S2 Ep1083: GARDENING in FLORIDA - Explore Boyd Hill Nature Preserve - Plants & Classes

In this episode of Gardening in Florida, host Nanette Wiser explores St. Petersburg's Boyd Park upcoming events and news. Sign up for the newsletter! Learn more here about all events and classes. 1101 Country Club Way S | 727-893-7326 |
BOYD Hill Nature Park The Pine Flatwoods along the Uplands Trail is the perfect location to spot blooms of pink and lavender flowers. These eye-catching wildflowers are known as Florida Elephant’s Foot—a name inspired by the large, flat leaves that spread out at the base of the plant and resemble the shape of an elephant’s footprint.
All year long, this plant quietly survives as a low-growing circle of leaves that hugs the ground—a basal rosette. In September, the plant sends up tall flowering stalks, transforming the dry, sandy landscape of the flatwoods and sandhills into a pollinator’s paradise. Florida Elephant’s Foot thrives in these sun-soaked, well-drained areas, and its blooms are a magnet for a variety of insects. Bees are especially fond of it, but butterflies—like skippers, swallowtails, and hairstreaks—are also frequent visitors, adding even more color and movement to the scene.
EVENTS WILDFLOWER WALK: 9/6 Immerse yourself in the beauty of native Florida flowers on this inclusive, ranger-led hike. We’ll explore how the flowers, trees, and green spaces at Boyd Hill contribute to the health and vitality of the preserve. Each month, participants have the opportunity to learn about up to 10 flowers currently in bloom. In recognition of Deaf Awareness Month, this hike will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) to promote accessibility and inclusion. An additional ASL-interpreted hike will be offered at the end of the month. 9/11 11:30-12:30 VEGETABLE GARDENING Part of our ongoing Master Gardener Speaker Series, discover tried and true techniques to grow vegetables, herbs, and small fruit trees in our challenging Florida climate. Join a Pinellas County Master Gardener to learn container or bed preparation, the best crops for each of our three growing seasons, and environmentally friendly fertilizing and pest control. 9/12 Build a Bat Box

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