Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Environmental Horticulture Programs, for October, 2011. These programs are offered by Wendy Wilber, Environmental Horticulture Agent. All of these programs are held at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville) unless otherwise noted.

Edible Landscaping in Alachua County – October 6, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn to Incorporate fruits and vegetables in landscaping, and which fruits and vegetables do best in Alachua County.

Water Smart -- saving water in your landscape. Co-instructor: Dr. Aparna Gazula, Commercial  Hort. Agent – October 12, 6:30 p.m. to 8p.m.
This class will focus on plant selection and drought proofing techniques, including making a rain barrel and how to install a micro irrigation system. 

Growing Fruit in Alachua County – October 19, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Millhopper Branch Public Library (3145 NW 43^rd Street, Gainesville).
Developing and maintaining a successful home orchard requires special horticultural skills. A well-designed and well-managed home orchard can furnish both fine fruit and pleasant hours of gardening. This class describes the various types of orchard fruits, their suitability to the Florida home orchard, and the process involved in raising a home orchard.

Registration not required for this class

Attracting Butterflies and Pollinators to Your Garden – October 27, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Butterflies are welcome visitors to gardens.  This class will teach what plants really bring in the butterflies and other beneficial insects to gardens and landscapes.

There is no cost to attend these classes. Pre-register by calling 352-337-6209.  For more information about any of these programs, call the Extension Office at 352-955-2402.

All Extension Programs and Services are open to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or handicap.  For persons requiring special accommodations, please contact the Extension office at (352) 955-2402 (voice) or TDD/TYY (352) 955-2406 or at the Alachua County Extension Service, 2800 NE 39^th Avenue, Gainesville, FL  32609.  Please contact the Extension Office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request.