Landscaping the Florida-Friendly way means using low maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Learn how you can have a beautiful landscape that could save you time, energy and money while protecting our future.
The new style compost bin is now available to Manatee County Residents at The Manatee County Extension Office! After taking one of our "Compost Happens" workshop you are eligible to purchase the Earth Machine Compost Bin for $25.00.
Upcoming Classes:
Saturday
April 17th 9am - 12pm Rain Barrel & Compost
Thursday May 20th 2pm - 4pm Compost only
Saturday June 12th 9am - 12pm Rain Barrel & Compost
Come join us March 6th, 9 am - 3 pm at the Manatee County Fairgrounds for the Florida-Friendly Family Festival.The Festival will feature a variety of fun activities, eco-workshops and entertainment that appeals to children of all ages. The Festival will offer a wide array of interactive demonstrations, ideas, workshops and exhibits to highlight our environment and show ways that families can conserve in and around their homes. Admission is free. Food will be provided, first come, first serve. Local youth will be performing. The Manatee County Utilities Department will be hosting a shower head exchange. Bring your old shower head to be exchanged for a new water conserving model.
Performances by the Earthlings (conservation themed entertainment), Palmetto High School Jazz Band and ROTC. Eco-workshop topics include worm composting, life as a drip, bio-fuel blast and home conservation. Local businesses, not for profit organizations and Manatee County Government will host exhibits. Mote Marine's touch tank, a hybrid school bus and a 1930's fire truck will be on display.
Cold weather slows down the growth of palms, reduces the activity of the roots, and often weakens the plant to the point where a disease can become active and kill the palm. Severe cold damage from frost or freezing temperatures destroy plant tissues and may severely reduce water conduction in the trunk for years. Often the only above-ground portion of a cold-damaged palm that is still alive is the protected bud. As warmer weather returns, primary or secondary plant pathogens often attack weakened plants through damaged tissue. Read more here.
