Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2025-12-23 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.

Garden work includes planting, weeding and trimming, as needed.
There is a $2 admission to the park which Suncoast can cover if you request ahead of time. Park in the lot by the Visitor Center and the garden is behind the building.
Bring water, gloves and personal tools.
Garden Wish List: donations accepted:
swamp milkweed, tropical sage, goldenrod, wild petunia, silkgrass or other small(er) flowering plants.
Contact Tina Patterson for more information and to let her know that you will be coming. mablepatterson@hotmail.com or call or text 305-298-6381 and leave a name and message.

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-12-27 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-03 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-10 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-17 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-24 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-31 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-14 10:00 - 14:00 and 4 more dates | 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.

Micro-irrigation: Hands-On, How-To
2026-01-06 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Save water! Learn how to give your landscape plants precision irrigation with this lecture and hands-on demonstration on micro-irrigation.

Join in this informative presentation to learn about micro-irrigation, the water savings it can provide, and practical installation information for your home landscape. The hands-on portion will be taught using demonstration kits featuring common components of micro-irrigation systems. Although participants will not get to keep these kits, we will cover where to find micro-irrigation components and how to design your own system.
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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Also presented at the New River Library on Jan 22 from 2pm to 3pm EST
>>> REGISTER HERE

Weed control in the lawn and landscape
2026-01-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Land O’Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, FL, 34639, United States
Learn from an expert on how to tell the difference and the best ways to deal with them in your yard.

Weeds are not only pesky but compete with turf and garden plants for water, sunlight and nutrients as well as detract from your yard’s appearance. Some Florida weeds are just plants growing where they are not wanted, but they can also be dangerous or invasive species. Learn helpful strategies from an expert on how to tell the difference and the best ways to deal with them in your yard.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Fertilize Appropriately
2026-01-07 19:00 - 20:00 | FL
FFL Principle Number 3, “Fertilize Appropriately,” provides guidance on how to best give your landscape plants the nutrients they need.

This is the fourth in a series of Florida-Friendly Landscaping webinars for residents of Pasco County! (Please register for each individual webinar presentation of the series, as the corresponding Zoom link will be sent out via email two days prior to the event. The Zoom link will only apply to the individual presentation.)
Plants have varying nutrient needs, depending on the species, the age of the plant, and its location. It’s not always necessary to fertilize your plants or lawns, and too much fertilizer can weaken a plant, promote disease, and invite pests, in addition to wasting money and harming the environment. Before you fertilize, you should always determine if it’s really needed, and if there are any local restrictions. If you do fertilize, always follow the fertilizer label directions and UF/IFAS recommended rates and application timings to prevent nutrient runoff and leaching which can pollute Florida’s waters.
Benefits of Fertilizing Appropriately:

Ground and surface waters are protected from pollution
Plant material has the correct color and appearance
Plants flower and fruit appropriately
Fertilizing only when necessary (not overfertilizing) saves money, reduces pest problems, and promotes healthy plant growth
You may be more satisfied with the performance of the landscape plants and turfgrass

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.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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!
After registering for this webinar presentation, you will be emailed the Zoom link 2 days prior to the event.
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Meet a Master Gardener
2026-01-08 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-10 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-12 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-14 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
2026-01-09 11:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Master Gardener Speaker Series
Container Gardening
Growing vegetables, herbs and flowers in containers can help utilize small spaces, create beautiful garden centers in your landscape and give you flexibility to move your plants around.
Join Pinellas County Master Gardener Volunteer who will lead you through all the steps you need to get your container garden started.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Wildflower Walk
2026-01-17 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-02-28 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of native Florida flowers on this ranger-led hike.
Join us monthly to discover which flowers are in bloom and learn about their unique beauty and ecological importance in our area.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2026-01-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-17 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!

Palms 101
2026-01-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Get ready to dive into the world of palms at Palms 101, where you’ll learn all about these iconic tropical and subtropical plants!
Join us at Palma Sola Botanical Park for Palms 101 Get up close and personal with various palm species, discover their unique features, needs, common health issues, and learn how to care for them. This in-person event is perfect for beginner palm enthusiasts and anyone who is new to caring for palms in their landscape. Don’t miss out on this educational and fun experience surrounded by the beauty of nature!
Part of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ collection
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Florida Lawns and Groundcovers
2026-02-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Master Gardener Speaker Series
Florida Lawns and Groundcovers
Tired of struggling to keep your lawn beautiful in our challenging climate?
Join Pinellas County Master Gardener Volunteer to discuss some of the challenges of maintaining traditional grass lawns and discover some beautiful low maintenance alternatives to grass.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Newcomers
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn how to create a beautiful and sustainable garden in Florida with our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Newcomers event!

Welcome to Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Newcomers! Join us at Palma Sola Botanical Park for a fun and informative event all about creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape in Florida. Whether you’re new to gardening or just moved to the area, this event is perfect for you. Learn about native plants, water conservation, and eco-friendly practices to help your garden thrive in the Florida climate.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and gain valuable tips for your outdoor space. See you there!

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
