CRESTVIEW — The latest graduates of the Okaloosa County Master Gardener program are ready to help area residents with their gardening issues.
Roni Graham of Crestview, Mary Esther residents Donna Edmiston and Ada Bower, and Destin residents Velda Dougherty and Linda Timothy completed extensive classroom and hands on training over a period of several months to achieve Master Gardener status.
Science-based research from the University of Florida helped provide the basis for practical experience with plants and weeds, soil preparation, insects, watering and propagation to name a few of the topics covered. Best management practices for landscape maintenance of lawns, annuals and perennials, as well as, preparing and analyzing soil samples were featured.
Comprehensive activities included community outreach programs to educate both adults and youths.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview resident among five newest Okaloosa Master Gardeners