The 2016 Home Show, sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties (BIA), will include lawn and gardening seminars. The Home Show will be held February 27 and 28 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island, located at 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach.
On Saturday, February 27 at 9:30 a.m., UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Karen Kirk-Williams will provide a seminar titled Spring and Summer Perennials. Karen’s presentation will emphasize flowering perennials and other landscape plants that are Florida-friendly. Many of the plants that she will cover during her presentation can be used to attract wildlife, including butterflies.
On Sunday, February 28 at 1 p.m., I’ll provide a seminar titled Spring and Summer Lawn Care. Many people become frustrated with their lawns here in Florida. Our climate, sandy soils and pest problems are unique compared to most areas of the U.S. Most people follow incorrect lawn care practices in Florida. As a result, they waste money, water, fertilizer and end up with a disappointing lawn. This seminar will provide you with the right information on how to grow a Florida lawn.
Okaloosa County Master Gardeners will have an educational booth to help answer gardening questions and provide lawn and landscape publications to attendees. Master Gardeners will staff their booth throughout the entire Home Show.
The Okaloosa Saves Eco-Nomic Living Expo will be held at the BIA Home Show on Saturday, February 27. So if you attend on Saturday, look for their exhibit and participate in one of their financial management seminars. Seminars include: “Understanding Social Security” at 11 a.m. and “Understanding credit” at 2 p.m. While you are there, make sure to vote for your favorite Youth Piggy Bank and Corporate Piggy Bank entries. And take advantage of the Shred-it truck available for free shredding of sensitive documents (10 boxes of materials maximum. Individuals only, no businesses please). Visit www.okaloosasaves.org for more info on the Eco-Nomic Living Expo.
Tickets for the BIA Home Show are on sale now at all Eglin Federal Credit Union Branch locations for only $2 in advance. Tickets at the door are $5 per person with children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
The 2016 Home Show hours are Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 11a.m.–4 p.m.
Visit www.biaow.org for more info on the 2016 Home Show.
Larry Williams is the Extension horticulture agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@co.okaloosa.fl.us.
