The Master Gardening Plant Clinic Schedule Announced
Mark your calendar and get your green thumb on!
The 2011-2012 Master Gardener Clinic schedule at the Upper Tampa Bay Library features two of the most popular county-wide workshops: Water Wise (with free micro-irrigation kits) and Rain Barrels (with free rain barrels). All workshops are free and include handouts, sample plants or tastings (depending on the topic) and refreshments. Each workshop is on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the library.
Sept. 14: Water-Wise Workshop
Learn several ways to conserve water in a Florida landscape. Information is provided on lawn, landscape and irrigation tips and micro-irrigation. Participants will receive a certificate for one free micro-irrigation kit. Speaker: Extension Agent Virginia Overstreet
Oct. 12: Cycads
Cycads are an ancient group of seed plants with a crown of large compound leaves and a stout trunk. They are a minor component of the flora in tropical and subtropical regions today, but during the Jurassic Period they were a common sight. Unfortunately, only a few remain and many are endangered. This presentation will introduce cycads, their history, cultivation and distribution. It will define the genera and species that exist today and discuss those that grow well in Florida. Speaker: Master Gardener Jim Hawk
Nov. 9: Rain Barrels
This workshop covers the benefits of rain barrels and the ways they can be used around the home and landscape. The talk includes an interactive session whereby participants learn to assemble their own barrels. Participants will receive a certificate for one free rain barrel. Speaker: TBD
Jan. 11: Dooryard Fruit for Central Florida
Speaker Jim Hawk introduces various tropical fruits to the home gardener. Learn about the particular cultivars that do best in Hillsborough County. He will discuss the pros and cons of each and delve into how the fruit is used. Bring your appetite as we will have lots of fruit to sample.
Feb. 8: Veggies in the Landscape
Have fun incorporating vegetables in small and unique places in your garden. Learn what types of vegetables grow best in Central Florida, where and when to plant them and how to maintain them. Again, bring your appetite and be ready to sample some fresh, organic and locally-grown vegetables. Speakers: Master Gardeners Carol Fanella and Adrienne DeNisco
March 14: A New Take on Topiaries
Enjoy the rewards of topiaries in your garden without the labor-intensive work usually associated with them. Learn how to make and care for easy and fun topiaries. Speakers: Master Gardeners Carol Fanella and Adrienne DeNisco
April 11: Florida Lawns
This PowerPoint presentation explores lawn care in Florida. Topics include the advantages and disadvantages of warm season grasses such as Bahia, St. Augustine, Bermuda and seashore paspalum. Master Gardener Jim Hawk will also help residents trouble-shoot fertilizing, bugs and other common lawn-care problems.
May 9: Water Gardens and Ponds
From this PowerPoint presentation learn how to site, design and build a garden pond that will attract wildlife and add a pleasing element to any landscape. Speaker: Master Gardener Liz Egington
For answers to questions, please contact Shelly Stein, the Upper Tampa Bay Library Master Gardening plant clinic coordinator, at skstein2003@yahoo.com or 852-2580.