Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts are invited to “play in the dirt” at this year’s Florida Yard Fandango March 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is the second year the Florida-friendly gardening event is being held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI.)
The goal of the Fandango is to promote Florida-friendly landscaping and lawn maintenance because it is beautiful and saves water, time and energy. Participants will enjoy touring the butterfly gardens and historic tree grove at MOSI and have the opportunity to participate in their choice of 15 Florida-friendly workshops landscape workshops throughout the day. Some of the choices include butterfly gardening, healing herbs and horticulture therapy.
In addition to the workshops, the Florida Yard Fandango also features a keynote address from Watson Haynes, former Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board chair, a free Plant and Garden Expo and free pH soil testing. Participants are also encouraged to bring in their dull gardening tools to be sharpened for a nominal fee.
The 2007 Florida Yard Fandango is partially funded by the District’s Alafia River, Hillsborough River, Northwest Hillsborough and Pinellas-Anclote River basin boards. Other partners and sponsors include Wildrose Lawncare, Inc.; Connerton Development Corporation; UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program; Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association; the City of Tampa Water Department; and the Hillsborough County Future Farmers of America Association. The Tampa Tribune, WFLA/News Channel 8 and TBO.com are the exclusive media sponsors.
In conjunction with the event, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio proclaimed March 10 “Florida-Friendly Landscaping Day.”
“We are pleased to see Mayor Iorio demonstrate recognition of Florida-friendly landscaping and how by making a few changes to our gardening practices we can all save water and help protect the area’s water resources,” said Lou Kavouras, Southwest Florida Water Management District deputy executive director.
A $10 registration fee for this program includes workshop participation and same day admission to MOSI. There is an additional charge for admission to MOSI’s Special Engagements and IMAX films. All of the admission proceeds will be used for horticulture educational scholarships to benefit Hillsborough County high school students.
For more information or to register, visit the web site at www.FloridaYardFandango.com or call (813) 300-5410. Pre-registration is suggested as workshop space is limited.
To learn more about the Florida-friendly landscaping, visit the District’s web site at www.WaterMatters.org .