Get Growing: News from the garden community in Lee and Collier counties

Diagnosing plant problems

Dr. "Dougbug" Doug Caldwell, entomologist at the University of Florida Collier County Landscape Extension, and veteran master gardeners will be on hand to help remedy your plant pest problems and recommend best care techniques in the landscape. Bring photos or samples in plastic bags to diagnose problems.

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday

Where: Home Depot, Airport-Pulling Road and Davis Boulevard, Naples (inside garden center)

Cost: Free

Information: 239-353-4244 or collier.ifas.ufl.

Pond management

The dynamics of stormwater pond management will be explored by UF-IFAS Commercial Horticulture Educator Doug Caldwell and guest speakers Dr. Mark Clark, University of Florida, Dr. Serge Thomas, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Herb Schuchman, Island Walk pond guru.

When: 1-5 p.m. Aug. 17

Where: Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, No. 101, Naples

Admission: Free, but registration is required

Information: Call Peggy at 239-353-4244 or collier.ifas.ufl.edu or naplesgarden.org

Bonsai photography

Noted photographer Richard Owens will present a program about bonsai photography at the monthly meeting of the Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida. Following the program, members can swap trees with other members in a swap shop. The public is invited to attend the meeting.

When: 9 a.m. Aug. 18

Where: The Support Personnel Association of Lee County building, 6281 Metro Plantation Road, Fort Myers

Cost: Free with free parking

Information: Call Jim Bremer at 239-482-7543

University of Florida training session

The University of Florida IFAS Extension is offering a one-day statewide training session to earn up to six pesticide applicator continuing education units. This event is planned statewide and will be offered by teleconference at the Lee County Extension Office.

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 21

Where: Lee County Extension Office, 3406 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers

Cost: Registration is $10. Make check payable to LCOEAB and mail to CEU Day, 3406 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33916. Call Roy Beckford at 239-533-7512 or emailfbeckford@leegov.com to register. Class restricted to first 25 applicants. Checks sent after the first 25 people registrants will be returned.

Information: 239-533-7506 or lee.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml#August for calendar

Pesticide training

The University of Florida, IFAS Lee County Extension is offering a one-day pesticide training seminar, "Managing Nonnative Invasive Species in the South Florida's Natural and Aquatic Areas."

Six continuing education units will be offered in private agriculture, natural areas and aquatic pest control.

When: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 28

Where: Lee County Extension Office, 3406 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers

Cost: $15. Make check payable to LCOEAB and mail to CEU class, 3406 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33916

Information: 239-533-7506 or visit lee.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml#August for agenda and calendar