I. Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces
This first of four educational sessions on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, was a huge success. Stacie Latham provided a very informative GROWING VEGETABLES IN SMALL PLACES class at the House of Hope in Jensen Beach. This opening session featured delightful edibles and microgreens that are easy to grow and propagate in the ground or pots, in the yard, or on the patio. Attendees learned the health and culinary benefits of Longevity Spinach, Cuban Oregano, and African Blue Basil. Participants enjoyed preparing their own propagations from cuttings provided by Stacie that they could take home, along with seeds and recipes.
Presenter: Ms. Stacie Latham is a Jensen Beach Garden Club member and a certified Master Gardener through the University of Florida/IFS. She has a Bachelor's of Science from the University of Connecticut and worked as a Florida state-licensed clinical laboratory supervisor. She has resided in Florida since 1990.
II. Airplants by Any Other Name
December 12, 2023
Ms. Lorraine Novak shared her love of Tillandsias! Tillandsias are air plants, an epiphyte in the bromeliad family. Participants learned all about these amazing house plants (for indoors and outdoors) that are easy to care for and make a wonderful addition to your home. Lorraine provided a fun "Make and take your own arrangement" class with a starter kit including all materials and plants that she provided.
Presenter: Ms. Lorraine Novak is a certified Master Gardener in Martin and St Lucie Counties and a member of Jensen Beach Garden Club and Secretary of PGA Village Garden Club. Lorraine was awarded the Gold “Florida Friendly Landscape Award” from St. Lucie Extension Service in conjunction with UF/IFAS and Master Gardeners for her home garden design. She is a volunteer with the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens and is a speaker/exhibiter for various organizations.
III. Oh! Those Pesky Pests!
January 9, 2024
In the garden, on the porch or even indoors, those pesky pests seem to find a way to attack our plants. What are they? Where did they come from? How can we keep them away? This class provided participants with those answers. Jennifer Pelham instructed on how to properly identify pests (insect, disease, or other), how to prevent them, and how to control them in the most effective and economical way possible.
Presenter: Ms. Jennfer Pelham is the UF/IFAS Extension Southeast District (SEED) Associate District Director, as well as the County Extension Director and the Urban Horticulture Agent in Martin County. She is a certified instructor of the Green Industry Best Management Practices and a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture. Jennifer has her BS from the Pennsylvania State University and Master’s Degrees from the University of Florida, including one in Pest Management.
Session IV: Ornamental Container Gardening
This class was chock full of the best ways to:
• Brighten up your porch, patio or balcony with colorful plants and flowers for every season.
• Make containers lush and attractive.
• Learn what plants combine well
• Learn what plants require little care.
• Understanding light conditions
• Ways to save money while getting a great result.
• Propagation techniques.
Presenter: Elaine Meister is a member of Jensen Beach Garden Club and a Certified Master Gardener through the University of Florida/IFS in Martin County. She loves passing along her passion for gardening to beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Please note: These Educational Series are only for the clients of House of Hope.
