, continuing education, lunch, door prizes, vendors and exhibits.
Registration fee for the homeowner track is $20 and $40 for the professional track. Register online at http://wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/events. Contact Events Coordinator, Robin Vickers, at (850) 983-7134 for more information.
The WFREC is located in the beautiful farming area of Northern Santa Rosa County on Highway 182 between Allen Town and Jay. This event is outdoors so bring your sunscreen and insect repellent.
Larry Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Agent, Okaloosa County, June 6, 2014
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