Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Cooperative Extension Office is pleased to offer the following Environmental Horticulture Programs for April, 2013. These programs are being offered by Wendy Wilber, Environmental Horticulture Agent, at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville) unless otherwise indicated.

Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening – April 4, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Attendees will learn what crops to grow in spring gardens and about the efficient technique of growing vegetables in raised beds.

Native Plants and Your Florida-Friendly™ Yard – April 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Attendees will learn how to put the right plant in the right place with native shrubs and trees. This class will cover selecting and using native plants in the landscape.

Pruning Shrubs – April 17, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This class will cover the timing of pruning, pruning styles, and equipment for the perfect prune job.

Culinary Herbs and Spices – April 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Alachua County Public Library Headquarters (401 East University Avenue, Gainesville).

This class will cover growing traditional herbs such as parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme and venture into a few more exotic types (like lemon grass and kaffir lime).

Growing Peaches and Nectarines – April 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Peaches and nectarines can be grown in North Central Florida using good variety selection and proper pruning. Attendees will learn techniques for success in this class.

Perennials and Your Florida-Friendly™ Yard – April 25, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Perennial plants can be low maintenance, add color, and attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the yard. Attendees will learn how to create a perennial garden that is beautiful and Florida-Friendly™.

There is no cost to attend these classes, space is limited.  Pre-register at least 3 days prior to class by calling 352-337-6209.

For more information about these programs, call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office calendar for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.

An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, Dean. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices. Information about alternate formats is available from IFAS Communications, University of Florida, PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810.