Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Class is in Session!

I was able to attend a workshop last week
sponsored by the

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.




7 comments:

  1. I love love that Blue Daze, got to add that to my wishlist of plants. Beautyberry is one of my favorite plants, it has spring & fall interest in teh garden. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've been seeing a lot about Beautyberry this year. They are gorgeous. I'll have to check on how they do up here. Good luck with yours.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Daisy, The Blue haze is pretty. If you want to add blue annuals to your garden, try Nigella and forget-me-nots. Also hydrangeas, bluebells, lobelia. I did a post on Blue in the garden on July 11. You can find it here if you are interested: http://beyondthegardengate-beth(DOT)blogspot(DOT)com/2011/07/blue-in-garden.html

    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  4. perrenialgardener-Enjoy your new plants!

    Sue-Thanks. Maybe try it in the spring?

    Beth-Thanks for the suggestions! I will check your post!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely new plants! Looking forward to seeing your blue garden. Jean

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kat-Thanks for stopping by!

    Jean-Thank you! I can't wait to see it myself! ;0)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts!