Do you have a shady lot? Are you having trouble finding plants that do well growing under trees? If so, this class is for you! Learn about the many different plants that survive in shade in Florida and receive a FREE plant guidebook that contains color photos and information on more than 300 plants. Monday, Aug. 5. 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Hernando County Extension office, 1653 Blaise Dr., Brooksville FL.

Fertilize Appropriately Class

Do you know what's causing your plants to look so sickly? Is it an Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Nitrogen, Potassium or Zinc deficiency? Are you aware that too much fertilizer can go unused by a plant's roots and end up polluting our aquifer, rivers, lakes and springs? There's lots to learn about fertilizing appropriately. Join me Wednesday, July 24 at the Spring Hill Library. 10:30 a.m. No RSVP needed. For more information, call (352) 540-6230.

Rain Barrel Workshop

Rain Barrel Workshop July 22, 2013 -- 5:30 p.m.

Who:	Sylvia Durell, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program coordinator, Hernando County Utilities Department
What:	A rain barrel workshop is scheduled to provide Hernando County residents information on the use and care of rain barrels. At the end of the workshop, participants will be guided through the assembly of their 60-gallon rain barrel. Using rain barrels in a landscape is a great way to reduce dependence on irrigation and provide water to plant beds and vegetable gardens. Diverting potential runoff also helps protect area waterways from potential pollution. Cost for the class is $55 per person. Customers of Hernando County Utilities Department will receive a $25 credit on their water bill. Space is limited. Pre-registration requested to ensure availability of a rain barrel. One barrel per customer.
When:	Monday, July 22, 2013 5:30 p.m.
Where:	Hernando County Extension office 1653 Blaise Dr., Brooksville, FL 34601

Contact:     Sylvia Durell at (352) 540-6230 or via email at sdurell@co.hernando.fl.us for more information.

Wed. June 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Spring Hill Library Branch!Deep inside the earth lurks a hidden danger. It is up to a brave team of explorers to travel through the darkness and find the source of the problem before it is too late! For students and adults, the video: "WATER'S Journey, The Hidden Rivers of Florida". A team of divers and scientists lead us through a section of the Floridan Aquifer system, simultaneously above and below ground. This unique experience allows us to track above ground the route of the underground divers as we explore the aquifer, springs, and sinkholes through their eyes. Free, first come, first seated.

BUTTERFLIES! I'll be talking to kids about butterflies and reading the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" at all the county libraries this summer. Library staff will also be leading a fun activity related to butteflies. The classes are free and no RSVP is necessary but they could fill up fast!

June 20, Spring Hill Dr. location; Fri., June 28, West Hernando Branch; Tues., July 2 at Brooksville; Wed., July 10 at East Hernando. All classes run from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m.

Centuries of Gardening That Led to Florida-Friendly Landscaping™

Who:	Sylvia Durell, coordinator of the Hernando County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program
What:	Attendees will experience a snapshot of the evolution of gardening. The presentation will focus on the formal and elaborate gardens of centuries ago, when informal landscape design became vogue and how the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping help protect Florida’s fragile environment today. The class is free and no registration is required. First come, first seated.
When:	Monday, May 13, 2013 5:30 p.m.
Where:	Hernando County Extension office 1653 Blaise Drive, Brooksville, FL 34601

Contact:      Sylvia Durell at (352) 540-6230 or via email at sdurell@co.hernando.fl.us for more information.

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping program is co-funded by the Hernando County Utilities Department and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

I invite you to take a look at a brand-new video on Florida-Friendly Landscaping that was created by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). It showcases some excellent testimonials about saving water, time and money in a landscape while still having a beautiful landscape.

Take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htTJcBhgtVE  

SWFWMD provides funding to support FFL programs in nine counties in its 16-county area...including mine!