In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns is joined by Anne Yasalonis, a residential horticulture agent with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, and Patricia Uiterwyk, a business owner and current Master Gardener volunteer intern. They delve into the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, a initiative that empowers residents to become “garden champions” and share science-based gardening knowledge with the community.
Anne and Patricia discuss how the program bridge the gap between academic research and home gardening, offering everything from soil testing to free community classes.
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or someone who thinks they have a “black thumb,” this episode highlights how the Polk County Extension office provides the tools and community support needed to help anything—and anyone—grow. 141
