By Margaret Zonia Morrison
On November 21st, it was announced that Walton County Master Gardeners have been awarded $1,000.00 as a Legacy Award for the Landscaping Project at the Coastal Branch Office, located at 70 Logan Lane, in Grayton Beach. The Master Gardener Program operates under the auspices of the University of Florida as this state’s land grant university.
Volunteers must commit to 8 weeks of intensive training in all horticulture, emphasizing the bio-diversity of Florida. There are many services available at no cost to the general public for assistance in landscaping, plant questions, and plant identification available through this organization at its offices in both DeFuniak Springs and at the Logan Lane facility. Plant Help Desks are open to the public from Monday through Friday at DeFuniak Springs Extension Office from 9 a.m. to noon, and every Monday at the Logan Lane Facility from 9 a.m. to noon.
The announcement granting this award to Walton County Master Gardeners is a major accomplishment. Walton County has not received such an award in the past, and was one of only two counties in the entire State so awarded this year. The project removed all previously overgrown and unkempt vegetation, consisting largely of palmettos, with the help of many volunteers, including assistance and equipment offered by Regional Utilities and the County Department of Public Works. The Master Gardeners who worked closely on both design and execution of this project were Andrea Schnapp as Chair, Carol Tyler, Margaret Zonia Morrison, and Bill Kuenstler as committee members.
The Legacy Fund has been part of the University of Florida’s program for Master Gardeners for over 40 years. It recognizes outstanding efforts to share the mission of education within the communities where they work. The Coastal Branch Landscaping Project, using only Florida Friendly Landscaping plants and methods, will continue to inspire those curious about this type of gardening. This project will also be featured in the Spring issue of the State Master Gardener Volunteer Newsletter, distributed through the University of Florida to all Master Gardener groups in Florida. Walton County has every reason to be proud of this award. The public is invited to view the landscaping at 70 Logan Lane and to be on notice that future opportunities for lectures on Florida Friendly Landscaping will be offered. An open house at 70 Logan Lane is set for Monday, February 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and the public is invited. For more information, please check the Walton County Master Gardener website, or email waltonmg@ifas.ufl.edu.
