Media Release

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

Growing Citrus – May 9, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn to grow oranges, tangerines, lemons and grapefruit in a backyard. This class will also cover variety selection and freeze protection.

Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale – May 18, 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 plants. This annual plant sale is a fundraiser for the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program.  Admission and parking are free.

The proceeds are used throughout the community. In 2012, Master Gardener volunteers gave over 13,000 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 run by these volunteers. School children are learning how to grow fruits and vegetables and about their nutritional benefits.

Master Gardener volunteers helped in creating the Honor Center Gardens, a green space for homeless and transitional veterans at the Gainesville VA Domiciliary, which can provide shelter and services to 45 local men and women at a time. The veterans are able to grow their own food, help prepare plant beds and cultivate a calming area within the center.

Click to view the event flyer.

Growing Blueberries – May 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Alachua County is one of the top blueberry producing counties in the state. This class covers planting, fertilizing and pruning.

Flowering Trees for Your Florida-Friendly™ Yard – May 23, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn how to select and grow trees that bloom and have lots of color.

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 (voice mail).

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.