Growing Together: Reflecting on your feedback and charting a path for 2024

FLORIDA — In a December 2023 article, I asked for feedback from readers of this column. As a result, I received over 50 responses from readers, mostly via email. The responses were both helpful and positive.

In today’s article, I’ll share some of the responses and my plans for future articles in 2024.

As a result of reading this gardening column, one reader responded, “You have saved me money in regards to watering, fertilizing, weed control, and plant selection. I’ve used your plant clinic several times.”

Another response stated, “Because of this column, I have made changes to my lawn watering schedule and applied the right fertilizer and pre- and post-emergent weed control to my lawn. I also learned the correct way to prune my fruit trees. I have also converted half of my yard into a pollinator garden using local flowers, which have attracted literally hundreds of bees of many types, as well as butterflies and hummingbirds.”

Another reader shared, “About ten years ago, I had my lawn completely redone. While it cost over $10,000, I’m sure the property value appreciated much more than that. Your column was invaluable in determining the best steps to take. Since then, your descriptions of timing for fertilization and pest control, of best methods, and of details in having soil samples tested have kept my lawn a great asset to the home value.”

Many of the respondents indicated that they participated in plant clinics, seminars, and Master Gardener Volunteer plant sales as a result of finding out about these events through this weekly column.

A number of readers provided recommendations for future articles. As a result, in 2024, I plan to write articles on how to evaluate and select landscape contractors, Florida-friendly landscape plants, pollinator plants, and alternative plants, including the use of mondo grass (Ophiopogon spp.). In addition, I plan to offer seminars on some of these topics as well.

One reader who reads this column in Bay County and who moved to that area from South Florida wrote that she has learned, “NW Florida gardening is different from South Florida gardening.”

Several respondents said they frequently share the articles with neighbors, friends, and garden club members.

I even received an invite to participate in a call-in radio program from a reader who has a gardening program on the radio in Pensacola.

Thank you for reading this column, and I wish you a successful 2024 with your lawn, landscape, and gardening efforts. Please continue to provide feedback as you read this column.

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@myokaloosa.com.

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