[RON1952]

I have a question to all who are reading this, your remarks would be appreciated. Do you think it would be nice to have a Professional Landscape Designer that has knowledge of this area and Florida's climate, and knowledge of the plant material and trees and landscape design to have a question and answer period once a month at one of our rec- centers? I think this would help a lot of Villagers with common problems they might have, and inform them of what to do, and not do when it comes to having landscape work done at there homes and for those that might want to attempt to do it there self. Especially new home owners that have moved here that are not familiar with Floridas plant material, trees and weather. I have been reading some of these post for some time now, and it seems this would be a great thing to do for people that are looking for answers. Please reply with your remarks.

[juneroses]

In the Home & Garden section of each Saturday's Daily Sun there is a listing of garden clinics, presentations, etc. being held that week. Some are in the Villages, and some are nearby.

There is also a Sumter County Extension Office in the Government Annex Building at CR 466 and Morse Boulevard. Jim Davis, an extension agent, has his office there. Even though it's called the Sumter County office, you don't have to live in Sumter county to use their services.

Many of your Village neighbors have studied to become Master Gardeners. They volunteer their time and expertise at the various plant clinics and events held in our area.

There are also assorted Village gardening clubs. Check The Villages Recreation News magazine that comes with each Thursday's Daily Sun for the related clubs that are meeting that week. The ones I'm aware of include a landscape club, a general gardening club, a rose club, an orchid club and a bonsai club. There may be others.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by RON1952

I have a question to all who are reading this, your remarks would be appreciated. Do you think it would be nice to have a Professional Landscape Designer that has knowledge of this area and Florida's climate, and knowledge of the plant material and trees and landscape design to have a question and answer period once a month at one of our rec- centers? I think this would help a lot of Villagers with common problems they might have, and inform them of what to do, and not do when it comes to having landscape work done at there homes and for those that might want to attempt to do it there self. Especially new home owners that have moved here that are not familiar with Floridas plant material, trees and weather. I have been reading some of these post for some time now, and it seems this would be a great thing to do for people that are looking for answers. Please reply with your remarks.

(Sorry Juneroses....guess we were typing at the same time)

To begin with go to this site for the Sumter County Extension Office Sumter County Extension Office ? Solutions for Your Life - UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
There main office is in Bushnell and there is an office at the Sheriffs annex on Morse Blvd. Jim Davis is the agent there. He would be a good one to call as he conducts many of the programs on a regular basis.
There are many opportunities to accomplish what you are suggesting.
Second there are articles every week in the Daily Sun indicating meetings to discuss Florida gardening.

[RON1952]

Yes I know about the extension office and Jim Davis, and the Garden Club, and many other professionals in the horticulture world. What I am asking is would you think the home owners here in the villages would like to have a professional landscaper offer his time to have a question and answer period once a month at one of the rec-centers?

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by RON1952

Yes I know about the extension office and Jim Davis, and the Garden Club, and many other professionals in the horticulture world. What I am asking is would you think the home owners here in the villages would like to have a professional landscaper offer his time to have a question and answer period once a month at one of the rec-centers?

We already have a Professional Landscaper who runs a club once a month on either the second or third Monday at Laurel Manor. We also have an excellent Garden Club North run by a Master Gardener who is very knowledgeable about growing in Florida.

Landscaping questions and gardening questions ref. growing in Florida is covered very thoroughly in TV.

[RON1952]

I did not know this, who is the landscaper that is doing this at Laurel Manor?

[Livingthedream]

Excellent idea!

[juneroses]

Norm Isbell leads the Landscape Club.