Author Archives:

Quarry gardens gets new manager

Leave a reply
Whangarei Quarry Gardens' new manager David McDermott (left) and David Muir.Photo/Michael Cunningham
Whangarei Quarry Gardens’ new manager David McDermott (left) and David Muir.Photo/Michael Cunningham

David Muir, who has been in charge at the Whangarei Quarry Gardens, hoots at the title “head gardener”.

It’s a slightly grand moniker for the job, he thinks, but most people who have worked with him – volunteers, Whangarei Quarry Gardens Trust members, community organisations – know Mr Muir has been the go-to and the get-it-done man for more than 11 years.

It’s been a shared labour of love, the growth of the gardens taking root in the community as well as the old quarry.

Mr Muir’s leaving this week to plant out the next stage of his career, landscaping and garden project consultancy work.

“So, it’s goodbye David, and hello David,” Mr Muir said, introducing the new manager, David McDermott.

Mr McDermott has moved from Auckland to take the job. He has worked for over 10 years as a garden landscaper in New Zealand, the US and France, and more recently studied landscape architecture in Wellington.

“I’m really excited,” Mr McDermott said. “So much of the hard structural landscaping has been done, I feel my job is to refine some of the direction as well as build on what’s already here. I have my own aesthetic but with such a large site and established community involvement there’s no way I would make big changes.”

Mr McDermott will oversee the building of a new centre that will combine offices, cafe, shop, meeting rooms and classrooms, with work set to start in March.

Sad though he is to leave after many rewarding years, Mr Muir is looking forward to a change.

“The essence of it is that it’s time for me to move on to something else,” he said.

– NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Conservatory class: tops tips for growing plants inside

Leave a reply

“I have been combing through the RHS trials at Wisley,” says Sarah, “and I’ll
be using some of the winners of AGM awards, and growing those for the public
to see. Particularly with common plants, such as basil or courgette, I think
it is important for people to see which varieties stand up well to the
climate, or have disease-resistance built into them.”

For gardeners without the luxury of a heated greenhouse, she says, there are
other good options for winter displays under glass.

“Many succulents are cold-tolerant, as long as they do not get too wet – ideal
for growing in unheated glasshouses. There are plenty, for example, that are
hardy down to five degrees. Some primulas can be good, too, for a really
attractive winter display.

“Veg-wise, there are lots of salads, herbs and small vegetables that are
cold-tolerant: coriander, winter hardy lettuce, corn salad. You just need to
make sure that you have the growing requirements for your variety – easily
found on the internet now – and you’re off.”

Of course, Sarah’s preparations are affected by the weather. “We haven’t had a
cold winter so far, but there has been plenty of rain. In December we had
eight inches, when we usually have four. If there is more rain and it stays
reasonably warm, then I would worry that it could be good for diseases.
Especially if your drainage is poor, root rot and things like that can set
in.”

Another gardener keen on staying indoors at this time of year is Tom Hart
Dyke, who has thousands of plants under cover at Lullingstone Castle, in
Kent. He says that winter is the ideal time to bring in some unusual plants
for display in their pots, rather than just as cut flowers.

Cacti and other succulents grow under cover at Lullingstone Castle

“When nothing’s going on outside, I like to show things off indoors,” says
Hart Dyke “They stay for a couple of days, or up to a few weeks.

“They can dramatically add to a room. It could be succulents, or some of the
cyclamen are superb at the moment, especially alongside some of the really
early-flowering hyacinths. And if you can find plants with great scent, that
livens up an indoor display no end.”

At this time of year, foliage is key, he adds. “Our blue butterfly bush,
Clerodendrum myricoides ‘Ugandense’, from east Africa, is awesome, as is
Plectranthus Mona Lavender. This plant was developed at the Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens in South Africa. It has gloriously deep, rich purple-red
tones to the underside of the leaves, and long-lasting flower spikes.

“Meanwhile Helleborus lividus, from Majorca, has amazing mottled foliage. You
have to be careful with temperature. They last much longer if they’re kept
at around 10C. It’s not a problem at my house, which is freezing, but be
careful with the central heating.”

Alongside these, he suggests a few cut sprigs. “Witch hazel has a delicious
scent, with spidery yellow flowers on naked stems. Sweet box (Sarcococca)
has a great scent and lovely glossy lanceolate leaves. Finally there is good
old Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’.”

In terms of caring for plants growing under glass, Hart Dyke says ventilation
is more important than watering. At Lullingstone, Hart Dyke’s World Garden
contains more than 8,000 species from all over the world, with many grown
under cover.

“Even if you just have a couple of cheap fans whirring away, it can help
reduce mould and other diseases. I’m also clearing dropped leaves and
finished flowers, cleaning the cutters, keeping things tidy and hygienic.
They are simple tasks, but easily forgotten. I’m not pruning too hard,
though, because you get mould.”

In short, whether you are looking for an indoor display or simply to keep your
plants going through the winter, there is plenty to be getting on with.

If you have any time left over, perhaps you could pray for the rain to stop.

West Dean Gardens is open from February 1 (01243 811301; West
Dean). Lullingstone Castle the World Garden is open from April
(01322 862114; Lullingstone
Castle).

READ: Britain’s best conservatories to visit

READ: Conservatories: a buyer’s guide

Woman Missing in Garden Ridge – Police Seek Tips from the Public

Leave a reply

(Garden Ridge, TX) —  Garden Ridge Police are trying to find a woman who vanished after leaving a relatives house late last week. 

Investigators say Leanne Bearden left her in-law’s house last Friday, saying she was going for a walk. 

But the 33-year old woman hasn’t been seen since, and now authorities are hoping the public can give them information on her whereabouts. 

Bearden is a white female standing 5-foot 2-inches tall, weighing about 100 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts should call the Comal County Sheriff’s Office at 830-620-3400 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 830-620-TIPS.

 

 

 

 

 

*Photos from websleuths.com

Featured Articles

  • The nature center facility at Fischer Park will be getting some extra attention after city officials announced Monday that HEB has given that project a 250-thousand dollar grant…

  • The nature center facility at Fischer Park will be getting some extra attention after city officials announced Monday that HEB has given that project a 250-thousand dollar grant…

  • A local family escaped with their lives and the clothes on their backs, but were forced to watch as the rest of their belongings went up in flames last night…

  • A local family escaped with their lives and the clothes on their backs, but were forced to watch as the rest of their belongings went up in flames last night…

  • A memorial service is set for tomorrow at First Protestant Church for Jeff Strahan, a popular local musician that died earlier this week…

Design with beauty and build with truth

Leave a reply

The aesthetics of imperfection within a Japanese healing garden simply means that nothing is perfect, especially in nature. It is in identifying that which is imperfect, where the perfect characteristic is found. In a moss covered lantern, by the edge of a pond where stones rest as if nature gently tossed them along the water’s edge. Design with beauty and build with truth is the essence of a Japanese garden.  This approach to garden design, especially Healing and Memorial Gardens respects the imperfection of nature. Leaves fall, moss grows on stones and water takes on a path of its very own.

IMG_0878

We honor this. As a Japanese garden designer, it is a responsibility to respect nature and create plans and designs that embody the aesthetics of this imperfection that we so admire.Working with Shakei, also called borrowed view…..is one of the first elements of interest that reflects the imperfection of nature. True nature is asymmetrical, not symmetrical. It is imperfect. It is a crooked branch, it is in a hidden path, it is our life and a moment that can only be experienced because we connect within a Japanese garden. We can identify with this perfect imperfection.

With this understanding of imperfection we begin to see the unity within all of nature and the connection we have with it.  Japanese Healing Gardens are designed to create new memories, as well as bring back fond memories from the past. The garden touches all senses, and with those recovering from a loss, or honoring someone they love, they can simply sit and enjoy the Koi swimming in the water and the surrounding gardens. It is their now. Life continues forward in every Koi that swims across the water and every bud that blooms. A healing garden has not only a profound affect on individuals healing, but inspires and enlighten those searching for a connection to that which exists far beyond the ordinary. It is an extraordinary experience and a privilege to be amongst those that have traveled to this place of discovery within a healing garden.  It is a personal sanctuary and one that tells a unique story with each and every pebble that is placed.

Love and Light…

M

Photo copyright 2013 by  MaryEllen Malinowski, Zen Living by design | Infrared Light Int’l  zenlivingbydesign.com  M@infraredlight.com   Zen Living by design Magazine | Spring 2014

 

Filed under:
Healing, Inspiration, Nature, Uncategorized, zen design

Tags:
art, be, blog, Buddhism, calm, chicago, design, energy, free, garden, gift, gratitude, Healing, healthcare, international, japanese, koi, lifestyle, light, living, malinowski, mantra, maryellen, meditation, morning, nishikigoi, Now, peace, photography, pond, restorative, sanctuary, soul, St. Charles, sun, time, universe, Water, whisperer, zen

CBD vision needs your input

Leave a reply

VISITORS and residents can look forward to a revitalised and refreshed CBD over the next 20 years.

  • “I envisage there will be areas that are activated. Whether you come by foot, bicycle, car or public transport, it’s easy to get around,” Town Centre Master Plan Sub-Committee chairman, Cr Geoff Hawkins

VISITORS and residents can look forward to a revitalised and refreshed CBD over the next 20 years.

Picture new landscaping, better pedestrian networks, improved links between the Town Beach area and town centre, and a re-designed Glasshouse forecourt.

They are among the key issues highlighted in a Town Centre Master Plan review.

The document guides the town centre vision.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council wants to hear the community’s thoughts as part of the review. Town Centre Master Plan Sub- Committee chair Cr Geoff Hawkins said under the review there would not be radical changes but the town centre would be modernised and made more functional, not that it wasn’t modern and functional already.

The town centre would be easy to access for residents and tourists, and a really attractive place so people loved going to the CBD into the future, he said.

“I envisage there will be areas that are activated,” Cr Hawkins said.

“Whether you come by foot, bicycle, car or public transport, it’s easy to get around.”

The council is seeking feedback on a suite of documents in a review of the Town Centre Master Plan.

The review builds on the town’s strengths and will inject new energy and ideas into the planning process to ensure the town centre continues to thrive and develop in a way that contributes positively to social, economic and environmental health of Port Macquarie, the project overview said.

The master plan covers town centre streets, foreshores, parklands and open spaces with a boundary defined by the Town Green to the north, Kooloonbung Creek to the west, Gordon Street to the south, and to the east a series of boundaries along both Murray Street and Munster Street.

Cr Hawkins said Port Macquarie was the envy of regional Australia with a CBD flowing to the beautiful foreshore, and the Town Centre Master Plan funding model was also the envy of regional Australia, with CBD landowners funding the majority of the work.

Projects have gone ahead in stages since the 1990s.

About $12 million in work in the Town Centre Master Plan is done, with an estimated $15 million in work remaining.

Key opportunities identified in the review fall under six themes -– town centre networks and arteries, the Town Green, Kooloonbung Creek, the breakwater and Town Beach, town centre public realm and gateways into the town centre.

Cr Hawkins encourages people to have their say.

The Town Centre Master Plan Sub-Committee – a combination of community, CBD landholders, Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, CBD traders and council staff – will recommend priorities to the council.

A report will go before the council after the exhibition period. The Town Green forms part of the review but is not on exhibition as more intensive community consultation will go ahead about the much-loved community space.

People can access the documents and make a submission at www.pmhclistening.com.au until February 3.

Haregate residents have put forward their ideas as part of a consultation into …

Leave a reply



Comments (0)

COMMUNITY groups have had their say on how they want to see their estate improved.

New housing developments are being built at Haregate Road, Tittesworth Avenue, Horsecroft Farm, Haregate Hall and O’Hare Place, all in Haregate, Leek, along with a new community centre in Queens Drive to replace the current venue in Haregate Road.

The development is being carried out by Ascent, a joint venture between Your Housing Group and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to build 400 affordable homes across the district by 2016.

The centre is due to be completed by June, while the homes are set to be finished by February 2015.

As part of the redevelopment, Ascent is providing funding to improve the estate’s open spaces and play areas.

A consultation was held at Haregate Community Centre to gauge residents’ ideas for how they want to see the estate’s play areas and open spaces improved.

Carl Grannell, director of John McCall Architects, which has drawn up the plans for the estate, said: “When approval was secured for the housing development, a point was made that housing is not the ‘be all and end all’. There will be additional benefits in terms of the environment and improvements with a new community centre and urban open space.

“Before we made any definitive plans we wanted feedback from residents about the good and bad points about the existing open spaces.

“We got ideas about what people want to see, specifically whether it’s adventure play, or traditional play, equipment, furniture, play space and seating; it’s not just about the kids, but also the supervising adults.

“This is the first step in establishing the basic criteria which in the next six months will be put together into a definitive plan.

“Tied in with that we are looking at how the sites can additionally benefit by things like wildflower planting and any other empty sites which can be used to help wildlife in the area, and we have invited Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to join in this consultation with that aim.”

Amin Hashdi, new business manager for Ascent, added: “We are also interested in what people are saying about The Waste at the top of the estate.

“We’ve got money from the landscape budget for things such as landscaping by the community centre, screening, improving the roundabout in Queens Drive, and we may be able to give some to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Your Housing, to fund some community groups.”

Zan Jackson, wildlife gardening officer for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, is leading the Haregate Community Garden and Cultivation Community Project. She said: “We have funding from the Big Lottery Fund to run 36 sessions over 12 months to get people interested in growing wild flowers, fruit and vegetables.

“I’ve been gathering ideas of what people want to see in the community garden at the centre and I’m hoping to work with Ascent on this.

“I want to be involved in supporting wildlife areas across the estate and see if we could get little places planted to create a wildlife corridor to encourage wildlife and get residents growing more in their gardens as well.”

Zan has been working with groups and organisations using the centre and St Paul’s Church in Novi Lane to find out what they would like to see.

He added: “It’s surprising how many young people have said they want things to improve the environment and encourage wildlife and nature.”

Some of the things community groups in Haregate would like to see:

St Paul’s Youth Group

Climbing frame

Climbing wall/abseiling

Rope swing

Statue

Greenhouse

Pond with frogs and lilies

Creatures – fish aquarium, bees, butterflies, caterpillars

Vegetable patch

Flowers – poppies, buttercups, daffodils, tulip, daisies, roses, lavender

Stroke club at Haregate Community Centre

Bird table

Cauliflower, kohl rabbi

Bird bath

Buddlia for butterflies

Bird feeders

Windmills

Bird scarers

White flowers

Hot tub

Bug hotel/bug houses

Sensory area

Herb garden

Zan Jackson, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Wildlife Gardening Officer

Areas to grow fruit and vegetables

Wildflower areas

Bug hotel

Willow tunnel/arch

Greenhouse or poly-tunnel

Bird tables, feeders, bird bath

Daffodil paths/flower paths

Flower logo for centre

Shed for tool swap/storage

Compost area

Herb garden

Families group at Haregate Community Centre

Sand pit

Veg patch

Wild flowers

Wind chimes

Herb garden

Lots of different shells

Fitted play area for kids

Wooden shelter

Seating area

Anything to do with frogs

Den

Barefoot trail/texture tiles

Tyre flowers beds/pots

Wooden windchimes

Aslan – Autism group at Haregate Community Centre

Sand pit

Chives/lemon balm/herbs

Crystals – to make rainbows

Strawberries, raspberries

Spinning colourful toys

Flowers

Bees

Apple tree

Pirate ship

Logs

Bluebells

Youth Group at Haregate Community Centre

Basket swing, swings

Big slide

Beach

Slide with tunnel

Water feature/play area

Swing boats

Apple tree

Cucumber

Holly

Bird of paradise

Herbs

A lot of different roses

Ponds

Garden with bench and path

Thursday Gardening Group at Haregate Community Centre

Storage/shed

Shared tools

Seats and a bench

Shaded area

Solar water feature

Greenhouse for seedlings etc

Picnic bench and table

A place to escape hustle and bustle and create calm

Compost heap

Wildflower patch

Parklet proposed for Eighth, Penn avenues in Downtown Pittsburgh – Tribune

Leave a reply

Downtown Pittsburgh may get another parklet to augment its mixture of parks, pocket parks and plazas that dot the Golden Triangle.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust intends to brief the city Planning Commission about the idea on Tuesday.

The trust wants to turn a grassy corner it owns at Eighth and Penn avenues into a parklet by paving it and installing metal benches, a water fountain, a bottle filler for water and carbonated water, and landscaping along Penn that would end at a parking garage.

The estimated $250,000 project would include a section for parking bicycles. Bike lanes are among the ideas Mayor Bill Peduto has suggested for remaking the city’s transportation network.

People seem to like the idea.

“It would be nice to have something like that. It does not look attractive now,� said Sarah Patridge of Uniontown, who was Downtown on Sunday to see the musical “Wicked� at the Benedum Center.

Ali Chain, a sophomore at Point Park University, says she’s always happy to see a park.

“I’m always for parks. There’s really nothing better than seeing a green space in the middle of a city, even if it’s small,â€� she said.

Downtown has three large parks — Point State Park, Mellon Square Park and the park built by PNC Bank opposite its operations center along First Avenue.

Other green spaces and plazas exist. PNC had a hand in making Triangle Park at Fifth and Liberty avenues, opposite its PNC Plaza 2, home of the Fairmont Hotel.

One early plaza is located at Sixth Street and Liberty Avenue, next to Heinz Hall. Another is at the EQT Tower on Liberty Avenue.

On Penn Avenue, next to the O’Reilly Theater, is Agnes R. Katz Plaza, which features sculptures.

Across Seventh Street, a small corner park contains sculptures that look like magnolia trees in bloom.

Recently, Point Park University, as part of its Academic Village, established a small plaza at Wood Street and Boulevard of the Allies.

Sam Spatter is a Trib Total Media staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7843 or sspatter@tribweb.com. Staff writer Rick Wills contributed to this report.

Gardening Calendar updated Jan. 19

Leave a reply

NEW LISTINGS

DATED EVENTS

Gardenfest presented by the Garden Club of IRC: 80 vendors bringing you everything to make your garden spectacular. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 1; Feb. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 2. Riverside Park, Riverside Park, Vero Beach. 772- 567-4602; www.gardenclubofirc.org.

Garden Workdays: 9 a.m. to noon. Heathcote Botanical Gardens, 210 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce. Adults. 772-464-4672; www.heathcotebotanicalgardens.org.

Getting Started on Your Lagoon-Friendly Landscape: IRC Master Gardeners. Noon-1 p.m. Feb. 19. IRC Administration Bldg. B, Room B-501, 1800 27th St., Vero Beach. Age 18+. Register: 772-226-3094; ircmg1@gmail.com.

Lagoon-Friendly Fertilizing: IRC Master Gardeners. Noon-1 p.m. March 19. IRC Administration Bldg. B, Room B-501, 1800 27th St., Vero Beach. Age 18+. Register: 772-226-3094; ircmg1@gmail.com.

Florida Native Landscaping: Course lectures will be delivered live with laboratories. 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Begins Jan. 8 until mid-April. University of Florida Fort Pierce campus, The Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 S. Rock Road, Fort Pierce. $600. Register: 772-468-3922; irrec.ifas.ufl.edu.

St. Lucie West Garden Club: Unusual plant containers. 9 a.m. Jan. 23. PGA Country Club at Country Club Estates, 951 S.W. Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie. Ages 18+. $35. RSVP: 415-513-8546; pallen6342@yahoo.com.

St. Lucie West Garden Club: Academy Awards fashion show and luncheon. Noon Feb. 6. PGA Country Club at Country Club Estates, 951 S.W. Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie. Ages 18+. $35. RSVP: 415-513-8546; pallen6342@yahoo.com.

St. Lucie West Garden Club: Rose Gardening in Florida. 9 a.m. Feb. 27. PGA Country Club at Country Club Estates, 951 S.W. Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie. Ages 18+. $35. RSVP: 415-513-8546; pallen6342@yahoo.com.

St. Lucie West Garden Club: Fun with succulents. 9 a.m. March 27. PGA Country Club at Country Club Estates, 951 S.W. Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie. Ages 18+. $35. RSVP: 415-513-8546; pallen6342@yahoo.com.

Home Garden Show: Fine art and Orchid show and sale. Orchid show noon to 5 p.m. March 21. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22, 23. Martin County Fairgrounds, Stuart. 772-287-1088, ext. 111.

Garden Club of Stuart Annual Spring Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. April 7. Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 S.E. Doubleton Drive, Stuart. $30. Ticket: 772-219-4332; sandee108@gmail.com.

St. Lucie West Garden Club: Basic principles of flower arranging. 9 a.m. April 24. PGA Country Club at Country Club Estates, 951 S.W. Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie. Ages 18+. $35. RSVP: 415-513-8546; pallen6342@yahoo.com.

Plants that Clean the Air Workshop: Presented by St. Lucie County Extension. 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Fort Pierce Library, 101 Melody Lane, Fort Pierce. 772-462-1660.

Plants that Clean the Air Workshop: Led by St. Lucie County Extension. 7-8 p.m. March 12. Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd., Port St. Lucie. 772-462-1660; www.stlucieco.gov.

Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens: “Color In Your Garden” seminar, tour plant sale. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 19. Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens, 1905 SW Ranch Trail, Stuart. 772-283-5565; www.trbg.us.

Treasure Coast African violet Society: Come learn how to grow beautiful African Violets. Feb. 15, March 15, April 19, May 17. Garden Center of Fort Pierce, 911 Parkway, Fort Pierce. 772-489-0504; emshelton315@aol.com.

REGULAR MEETINGS

Garden Club of Stuart: General meeting; speaker master gardener Laurie Hart, “Orchids are Easier to Grow Than You Think.” 11 a.m. Feb. 10. Knights of Columbus Hall, 7251 S.W. Gaines Ave, Stuart. RSVP: 772-219-4332; sandee108@gmail.com.

Garden Club of Stuart: General meeting; speaker Martin Matei, “The Big Five of Tanzania.” 11 a.m. March 10. Knights of Columbus Hall, 7251 S.W. Gaines Ave, Stuart. RSVP: 772-219-4332; sandee108@gmail.com.

Garden Club of Stuart: 11 a.m. meeting, 12:45 p.m. program. Knights of Columbus Hall, 7251 S.W. Gaines Ave., Stuart. RSVP: 772-219-4332; sandee108@gmail.com.

IRC Master Gardeners Plant Clinic: Have a plant question? The master gardeners can help. 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. IRC UFL/IFAS Extension Office, 1028 20th Place, Vero Beach. All ages. 772-770-5030; indian.ifas.ufl.edu.

Gardening Advice: Bring your questions, a sample of the problem. 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays. Morningside Library, 2410 S.E. Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie. 772-337-5632; library.stlucieco.gov.

Snowbirds Garden Club: Snowbirds Garden Club informal meetings. 1-3 p.m. Sebastian North County Library, CR 512, Sebastian. Adults. 772-581-9056; ecirish@comcast.net.

Treasure Coast African violet Society: Learn how to grow beautiful African violets. 10 a.m. Garden Center of Fort Pierce, 911 Parkway, Fort Pierce. $10 annual membership. 772-489-0504; emshelton315@aol.com.

Snowbirds Garden Club: Focused on gardening challenges for snowbirds and year-round residents. 1-3 p.m. 2nd Wed. North County Library, C.R. 512, Sebastian. Adults. ecirish@comcast.net.

MONDAY

Rio Lindo Garden Club: Monthly meeting, workshop, horticulture and ecology, have lunch. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parks Edge Recreation Center, 3201 S.W. Landale Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Age 18+. $30/year. 772-873-9446; iconley4055@comcast.net.

TUESDAY

Martin County Master Gardeners: Horticulture questions answered; bring samples. 9 a.m. to noon. UF/IFAS Martin County Extension Office, 2614 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart. 772-288-5654; martin.ifas.ufl.edu.

Gardening Advice: Provided by master gardeners. 1 to 3 p.m. Morningside Library, 2410 S.E. Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie. 772-4621-660; library.stlucieco.gov.

WEDNESDAY

Martin County Master Gardeners: Horticulture questions answered; bring samples. 1 to 4 p.m. UF/IFAS Martin County Extension Office, 2614 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart. 772-288-5654; martin.ifas.ufl.edu.

THURSDAY

St. Lucie West Garden Club: Monthly meetings on horticulture, floral arranging, ecology, plus outings. 9 a.m. to noon. PGA Country Club at Country Club Estates, 951 S.W. Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie. Ages 18+. $35. RSVP: 415-513-8546; pallen6342@yahoo.com.

Treasure Coast Hibiscus Society: 10:30 a.m. third Thursday. PSL Botanical Garden, 2410 Westmoreland Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Ages 14+. 772-337-2126; paddylaurie@bellsouth.net.

FRIDAY

Martin County Master Gardeners: Horticulture questions answered; bring samples. 1 to 4 p.m. UF/IFAS Martin County Extension Office, 2614 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart. 772-288-5654; martin.ifas.ufl.edu.

SATURDAY

Gardening Advice: Provided by master gardeners. 9 to 11 a.m. Morningside Library, 2410 S.E. Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie. 772-4621-660; library.stlucieco.gov.

GARDENS

Garden Walk: Old garden roses. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Country Care Roses, 14070 109th St., Fellsmere, RSVP: 772-559-5036; www.countrycareroses.com.

Heathcote Botanical Gardens: 210 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. November-April. $2-$6. 772-242-2293; hboi.fau.edu.

Historic Bok Sanctuary: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, $3-$10. 863-734-1221; www.boksanctuary.org.

McKee Botanical Garden: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 350 U.S. 1, Vero Beach, $4-$7 May 1-Oct. 30; $5-$9 Oct. 31-April 30. 772-794-0601; www.mckeegarden.org.

Oxbow Eco-Center: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 5400 N.E. St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie, 772-785-5833; www.co.st-lucie.fl.us/erd/oxbow.

Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 2410 S.E. Westmoreland Blvd., Port St. Lucie, $5. 772-337-1959; www.pslbotanicalgardens.org.

Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open one weekend/month. 1905 S.W. Ranch Trail, Stuart. 772-283-5565; www.trbg.us.