Manatee County Extension Service Offering June Gardening Classes

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Extension Service is offering a variety of gardening classes and nature tours for June 2010. If you do not have time for a class, keep reading for information on other ways to obtain gardening information.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are free and are held at the Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221 in Kendrick Auditorium. Minimum workshop size is required; workshop size is limited. Register in advance online via our web site at http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu or call 941-722-4524 for all workshops.  

BACKYARD AVOCADO TREES & LAUREL WILT DISEASE WORKSHOP

Avocados are being threatened by a new disease moving through Florida on the Lauraceae plant family. Come learn the symptoms of the Laurel wilt disease so you can be a first responder to your backyard avocado tree. Presented by Lisa Hickey, Extension Agent.  Register online via our web site or call a Master Gardener. Date/Time: June 16, 10:00 a.m. to Noon.

GARDENING WITH HERBS

Whether you want to try container gardening or spreading herbs throughout your landscape, we will provide many options. Cuttings and potted samples will be on display to wake up your senses. Presented by Lisa Hickey, Extension Agent. Register online via our web site or call a Master Gardener. Date/Time: June 19, 10:00 a.m. to Noon.

BUCKET BRIGADE

Learn about container gardening and how to assemble a bucket to use for your gardening needs. Bring two round five-gallon buckets with you. Please register online via our web site or call Linda, ext. 265. Classes will be held in the HLC Building on the Fairgrounds at the Manatee County Extension Office. Date/Time: June 23, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

SMART LANDSCAPE – PLANNING AND CARE

This class satisfies the Landscape portion of the Manatee County Water Conservation Rebate Program. Even in Florida, the key to smart landscaping is to develop a Florida-friendly landscape to save time, energy, water, and money. Learn practical design tips, landscape pitfalls, garden chores, hardscape choices, texture combinations, and remedies for difficult areas. Should you need identification of a plant, arrive early to class and make sure to bring a long branch with leaves (and ideally with flower or seed). Presented by Elissa Mirabelli, Horticulture Program Assistant. Register online via our web site or call Elissa ext. 235. Date/Time: June 23, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   

MEET THE NATIVES AT RYE PRESERVE

Take a walk with one of our Master Gardeners to identify Florida native plants. Listen to stories about our native friends as you tour the preserve spying plant species along the way. Pot and take home a native plant. Please register online via our web site or call Linda, ext. 265.  Date/Time: June 26, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

THE LOWDOWN ON LAWN IRRIGATION

An introduction to lawn and landscape watering systems including sprinkler types and best uses, setting timers, adjustments, and tips for improving efficiency and lowering your water bill, plus an intro to micro-irrigation. All are welcome. This class satisfies the irrigation education requirement of the Manatee County Water Conservation Rebate Program. Presented by Jack Tichenor, Extension Agent. Register online via our web site or call Cheryl, ext. 262. Date/Time: June 29, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.   
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In addition to the workshops identified above, several other opportunities are offered to receive free gardening information:

1. The Manatee County Master Gardener monthly newsletter, The Master Gardening Bench, is available to download at http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/master-gardener -- look for The Master Gardening Bench on the right of the page and click on ”Monthly e-Newsletter.“

2. Are you unable to come by the Manatee County Extension Office to get advice or to solve your gardening problems?  E-mail us at manateemg@gmail.com.  Be sure to include as much information as you can in your e-mail and include your telephone number in case additional information is needed. Attach photos if possible. Remember, a photo can be worth a 1000 words.

3.  Get FYI from Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program (FYN) by following our blog at http://manateefyn.blogspot.com/.  Sign up as a follower to receive updates.

4. Interested in having a beautiful landscape while saving water at the same time?  The Manatee County Extension Service offers a Mobile Irrigation Lab with a free evaluation of your landscape and irrigation system.  Call Elissa or Bob at 941-722-4524 today to schedule your free evaluation.

Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations.  Persons requiring special accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Millie Hernandez at (941) 722-4524 at least five working days prior to the class/workshop.

The Manatee County Extension Service provides the educational resources of the University of Florida through materials and training to the citizens of Manatee County. Topics relate to gardening, landscaping, water conservation and more. It is cooperatively funded by Manatee County Government, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (I.F.A.S.) and the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.). Some programs are partially funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Manasota Basin Board.