Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Cooperative Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Environmental Horticulture Program and Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale, for May, 2012. These programs are offered by Wendy Wilber, Environmental Horticulture Agent at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville).

Controlling Exotic Invasive Plants - May 9, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This class will show how to identify and control invasive plants using Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ techniques. This class will be conducted with Barton Wilder, Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent and a weed expert.

There is no cost for this program.

Please register at least three working days prior to this program by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail).

2012 Annual Alachua County Master Gardener Plant Sale - May 19, from 8 a.m. to noon

A variety of herbs, annuals, perennials, natives, trees and more will be available. Master Gardener volunteers will be on site for advice on selection and care of your plants. Admission and parking is free.

This annual plant sale is a fundraiser for the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program. In 2011, these volunteers gave over 11,000 hours of service to the citizens of Alachua County and made contact with approximately 17,000 people seeking gardening advice. There are currently 11 school gardens throughout Alachua County elementary schools that are managed by these volunteers. School children are learning how to grow fruits and vegetables and about their nutritional benefits.

For more information please call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Calendar for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations.  IFAS is a cooperative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Florida, the Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners. 

Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations should contact the Extension Office at least 10 working days prior to the event so that special consideration can be given to the request.