Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-10-23 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-10-30 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-06 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-13 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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 <<<

Plant Your Plate: Peppers at Jackson Heights-Bethesda
2025-10-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden, 3302 East 22nd Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Join us at the Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden on Saturdays for 5 weeks to learn how to successfully grow a pepper plant!
Welcome to Plant Your Plate: Peppers @ Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden! Join us at the garden at the 3302 E 22nd Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 for an in-person demonstration that will give you the opportunity to get your hands dirty and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to add some spice to their plate. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your own peppers and enjoy the fresh flavors straight from your garden!
Plan to attend every Friday from 9am – 10am to learn the following:

Saturday, September 27th – Planting
Saturday, October 4th – Fertilizing
Saturday, October 11th – Pruning
Saturday, October 18th – Pest Management
Saturday, October 25th – Harvesting

Note: You must register for each workshop separately! You can find the other workshops here.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-10-25 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-01 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-15 10:00 - 14:00 | 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.

Lichens - What's Not to Like?
2025-10-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th Street, Dade City, FL, 33523, United States
Look! Up in the tree! It’s an alga! It’s a fungus! It’s both! It’s a superlichen!
Come discover the fascinating world of lichens during a hands-on presentation that will be of interest to students and adults. These amazing ‘organisms’ are combinations of fungal tissues embedded with algal cells. Lichens exist in a symbiotic relationship known as mutualism in which both member species benefit from the partnership. You may be surprised to learn who was one of the first people to discover what lichens really are. Examine the wide variety of lichen colors, shapes, growth patterns, and even ‘behaviors.’ Learn about lichens’ ecological importance to other members of their habitat. There’s even an economic importance to humans as they may use lichens in some of their hobbies.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2025-10-28 08:00 - 10:00 | 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.

Bonsai and Bootanicals Workshop
2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Tampa Garden Club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33629, United States
Where Creepy Meets Crafty
Join us for a frightfully fun evening where garden magic meets miniature masterpieces!
Discover the ancient art of Bonsai in a hands-on class led by our expert instructor.
Sip spooky cocktails and nibble eerie eats, all crafted from hauntingly delicious garden bootanicals.
Bring a friend and experience a night of:
•Creepy creativity
•Garden goodness
•Tiny tree enchantment
•Costumes welcome but not required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Limited spots available – don’t miss your chance to dig into this ghoulishly green gathering!

Native Plant Walk LLP
2025-11-01 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.

Microirrigation Workshop
2025-11-01 09:30 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTRATION <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2025-11-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
This workshop will be held in the Conference Center at our office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584.
RAINWATER HARVESTING: Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bats in our Central Florida Neighborhoods
2025-11-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Canterbury Farms Nursery & Garden Center, 14220 Thornwood Trail, Hudson, FL, 34669, United States
Most of what people think they know about bats is wrong. Come learn all about them at this informative seminar.
Bats are not blind, they are not flying mice, and they wont get tangled in your hair. Yet, we have let our ignorance jeopardize one of Earth’s assets. Bats play a crucial role in ecosystems around the world & their loss would threaten countless plants and animals, diminish human environments and economies. One of the best things we can do to protect these vital but embattled animals is to learn more about them and share that knowledge with others.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Plant This, Not That!
2025-11-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Plant This, Not That!
Alternatives to Common Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to the state (either intentionally or unintentionally) and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These plants often outcompete native species, disrupting natural ecosystems and causing various problems.
Many common landscape plants in central Florida are actually invasive species that are shared between unknowing home gardeners and sold commercially (because they may not be a problem elsewhere), adding to their spread.
Come and learn about these common invasive plant species to avoid, and which species should be used in your home landscape instead!

>> GET TICKETS <<<

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.
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.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Pass-along Plants
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Land O’Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, FL, 34639, United States
Learn how to make memories by selecting plants that you can share with others.
One for me, one for you; sharing our favorite plants.
Look around. Do you see that plant that reminds you of a relative or friend? Learn how to make memories by selecting plants that you can share with others. Many of these plants can’t be found in garden centers and can only be acquired as a gift from friends or family.
We will cover various plants that can make an easy transition as well as the best methods to divide your stash.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Biology of Barn Owls and How Boxes Help Them
2025-11-06 18:30 - 20:30 | ZOOM, United States
Presented by Scott Rashid, Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Center
Tampa Garden Club. We’ll meet and eat in person, but speaker will deliver his presentation on Zoom.
In person and Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84959398693

Tomatomania!
2025-11-07 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Grow your best-ever tomatoes! Master America’s favorite backyard vegetable in this workshop.

Grow your best-ever tomatoes! Master America’s favorite backyard vegetable in this workshop.
Learn useful techniques for improving soil, fertility, and variety selection to ensure a bountiful crop. This is your chance to tap into expert knowledge to ensure this year is your best, most flavorful tomato harvest yet.
Your workshop fee includes two tomato seedlings ready to plant in your garden and expert education.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
An Equal Opportunity Institution. The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Edible Landscaping Pasco
2025-11-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, FL, United States
Creating an edible landscape need not be expensive or labor intensive. Come learn more about them at this seminar.
Any landscape can provide edible crops by choosing attractive, well mannered plants. Creating an edible landscape need not be expensive or labor intensive. Even a modest container grown edible landscape can produce a bountiful harvest.
Edible landscapes are also a natural at attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Discover which edible fruits, vegetables, herbs and even flowers you can integrate into your existing landscape.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

FFL Basic Landscape Design
2025-11-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Pasco County Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City, FL, 33525, 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 <<<

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.

Plant Your Plate: Peppers Hot Sauce 101
2025-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Peppers Hot Sauce 101
Discover pepper varieties and craft a homemade hot sauce in this fun, hands-on workshop.
Spice up your day with UF/IFAS Extension! In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore the world of peppers—how they’re grown, their unique flavors, and what makes them hot. From sweet and mild to fiery and bold, we’ll cover the basics of pepper varieties, the Scoville heat scale, and safe handling tips.
Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on experience: making your own hot sauce! You’ll blend fresh ingredients, experiment with flavor combinations, and take home a custom hot sauce that’s uniquely yours. Perfect for food lovers, spice enthusiasts, or anyone curious about cooking with peppers.
Ages 18 yrs +
All supplies are provided.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Botany Walk
2025-11-14 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

Nest Box Building Workshop
2025-11-15 10:30 - 12:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for an in-person workshop to “make and take” a Chickadee nest box for your yard!
Want to help our local cavity nesters?
Learn how to build your very own nest box for a Carolina Chickadee!
In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting habits of Carolina Chickadees, and other fun facts about this species!
We will be building a nest box for a Carolina Chickdee, which is a year-round resident North and Central Florida, including Pinellas County.
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
The workshop costs $15
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: This program will be held in our auditorium. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.
