Florida gardening presents unique challenges, so we offer research-based assistance, information and advice. Whether you are developing a vegetable garden, choosing landscape plants or seeking information about lawn care, our resources will help make your yard green and beautiful. Visit the University of Florida IFAS Manatee County Extension website for more information.
Water Conservation in Home & Business Landscapes
Our purpose is to provide University-based information to residents so they may learn to reduce their usage of drinking-quality water for irrigation while maintaining attractive, healthy landscapes.
The Mobile Irrigation Lab performs FREE landscape irrigation evaluations that can help residents save water and money. Learn how to have your landscape irrigation system evaluated.
Some other services we provide to Manatee County residents include:
- Educational opportunities
- Displays at public events
- Office visits by appointment
- Special programs for groups
View the Water Conservation page on the University of Florida IFAS Manatee County Extension website.
For more information, please contact:
Melanie Stokes
Water Conservation Program Specialist
(941) 722-4524 ext. 1827
[email protected]
This program provides the following services to Manatee County residents:
- Plant Diagnostic Clinic open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 1303 17th Street W, Palmetto
- Submit your questions for our Plant Diagnostic Clinic Volunteers HERE
- Visit our educational gardens. Call (941) 722-4524 to schedule a tour
- Speakers Bureau
- Diagnosing plant problems
- Insect and Reptile identification
- Soil and water testing for pH and salt only
Do you enjoy plants and gardening? Do you enjoy reading and learning? Are you passionate about improving the environmental health of your home, landscape and community? Do you enjoy sharing information with others? Then the Master Gardener Program may be for you!
Local trainings are offered annually, you are welcome to submit an application and we will be in touch about training opportunities.
Apply for the training program
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
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 mission of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program is to educate Floridians about science-based, environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
View the Florida-Friendly Landscaping page on the University of Florida IFAS Website.
To request a free Florida-Friendly Landscape Assistance consultation, fill out this online form.
For more information, please contact:
Susan Griffith
Florida-Friendly Landscape Coordinator
(941) 722-4524 ext. 1825
[email protected]
Environmental & Commercial Horticulture
The Commercial Landscape Horticulture program provides unbiased and current information for maintaining Florida friendly landscapes to horticulture service providers, in business or in public service, such as:
- Businesses - Landscape & lawn installation and maintenance, pest control, tree care, landscape designers and landscape architects, related services
- Property managers
- Condominium and homeowner associations
- County and municipal departments and employees
- Schools
- Retail garden centers
View the Commercial Landscape Horticulture page on the University of Florida IFAS Manatee county Extension website.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Atkinson
Environmental Horticulture
(941) 722-4524 ext. 1818
[email protected]