Class is in Session!

I was able to attend a workshop last week

sponsored by the

Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.

The topic was Landscape Design.

Having made the decision to create a wildlife habitat

using native and Florida-friendly plants,

it was a great opportunity to get some pointers

to help me pull it all together.

The Extension Center offers a host of helpful classes

for the novice gardener.

You can learn about rain barrels, butterfly gardening

and using natives in the landscape.

Most classes are offered at no charge

and the staff are quite knowledgeable about

an array of topics.

The bonus at this event?

Natives were offered for sale.

Oh, yeah!

Two native growers brought a nice variety of plants

from which to choose.

Taka Napa Farms can also be found

at the Lakeland Farmer's Market most Saturdays.

Ridge Plants is another nursery

catering to those of us looking for natives.

I found a fantastic beautyberry for the backyard.

Loaded with magenta nuggets,

the birds should be flocking here soon!

I got the last Blue Daze that Leslie from Taka Napa had left.

These are low-growers and will be perfect for the

front yard transformation I'm working on.

I hope to acquire a few more this weekend from her.

Blue will be the prominent color in the new plantings.

It's so soothing and prompts one

to slow down and just enjoy.