Library to host master gardener seminar on planting

Why do some plants flourish on our barrier islands while others struggle to survive?

If you’ve ever wondered why a plant thrives in one yard but struggles just a few doors down, you’re not alone. From sandy soils and salt spray to intense sunshine and seasonal storms, gardening on a barrier island presents its own unique challenges.

The good news – creating a beautiful, resilient landscape doesn’t have to be complicated. Learning to work with the coastal environment, rather than against it, can make all the difference.

The Barrier Island Master Gardener Volunteers of Lee County invite the community to “Thriving in the Salt, Sand & Sun: Florida-Friendly Landscaping for Barrier Island Living,” a free educational seminar on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. at the Fort Myers Beach Public Library.

Through the nine principles of Florida-friendly landscaping, participants will discover practical ways to create beautiful, resilient landscapes suited to island living. Topics include choosing the right plants for the right places, conserving water, managing stormwater runoff, reducing fertilizer and pesticide use, and creating welcoming habitats for birds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife.

Whether you are restoring a landscape following new construction, refreshing an established garden, or simply wondering why certain plants struggle while others flourish, this program will offer useful information and practical strategies you can put to work in your own yard.

What: “Thriving in the Salt, Sand & Sun: Florida-Friendly Landscaping for Barrier Island Living,” a free educational seminar on Saturday, November 14

Who: The Barrier Island Master Gardener Volunteers of Lee County

Where: Fort Myers Beach Library, 2755 Estero Boulevard

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.

Cost: Free