Welcome to our “Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer” blog series, where we spotlight the dedicated individuals who make a significant impact in our community through their passion for horticulture and education. Today, we are excited to introduce Deb Morgan. Setting a goal is the first step to success. Inspired by a tenacious daffodil that blossomed against the odds in an unlikely place, Deborah has made sure that flowering plants take center stage at the annual Master Gardener plant sale, elevating the event to one with consistently high expectations.

Tell us about yourself

My passion for gardening began when I was a young girl in New York. I vividly remember watching daffodils emerge through our driveway, even though it had been covered by a tar-like substance. Seeing those daffodils push their way through taught me just how tenacious Mother Earth is and how strong and resilient plants can be. It was a powerful life lesson for me, and I strive to be as strong and resilient as those plants. To this day, daffodils remain my favorite flowers!

Tell us about the Plant Sale + EdFest

I owned a flower shop in New York, so I’ve always had a strong connection with anything that flowers. That’s why I make it a priority to ensure we have flowering plants at the plant sale—they’re always the first to sell out. Since becoming a Master Gardener in 2018, I’ve been deeply involved in the plant sale, and I’ve found my niche in it. The sale holds a special place in my heart. I love starting plants and watching them grow strong and sturdy. What’s most gratifying is that the success of our plant sale directly funds the programming and tools necessary for our Master Gardener Volunteer efforts, allowing us to carry out our mission, providing research-based horticulture information to our community.

As we prepare for this year’s  Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale + EdFest on Oct. 05, held at the demonstration garden grounds of the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County office, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, we invite you to join us in supporting our mission. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this event is the perfect opportunity to find beautiful, Florida-friendly plants while contributing to a great cause.

The plant sale runs concurrently with our EdFest, an annual celebration of everything Extension. It’s a great opportunity to meet the educators from the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County office and discover solutions for your life. From sustainable landscaping practices and composting with worms to water conservation strategies, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge covering a wide range of topics. It’s the perfect chance to explore all that our Extension programs have to offer. For more details, visit our Plant Sale webpage.

Mark your calendars for Oct. 05 and come see why this sale has become a cherished tradition for plant lovers across the region. We look forward to seeing you there!

NOTE: Deb Morgan co-authored this post, supplying written answers for questions posed by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County.

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