SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Every third Monday of the month The UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension is opening its demonstration garden to gardeners of all experiences with special walking tours. Offering an educational opportunity to learn about Florida’s unique ecosystem and cultivation techniques.
The tours have expanded significantly over the past three years, with organizers emphasizing a message of personal growth alongside horticultural development. “This is such a hidden gem and we’re trying to have it not be so hidden,” said Linda Collins, demonstration garden lead and master gardener volunteer at the Sarasota Extension facility.
The garden tours are designed to inspire visitors and residents not just to grow plants, but to continue developing themselves. “Don’t stop growing, and don’t stop growing the right plants,” said Cindi Nemitz, also a demonstration garden lead and master gardener volunteer. “I have physical issues that have limited me, don’t let it stop you. Still plant—you can plant in your kitchen window if you don’t have the space. You don’t have to have a big space like this.”
The tours have proven especially valuable for those new to the state. Many people relocate to Florida from northern regions with misconceptions about what can be cultivated in the local climate. “They come to Florida from up north and say ‘oh you can’t grow roses here’—well you can, and we’ll show you how!” Nemitz noted.
The extension is helping gardeners navigate both beginner basics and advanced concerns, particularly amid challenging environmental conditions. Sarasota County is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, and recent cold snaps have left many residents wondering what to do with their plants.
“We’re in the worst drought condition here in Sarasota County. We were hit with a couple weeks of cold and a lot of people are struggling with ‘what’s wrong with my garden,’” Collins explained. “We can give some guidance and education and some hope, just being able to give them some perspective about their own planting.”
The tours also educate experienced gardeners about wildlife-friendly native plants and strategies for thriving during drought conditions and other coastal challenges.
The UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension will host these walking tours on the third Monday of every month. Additionally, the extension is hosting a plant sale on Saturday, March 7th. They are also getting ready to open up their new greenhouse which just opened in late 2025 for more tours and demonstration classes as well. For a full schedule of upcoming events and a plethora of horticulture information visit their website.
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