Event planned at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road
On Saturday, Oct. 10, the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension program in Sarasota County will host the 20th annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale and EdFest, the staff has announced.
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Extension program’s office anddemonstration gardens at Twin Lakes Park, which stands at 6600 Clark Road in Sarasota, a news release says.
“The free, family-friendly event will offer locally grown, Florida-friendly plants, gardening education and access to Extension experts and volunteers,” the release explains. Visitors may “shop a broad selection of plants, receive locally relevant landscaping guidance and learn about Extension programs that support resilient landscapes, environmental stewardship and community education throughout Sarasota County,” the release adds.
Shoppers will be able to choose “from hundreds of plants cultivated by Sarasota County Master Gardener Volunteers, including shrubs, trees, palms, wildflowers, butterfly plants, native plants and edibles,” the release notes. “Extension-trained Master Gardener Volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide gardening and landscaping advice tailored to local conditions,” it points out.
“Whether you are planting your first garden or refreshing an established landscape, the sale is a great place to find plants suited to our local environment and get reliable advice from people who know how to help them thrive,” said Ashley Ellis, residential horticulture agent and Master Gardener Volunteer coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, in the release.
“EdFest booths will feature UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County programs and services,” including gardening education, environmental stewardship and healthful living resources, and youth development opportunities, the release adds.
Attendees also may visit the on-site Plant Clinic “for help with plant samples, pest concerns and landscaping questions. The clinic provides practical, locally relevant guidance based on the latest University of Florida research,” the release explains.
“The plant sale complements the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program, which helps residents create attractive, resilient landscapes by using the right plants in the right places, conserving water and protecting Florida’s natural resources,” the release points out.
“Proceeds from the sale benefit community programs that expand gardening education and promote environmental stewardship throughout Sarasota County,” the release notes.
For more information, call 311 or 941-861-5000 or visit sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/plantsale.