Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-15 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-22 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-29 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-13 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This four-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants.
Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This four–part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist.
The class follows the contents of Harrington’s “How to Identify Plants” (1957); a copy of which is provided to each registrant. This concise text contains a comprehensive vocabulary of terms and illustrations to help clarify concepts.
A packet of supplemental educational materials will also be provided to each registrant.
About this Event
During each 4-hour classroom event, participants will engage in a participatory lecture, and have plenty of time for Q & A. The final session will be a hands-on workshop that will include graduates from previous courses. Each session will build on the previous; attending the entire series is recommended.
Classes are four consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bio-breaks are factored into the schedule for each day! Bring a bag-lunch (refrigeration and a microwave are available).
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Class dates and syllabus:
Week 1, March 8
Plant Classification

Parts of a Flower
Inflorescence Types
Non-Flowering Plant Identification
Read Harrington Chapter I – V

Week 2, March 15

Roots-n-Shoots
Leaves
Surfaces
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae
Read Harrington Chapters VI – XI

Week 3, March 22

General Terms
Fruits and Seeds
Using a Dichotomous Key

Week 4, March 29

Review, general questions
Hands-on Workshop with former graduates
Graduation!

Upon completion of the entire course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida.

Meet a Master Gardener
2025-11-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Stop in to talk all things plant-related, like attracting butterflies and birds to your garden and growing vegetables and herbs.
Feel free to bring samples or photos for plant identification or problem solving.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Basic Vegetable Gardening
2025-11-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Daniel A Cannon Memorial Library, 33701 County Road 52, Saint Leo, FL, 33525, United States
For novice gardeners, learn the basics. For intermediate to advanced gardeners, take a refresher course to improve your knowledge.
Basic vegetable gardening in Florida is easier than you think. There is nothing better than going to the garden to pick vegetables to serve your family. The freshness and how great they taste may even surprise you.
For novice gardeners, learn the basics. For intermediate to advanced gardeners, take a refresher course to improve your knowledge. If you give vegetables the growing conditions they prefer and do a little planning, you can grow fresh nutritious vegetables most of the year in Florida.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Container Gardening
2025-11-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34654, United States
Even if you have a small space, you can have a wonderful variety of plants to enjoy year-around. Come learn more at this seminar.
Planting in containers on your lanai, porch, or indoors offers you a chance to be creative. You will learn the basics of growing in pots from selection of plants and pots, to grouping the plants together with similar needs.
Tips on repotting, soil mixture, and growing the healthiest plants will be provided in this free UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop on Zoom
2025-11-12 09:30 - 10:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for the Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, designed to help residents understand current water use guidelines.

This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents.
During this workshop, we will cover best practices for outdoor water use, including guidance on using and reprogramming irrigationn controllers to conserve water effectively. You will learn how to protect our precious water resources while maintaining a healthy landscape.
NOTE: An email containing the Zoom link will be sent to you the day before the webinar. If you do not receive the link, please check your SPAM folder. If you still need assistance, please contact Angie Maki at 813-744-5519 x 54127 or at makia@HCFL.gov.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This workshop is FREE
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Crowley at (813) 744-5519 x54137.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-11-13 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-20 15:30 - 17:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Botany Walk
2025-11-14 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join James Stevenson to explore the fascinating plants found at Brooker Creek Preserve!
We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants.
Registration is required. Led by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Specialist.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop
2025-11-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803

FFL Basic Landscape Design Copy
2025-11-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34654, United States
Concepts & Considerations-central FL
Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) provides a wealth of information useful to design, install and maintain landscapes that are sustainable!

Florida-Friendly landscape designs have the potential to significantly conserve and improve the quality of Florida’s water resources by focusing on more resource-efficient landscapes, correct installation, and best management choices.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program has resources available to help residents and professionals create vibrant landscapes that protect the environment with sustainable landscape and green infrastructure design techniques. While Extension staff cannot “do” design work, this presentation’s information guides you through making best design choices yourself!
What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle Yard Waste
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-Friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Flowers and Herbs in Containers
2025-11-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Come learn how to grow flowers and herbs in convenient, versatile containers at this seminar.
New to gardening? Want to experiment with new plants or herbs with little risk? Learn how to grow flowers and herbs in convenient, versatile containers.
This easy, almost foolproof method allows anyone to try their hand at growing just what they want, where they want. Practical ideas and short cuts will soon have you growing a beautiful container garden.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Selecting and Planting Trees
2025-11-18 17:30 - 18:30 | New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL, 34652, United States
Selecting and Planting Trees:
Right Plant, Right Place
Come join us as we learn the details of how to select, plant and care for trees in our home landscape.
Did you know that in addition to the Right Place, there is also a Right Time to plant a tree?
Join us as we learn the details of how to select, plant and care for trees in our home landscape. Including what time of year is best for planting and why.
Our speaker, Joe Gross, an ISA certified arborist, will speak on tree varieties, how to select the right one for your landscape and proper planting techniques to give your tree a healthy start. Tree selection, planting and maintenance are all important aspects of tree health and longevity. Learn all about it in this information packed seminar.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The purpose of this group is to offer a space for those who want to create all the things about city living that we would most love to live with. That would include access to fresh, healthy food, clean water, clean air, educational opportunities, lots of art, music, dance and theatre, parks and nature, community gathering places, community gardens, decent mass transit, and healthy neighborhoods. What is your vision of what Clearwater could be?
We currently have “Green Mixers” every third Tuesday at Moccasin Lake Nature Park at 6 PM. Every month, we meet more great people at these.
A few of us are working on some projects to revitalize the downtown area. We have some great ideas in the works, and are looking for more people to play with. What would you like to see happen downtown?
We are interested in getting community gardens going and there is some great news on that front too. We’ll keep you updated here.
We want to know what is important to you and what you would like to see happen in this city, so please, let us know!

Herbs - Spice up your cool weather garden and table
2025-11-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Starkey Ranch Library, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa, FL, 33556, United States
This seminar on growing and cooking with herbs from the garden is a great opportunity for individuals to learn about the various uses and benefits of incorporating fresh herbs in their cooking. This interactive event would provide attendees with practical knowledge and tips on how to cultivate and harvest herbs from their garden, as well as creative ways to use them in different dishes, such as salsa and stuffing.
Participants would have the opportunity to taste and smell different herbs, learn how to properly store them, and receive recipes to try at home. This seminar would not only educate individuals on the benefits of using herbs in their cooking but also inspire them to get creative in the kitchen and explore new flavors Additionally, it promotes sustainability by encouraging the use of homegrown herbs instead of store-bought ones and a more flavorful diet.
Overall, a seminar on cooking with herbs from the garden would be a fun and informative experience for all those interested in enhancing their culinary skills with natural and fresh ingredients.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Florida Forests Hike
2025-11-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing…TREES!
Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees. Lara tends to throw in some surprises on her hikes, so be ready when she asks for volunteers!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinator Gardening
2025-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, FL, 33618, United States
Learn how to grow plants to attract pollinators to your yard.
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County to learn strategies to attract pollinators to your yard. In this in-person class, you will learn how to select and plant flowers in your home for a more pollinator-friendly landscape. This program is in support of the Carrollwood Pollinator Corridor in collaboration with Carrollwood Village Park, Carrollwood Cultural Center and VISTA Gardens and supported by the Florida Wildflower Foundation’s Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden program.
Attendees will receive free plants and seeds to start their own pollinator gardens at home. Thanks to Greenacre Properties https://www.greenacre.com, lunch will be included (choice of half club sandwich, chicken salad on croissant, or vegetarian wrap) catered by the New York Bagel Cafe in Carrollwood Village.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Walk LLP
2025-12-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Meet behind the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center in the Native Plant Garden for a walk on the paved trail and boardwalk with a representative of the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Learn what grows naturally in the hardwood swamp and how native plants benefit wildlife.
Walks are free but there is a $2 charge to enter the park. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.

Weedon Island Naturalist Guided Tour
2025-12-06 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Take a walk through some of Weedon Island’s coastal habitats on a guided tour of the Tower Boardwalk. Led by a knowledgeable Center naturalist, this tour offers a chance to explore the Preserve’s diverse ecosystems, native wildlife, and rich cultural history.
Designed for adults and youth ages 10 and up (youth must be accompanied by an adult), this tour is a great way to learn about Florida’s environment and how people have interacted with it for thousands of years. Climb the stairs to the top of the Observation Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area!
The walk will cover approximately 1 mile along paved paths and boardwalks. Some transitional areas may be uneven, so please wear sturdy shoes and prepare for outdoor conditions.

Saturdays, December 6 & 13 at 9:30 a.m. — Register today
Saturdays, January 3 & 10 at 9:30 a.m. — Register today

Space is limited — register today to secure your spot on this engaging and educational walk through the Preserve!

Building and Caring for Terrariums
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34654, United States
At this seminar you will learn to plant and care for a terrarium, with examples of containers, plants and problem solving solutions.

A terrarium is a collection of small plants growing in a clear, usually enclosed container. You will learn to plant and care for a terrarium, with examples of containers, plants and problem solving solutions. A low maintenance way to incorporate plants into your home, office or classroom. Many containers can be adapted and they do not need drain holes. Properly done, a terrarium is a source of enjoyment for many years providing interesting ways to grow and display plants with very little care.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Holiday Themed Container Gardening
2025-12-09 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
Planting in containers on your Lanai, porch, or indoors offers you a chance to be creative. Come learn more at this informative seminar.

Even if you have a small space, you can have a wonderful variety of plants to enjoy year-round. Planting in containers on your lanai, porch, or indoors offers you a chance to be creative. You will learn the basics of growing in pots from selection of plants and pots to grouping plants together with similar needs. Tips on repotting, soil mixture and growing the healthiest plants will be provided in this free UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension program with a holiday theme.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Meet a Master Gardener
2025-12-11 10:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Stop in to talk all things plant-related, like attracting butterflies and birds to your garden and growing vegetables and herbs.
Feel free to bring samples or photos for plant identification or problem solving.

Container Gardening For Every Space on Zoom
2025-12-11 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Get your green thumb ready and join us online to learn how to create a beautiful garden in any space during our Container Gardening Workshop

>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Gardening From Seeds for the Home Gardener
2025-12-12 11:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Master Gardener Speaker Series
Gardening From Seeds for the Home Gardener
Why not start your garden with seeds?
Learn different methods and what tools are needed to start seeds successfully and boost seedling survival.
We will also cover how to care for seedling and transplant with confidence, as well as seed sources and how to harvest and preserve seeds for future seasons.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
