Beth,
There is a master gardener class held here each year.
http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/
Several clubs for gardeners of various ilk. Master Gardeners are volunteers with extensive training who hold plant clinics and disseminate research based advice on growing in this region.
There are other community gardens besides the one mentioned...
Many yards, like mine, are tiny. Some in the north are more spacious. On one of those, one could shield the garden from view with ornamental shrubs. On mine, I'll have container herbs in the birdcage and ask neighbors to allow overhanging fruit trees. You should find many unexpected ways to express your love for growing things without incurring disapproval.