If you are interested in learning about pollinators and how to attract them to your garden and/or need help diagnosing a lawn, landscape or garden problem and want to purchase locally grown produce, we have two upcoming events for you.
First, on Wednesday, May 18 at 10 a.m., join us for a seminar titled Native Plants for Pollinators. Sheila Dunning, UF/IFAS Extension Commercial Horticulture Agent in Okaloosa County, will focus on plants and methods to attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators to your home landscape during his hour-long presentation.
Bees, butterflies and other insects play important roles as pollinators in our environment. In Florida, it’s estimated that over 300 bee species help pollinate many of our fruits, vegetables and native plants. There has been concern about the health and numbers of pollinators in recent years. Planting a small area around your home can provide a place for pollinators to help pollinate your fruit and vegetable plants.
This presentation begins at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Okaloosa County Extension Office located at 3098 Airport Road in Crestview.
Seating is limited. So, please register for this free seminar using this link.
For additional info or for assistance, call the UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension Office at (850) 689-5850.
Plant Clinic:
Secondly, the May plant clinic will be held Thursday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to noon in Fort Walton Beach at the Okaloosa Farmers’ Market located at 1954 Lewis Turner
Boulevard close to the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds. It will be in the open covered pavilion.
The plant clinic is designed to provide a place and time for people to bring in samples of plants for diagnosis including weeds for identification.
If you have a plant problem that you would like diagnosed, bring a sample of the weed, plant, insect, etc., to the clinic. Be sure to bring a fresh sample that represents what is seen in the landscape. This may include a plant stem with several leaves, a 4-inch square of grass with roots attached, etc.
You may also bring a sample of your soil for pH testing.
While at the plant clinic, you can take advantage of purchasing fresh, locally grown produce provided by some of our local farmers at the Okaloosa Farmer’s Market.
0
