Demonstration Gardens in UF/IFAS Extension

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) supports a network of demonstration gardens located at Extension offices throughout the state. These gardens serve as living classrooms, showcasing sustainable horticulture practices, innovative gardening techniques, and plants suited to each region. Spanning Florida’s diverse USDA hardiness zones (8–11), they demonstrate local growing conditions, making them valuable resources for gardeners, homeowners, and landscape professionals alike.

The demonstration gardens vary in size from small, intimate spaces of around 1,000 square feet to expansive multi-acre sites.

Each garden is carefully designed to showcase practical, research-based methods for protecting water resources, growing vegetables and fruit, managing pests responsibly, and demonstrating Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices. Visitors can explore themed garden beds, native plant landscapes, pollinator habitats, and edible gardens, all offering valuable insights into sustainable gardening practices. With interpretive signage, brochures, and labeled plants, these gardens provide opportunities for self-guided tours and informal learning experiences.

Many Extension programs use these gardens for hands-on workshops, plant festivals, and educational seminars, attracting diverse audiences eager to expand their horticultural knowledge.

The demonstration gardens also serve as platforms for community engagement and collaboration. They are often used to host volunteer events, tours, and partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and environmental organizations. These collaborations promote sustainability and foster a deeper connection between residents and their local environment.

Most gardens are maintained by dedicated Florida Master Gardener Volunteers under the supervision of county Extension faculty, although larger sites may also have paid staff. The gardens are often stocked with locally sourced plants or those cultivated by volunteers. Their development and maintenance are funded through a variety of sources, including county and city governments, regional water authorities, private industry, and philanthropic donations.

The following sections list and describe UF/IFAS Extension demonstration gardens in each county across Florida, including their addresses and websites. We encourage you to explore these gardens to gain gardening knowledge, discover new plants, and be inspired by sustainable landscaping practices.

Alachua

UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Demonstration Garden

22712 W. Newberry Rd.

Newberry, FL 32669

(352) 955-2402

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/alachua/

The demonstration garden is divided into five themed areas: native wildflowers, drought-tolerant plants, vertical gardening, pollinator plants, and seasonal colors. Within the gardens, there are 80 species of plants, including firebush, purple passionflower, Brazilian bachelor’s button, and blazing star. Features include the use of a rain barrel as an irrigation source and a metal statue in the native wildflower area. This garden is open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Baker

Baker County Arboretum & Teaching Gardens

1025 W. Macclenny Ave.

Macclenny, FL 32063

(904) 259-3520

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/baker/

This teaching garden at UF/IFAS Extension Baker County showcases over 40 tree species and serves as an outdoor classroom for forestry students and the public alike. Visitors can also view native Florida plants, a fruit orchard, and a pollinator garden. The garden is wheelchair accessible/ADA-compliant and open during the Extension office’s business hours. Find additional information on the UF/IFAS Extension Baker County website.

Bay

UF/IFAS Extension Bay County Demonstration Garden

2728 E. 14th St.

Panama City, FL 32401

(850) 784-6105

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/bay/

UF/IFAS Extension Bay County teaches topics such as butterfly gardening, beneficial insects, native plant selection and care, and growing culinary herbs in this garden. Themed areas such as pollinator gardens, an herb spiral, native foundation beds, ornamental foundation beds, and rain gardens demonstrate Florida-Friendly plant options for Bay County residents. A mosaic-decorated bench and small monument are on display in memory of past Florida Master Gardener Volunteers.

Bradford

UF/IFAS Extension Bradford County Seasonal Butterfly Garden

2266 N. Temple Ave.

Starke, FL 32091

(904) 966-6224

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/bradford/

The butterfly garden highlights various plants that can attract butterflies and other pollinators. Throughout the garden, signage helps visitors identify the different plants. The garden is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Brevard

UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County Discovery Garden

3695 Lake Dr.

Cocoa, FL 32926

(321) 633-1702

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/brevard/

The Discovery Garden is filled with various educational opportunities and learning experiences. Showcasing nine different gardening aspects, the garden can help visitors appreciate Florida natives, herbs, pollinators, greenhouses, rain gardens, and more. There is an orchard and a coastal garden area on-site. Guided tours are offered upon request.

Broward

UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Florida-Friendly Butterfly Teaching Garden

3245 College Ave.

Davie, FL 33314

(954) 756-8519

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/

This teaching garden resulted from a collaborative effort involving Florida 4-H, Master Gardener Volunteers, Master Naturalists, and Broward County Butterfly Council members. It was designed and built as a teaching demonstration for new MGV workshops, public site tours, and 4-H clubs. Additionally, the urban horticulture agent teaches during two annual events at the butterfly garden: a garden visit and Art in the Garden. The MGV butterfly team conducts four annual FFL butterfly gardening presentations, educating Broward County youth and families about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, water conservation, and pollinators. They also offer watercolor classes.

Charlotte

UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County Master Gardener Volunteer Demonstration Garden

25550 Harbor View Rd.

Port Charlotte, FL 33980

(941) 764-4340

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotte/

Organized in 2006, this large garden is a showcase for landscape plants and techniques that demonstrate Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. Centered around a large pergola, this demonstration garden contains tropical fruits, vegetables, natives, and butterfly gardens. It also highlights a Master Gardener Volunteer memorial garden with benches and bricks. The garden is open seven days a week.

Citrus

UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County Florida-Friendly Learning Landscape

3650 W. Sovereign Path

Lecanto, FL 34461

(352) 527-5700

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/citrus/

Designed along a circular path, this learning landscape includes a water feature and strategically placed benches. The purpose and theme of this garden is to demonstrate Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles using plants acclimated to Citrus County. It aims to encourage residents to adopt FFL and other low-maintenance landscaping techniques. Highlights of this garden include native plants, shade gardens, pollinator plants, vertical gardens, and composting.

Clay

UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteer Educational Demonstration Gardens

2463 SR-16 W.

Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

(904) 284-6355

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/clay/

These demonstration gardens are designed to highlight gardening techniques and research-based practices for anyone interested in landscaping or growing their food. Overall themes include a pollinator garden, herb garden, hydroponics and raised bed production garden, blueberry production demonstration, plant production area, banana circle, shade garden, and idea garden. The gardens are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Collier

UF/IFAS Extension Collier County Demonstration Gardens

14700 Immokalee Rd

Naples, FL 34120

(239) 252-4800

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/collier/

These demonstration gardens include a variety of themed gardens based on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. Colorful foliage and flowers are featured in the color garden. The sensory garden focuses on plants that stimulate the five senses. Other themes include native plants, a cottage garden, and a butterfly/pollinator garden. The property features two ponds and honors past Master Gardener Volunteers with memorial benches.

Duval

Interpretive Garden at Kingsley Plantation

11676 Palmetto Ave.

Jacksonville, FL 32226

(904) 251-3537

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/duval/

The garden is located at Kinsley Plantation National Park. Master Gardener Volunteers grow crops such as onions, okra, peas, corn, squash, gourds, luffa, and more. The goal of this garden is to mimic the original plantation state dating back to 1814, including growing the same crops that flourished during that time. The garden is open from Wednesday through Sunday.

Superior Street Urban Garden

1032 Superior St.

Jacksonville, FL 32254

(904) 255-7450

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/duval/

Located near the UF/IFAS Extension Duval County office, this garden showcases vegetable varieties and herbs recommended for the area and highlights various growing techniques. The goal is to reach audiences that are interested in learning how to grow vegetables in the city.

Mandarin Demonstration Garden

28920 Loretto Rd.

Jacksonville, FL 32223

(904) 268-1192

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/duval/

This demonstration garden is on the Mandarin Garden Club grounds. It includes a butterfly garden, ginger display, and areas featuring bromeliads, vegetables, and native plants, as well as a potager garden (also known as a French kitchen garden). The purpose of the garden is to show what plants will thrive in the Mandarin area and how to grow them sustainably. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk.

The Heritage Garden at the Beaches Museum

381 Beach Blvd.

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

(904) 241-5657

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/duval/

Situated among the historic buildings on the Beaches Museum property, the Heritage Garden demonstrates what gardens in Florida might have looked like 100 years ago. There are vegetables and flower beds positioned around a 1911 train engine, a 1903 post office, and other historic buildings. It highlights a sustainable kitchen garden to educate on edible landscapes. The garden is visited on school field trips and is always open to the public.

Escambia

UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County Demonstration Gardens

3740 Stefani Rd.

Cantonment, FL 32533

(850) 475-5230

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia/

The gardens serve as a resource for the community, demonstrating UF/IFAS horticulture practices and plants adapted to the coastal south. Nine demonstration areas focus on a design theme or plant group such as perennials, ornamental grasses, vegetables, and tropical plants. Other features include composting areas, as well as seated gazebos and arbors. These gardens are completely funded and maintained by Master Gardener Volunteers.

Flagler

UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteer Demonstration Gardens

150 Sawgrass Rd.

Bunnell, FL 32110

(386) 437-7464

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/flagler/

The demonstration gardens showcase plants and gardening techniques suited to Flagler County, promoting sustainable practices among residents and visitors, as well as enhancing community education. Highlights of the gardens include a fruit tree orchard, grape vineyard, berry patch, native Florida plants, shade garden succulents, and more. Plants are labeled throughout the gardens, which are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gilchrist

Back the Blue Garden

9239 US-129

Trenton, FL 32693

(352) 463-3174

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/gilchrist/

The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) “Back the Blue” garden models UF/IFAS recommendations for plant selection, water use, and fertilizer use. Nature Coast Master Gardener Volunteers manage the landscape, with the goals of improving morale and positively impacting the mental and physical health of GCSO deputies and staff. The garden demonstrates Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles, increases community awareness of the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer program, and provides Gilchrist County residents and visitors with opportunities to view interesting flowers, foliage, seeds, and berries. QR codes on signage link to Ask IFAS publications and encourage viewers to expand their plant palette and learn about growing techniques.

Hernando

UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteer Native Plant Garden

16110 Aviation Loop Dr.

Brooksville, FL 34604

(352) 754-4433

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hernando/

Located outside the UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County office, the garden features plants native to central Florida. Signs and QR codes identify each plant. The purpose of this garden is to give visitors ideas for incorporating Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in their residential areas.

Highlands

Master Gardener Volunteers' Butterfly & Pollinator Garden

4509 George Blvd.

Sebring, FL 33875

(863) 402-6540

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/highlands/

Created for training Master Gardener Volunteers and members of the Central Florida Butterfly and Pollinator Club, this garden is located on the grounds of the UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County office. It contains butterfly host and nectar plants to attract these pollinators to the garden. The garden features a firebush, a Christmas senna, and three trellises. The garden is open daily.

Hillsborough

Carrollwood Village Park Butterfly Garden

4680 W. Village Dr.

Tampa, FL 33624

(813) 269-2466

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/

Breaking ground in 2023, this butterfly garden includes 124 plants such as muhly grass, aster, swamp milkweed, and more. The garden was installed with funding provided by the Viva Florida grant and managed in collaboration with the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Master Gardener Volunteer Program and Florida Native Plant Society. The garden is open daily and wheelchair accessible/ADA-compliant.

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park Native Plant Garden

6920 E. Fletcher Ave.

Tampa, FL 33637

(813) 987-6204

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/

This garden is located behind the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center inside Lettuce Lake Conservation Park. It features plants native to west central Florida and bird feeders. The Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society offers guided native plant walks on the first Saturday of each month.

Indian River

Gifford Youth Achievement Center Learning Garden

4875 43rd Ave.

Vero Beach, FL 32967

(772) 794-1005

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/indian-river/

This garden has been developed and centered around youth education. Currently, the Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) Learning Garden is expanding, with plans to build community garden plots. The garden features vegetables, herbs, and native plants showcasing Florida-Friendly gardening to the public.

Jackson

UF/IFAS Extension Jackson County Demonstration Gardens

2741 Penn Ave.

Marianna, FL 32448

(850) 482-9620

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/jackson/

The UF/IFAS Extension Jackson County office offers two gardens on-site. The native plant garden is located at the entrance, featuring plants found all over the state. The property also showcases five raised beds and blueberry “guilds” (groups of plants intentionally selected to create a miniature ecosystem). This garden is open to the public from Monday through Friday.

Lake

UF/IFAS Extension Lake County Discovery Gardens

1951 Woodlea Rd.

Tavares, FL 32778

(352) 343-4101

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lake/

Sitting on 3.5 acres, the Discovery Gardens host over 20 themed areas, each showcasing diverse gardening aspects in central Florida. More than 700 plants are labeled, with additional information available in the Master Gardener Volunteer plant clinic located on-site. Each March, the gardens host a Master Gardener Volunteer plant sale. Guided tours are available and can be requested through forms found on the UF/IFAS Extension Lake County website.

Lee

Terry Park Butterfly Garden

3410 Palm Beach Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33916

(239) 533-4327

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lee/

This garden is filled with pollinator plants, mainly natives. A variety of mid-sized shrubs also occupy this space. The walkway throughout the garden allows visitors to see the various butterflies and bees. The garden is open to the public.

Terry Park Herb Garden

3410 Palm Beach Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33916

Edible plants fill this small garden at the Lee County Parks and Recreation headquarters. Fruit trees and laurels provide shade throughout the garden. An herb spiral and a walkthrough trellis create space for a diverse range of edible plants. The garden's target audience is urban homeowners who want to grow produce and maintain an attractive yard.

Leon

David W. Marshall Demonstration Gardens

615 Paul Russel Rd.

Tallahassee, FL 32301

(850) 606-5200

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/leon/

These demonstration gardens include seven ornamental landscape beds, a vegetable garden, a food forest, rain gardens, and a fruit tree orchard. These gardens are intended to demonstrate proper plant selection and maintenance in Leon County, utilizing Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. Maintained by the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, the gardens are always open to the public, and guided tours are available.

Levy

UF/IFAS Extension Levy County Florida-Friendly Landscape Discovery Garden

625 North Hathaway Ave.

Bronson, FL 32621

(352) 486-5131

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/levy/

The garden models Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and provides a jumping-off point for the novice, Florida newcomer, and experienced gardener alike. The garden contains deciduous fruit trees, a shade garden, a citrus grove, and revolving garden displays. An outdoor education area provides visitors with a place to take in the view and learn about the garden using QR-code signage.

Manatee

The Barbara Davis Educational Gardens

1303 17th St. W.

Palmetto, FL 34221

(941) 722-4524

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/manatee/

Located on the grounds of the UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County office, the gardens include vegetables, fruit trees, pollinator plants, native and endemic Florida plants, a Florida demonstration wetland, a shade garden, a greenhouse, and a children’s garden. Distinct areas are used for teaching the public, Master Gardener Volunteers, homeschool groups, field trips, community groups, and garden clubs. The gardens are open Monday through Friday and are wheelchair accessible/ADA-compliant.

Marion

UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardener Taylor Garden

2232 NE Jacksonville Rd.

Ocala, Florida 34470

(352) 671-8400

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/

Ten unique demonstration gardens showcase what residents in central Florida can plant in their landscapes. Pollinator gardens, shade gardens, DIY homeowner hydroponic plots, rock gardens, and a tropical garden are some of the featured themes. The gardens are open every day, and there is an outdoor paved classroom for educational tours.

Martin

UF/IFAS Extension Martin County Master Gardener Volunteer Demonstration Gardens

2614 SE Dixie Hwy.

Stuart, FL 34996

(772) 288-5654

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/martin/

The gardens are dedicated to demonstrating Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices. Areas of focus include south Florida native plants and pollinator gardens. QR codes and signs throughout the gardens make learning about the plants easily accessible. The gardens are open to the public anytime, and guided tours can be requested.

Miami-Dade

Ready, Set, Grow! Garden at Lemon City

27 NE 58 St.

Miami, FL 33137

(305) 248-3311

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/miami-dade/

Ready, Set, Grow! is an educational garden designed to promote hands-on learning about sustainability, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. The garden serves as a living classroom where participants can engage in experiential learning through gardening activities, workshops, and seed-saving initiatives. Features include container gardens, pollinator plants, vegetables, herbs, and raised beds with access for all to enjoy.

Monroe

Grimal Grove Herb and Veggie Garden Demonstration Beds

258 Cunningham Ln.

Big Pine Key, FL 33043

(305) 923-6663

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/monroe/

Grimal Grove is a hub for tropical fruit research, serving as an education center that promotes sustainable farming practices. Grimal Grove partnered with the UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County Master Gardener Volunteer Program in 2023. Grimal Grove highlights a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruits, including breadfruit, and illustrates sustainable gardening practices suited to the Florida Keys climate. The Master Gardener Volunteers open the grove on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, hosting partially guided tours, plant clinics, and a container-garden program.

J. Gilbert Reese Park Butterfly Demonstration Garden

86800 Overseas Hwy.

Islamorada, FL 33036

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/monroe/

Highlighting native and pollinator plants, this educational space is for individuals of all ages. Rare and endangered plants are grown in a landscape setting with identifying signage. The garden is 100% supported by donations from the Islamorada Foundation. Guests can enter the garden daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wildflower Garden Historic Trail at Crane Point Hammock

5550 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

(305) 743-9100

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/monroe/

Created from the Florida Wildflower Foundation Grant, this garden is located inside Crane Point Hammock. One of four trails on the property, the entire area is a wildflower and pollinator garden. Among nature, the red pyramid art display stands out as a history lesson for guests.

Gato Wildflower Garden

1100 Simonton St.

Key West, FL 33040

(305) 292-4501

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/monroe/

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ demonstration garden at UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County includes areas highlighting diverse wildflower species, native plants, and wildlife habitat. The garden is used to educate visitors and foster a deeper appreciation for the native flora. It also serves as a living exhibit, illustrating the historical and cultural significance of the region’s natural environment and contributing to the ongoing efforts to preserve Key West’s rich ecological legacy. On-demand tours of this garden are available upon request.

Nassau

James Page Government Complex Demonstration Garden

96135 Nassau Pl.

Yulee, FL 32097

(904) 530-6353

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/nassau/

This demonstration garden is located outside the main county government complex that doubles as an outdoor eating space. It targets Nassau County residents and government employees by highlighting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. Individual plants are labeled throughout the garden, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Okaloosa

UF/IFAS Extension Okaloosa County Native Plant Trail

3098 Airport Rd.

Crestview, Florida 32539

(850) 689-5850

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosa/

This trail showcases native north Florida plants along a quarter-mile walk, beginning in the uplands and continuing through a bottomland area, which features a stream. It is intended for adults and youth to enjoy and learn about native trees, shrubs, and other vegetation found in northwest Florida. Along the trail, QR codes label the plants for identification purposes.

Orange

UF/IFAS Extension Orange County Exploration Gardens

6021 S. Conway Rd.

Orlando, FL 32812

(407) 254-9200

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/

Occupying 4 acres of space behind the UF/IFAS Extension Orange County offices, the Exploration Gardens feature 13 themed gardens. Highlights include a succulent garden, a flowering and fruit tree garden, and a medicinal garden. Throughout the gardens, there is signage for visitors to learn more about plant diversity, pollinator-friendly and native plants, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles.

Osceola

UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County Demonstration Garden

1921 Kissimmee Valley Ln.

Kissimmee, FL 34744

(321) 697-3000

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/osceola/

Divided into several sections, this garden showcases Florida-Friendly plants for local gardeners. Sections include native/pollinator plants, drought-tolerant plants, and edible plants, all labeled for identification. The garden is open daily.

Palm Beach

UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center Garden

3200 E Canal St. N.

Belle Glade, FL 33430

(561) 233-1700

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/palm-beach/

This garden is a tropical hardwood hammock featuring native plants that thrive in shady conditions. Interpretive signage aims to teach visitors about each plant’s needs and the wildlife it supports. The purpose of the garden is to educate visitors of the research center.

Mounts Botanical Garden

531 N. Military Trail

West Palm Beach, FL 33415

(561) 233-1700

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/palm-beach/

Mounts Botanical Garden has a history as Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden, spanning over 40 years. The 20-acre tropical oasis features a collection of 25 display gardens, containing more than 7,000 tropical and subtropical plant species. Also featured in the gardens are Florida native plants, rare and tropical fruit trees, ornamentals, herbs, palms, and more. Maps and pamphlets label plants and guide access throughout the garden.

Pinellas

Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center

14644 113th Ave. N.

Largo, FL 33774

(727) 582-2100

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/

Created through a partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County 4-H and Master Gardener Volunteer programs, the garden is dedicated to the memory of citrus grove owner, Chester Ochs. Features of this garden are vegetables, fruits, herbs, native Florida plants, and pollinator plants. This center is one of the last large plots of land in the area and honors its agricultural history. This garden is wheelchair accessible/ADA-compliant and open for guided tours.

Polk

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Demonstration Gardens

1702 Hwy. 17

South Bartow, FL 33831

(863) 519-1041

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/

These gardens include a bog with native plants, cold-hardy palms, and a composting display, as well as an edible garden, a butterfly garden, and much more. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles can be observed throughout, including mulching techniques, microirrigation, and rainwater capture with rain barrels. Signage and plant identification are provided.

Putnam

UF/IFAS Extension Putnam County Master Gardener Volunteer Garden

111 Yelvington Rd., Suite 1

East Palatka, FL 32131

(386) 329-0318

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/putnam/

Located on the grounds of the UF/IFAS Extension Putnam County office, this butterfly garden features pollinator plants, labeled to assist visitors in identification. The garden is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa Rosa

UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa Master Gardener Volunteer Teaching and Demonstration Garden

6263 Dogwood Dr.

Milton, FL 32570

(850) 623-3868

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/santa-rosa/

The teaching and demonstration garden at UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa County features a native garden and ornamental landscaping. This garden also highlights “foodscaping” demonstrations that produce herbs, fruits, berries, and vegetables. Open to the public every day, this demonstration and teaching garden has guided tours available and is wheelchair accessible/ADA-compliant.

Sarasota

Shamrock Park Demonstration Gardens

3900 Shamrock Dr.

Venice, FL 34293

(941) 486-2706

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/

Located across from the entrance to the Shamrock Park Nature Center, the demonstration gardens feature native and Florida-friendly plants that have adapted to living in coastal landscapes. The gardens aim to inspire Sarasota County residents to adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices and choices. Master Gardener Volunteers offer free tours every first Thursday of each month.

Twin Lakes Demonstration Gardens

6700 Clark Rd.

Sarasota, FL 34241

(941) 861-9900

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/

These gardens spotlight five themes for Sarasota County guests to enjoy: pollinator plants, native plants, a shade garden, drought-tolerant plants, and a snowbird garden. The gardens can be found on the grounds of the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County office. Master Gardener Volunteers lead monthly tours every third Monday. Visitors can explore the open-access garden from sunrise to sunset daily.

Seminole

UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County Demonstration Garden

250 W. County Home Rd.

Sanford, FL 32773

(407) 665-5560

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/seminole/

This garden features multiple themes, including herbs, vegetables, pollinator plants, and native plants. Designed for educational events, the garden offers a groundcover display bed and a Florida-Friendly landscape. Throughout the gardens, signs detail plant requirements and growth habits.

St. Johns

UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County Botanical Gardens

3125 Agricultural Center Dr.

St. Augustine, FL 32092

(904) 209-0430

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/stjohns/

These gardens cover over 2 acres of land to explore. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices are seen throughout the gardens. Themes include Florida natives, pollinator plants, herbs, roses, and more. A popular feature that attracts visitors is the 1-acre fairy garden. These gardens are open during daylight hours, seven days a week.

St. Lucie

UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County Demonstration Garden

8400 Picos Rd.

Fort Pierce, FL 34945

(772) 462-1660

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucie/

The grounds at UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County feature several distinct garden areas. Covering a variety of themes, they include a butterfly garden, a salt-tolerant garden, a nature trail focused on drought-tolerant plants, and a discovery garden.

Sumter

UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Demonstration Garden

7620 SR 471, Ste. 2

Bushnell, FL 33513

(352) 569-6862

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sumter/

This demonstration garden comprises various areas, featuring vegetables, fruits, herbs, native plants, a trial garden, and a “35-MPH” garden. The garden is visited during events held at the Sumter County Fairgrounds by visitors to both the Extension office and the USDA office and as part of youth education. As garden areas change, signs with QR codes will lead visitors to Ask IFAS publications on specific plants and other resources. There are also seating areas around the garden for visitors to enjoy.

Suwannee

Heritage Park and Gardens

1004 Helvenston St. SE

Live Oak, FL 32064

(386) 362-3004

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/suwannee/

UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers designed and developed this garden to provide habitat areas for wildlife. The mix of native and Florida-friendly flowering plants attracts a variety of birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Other features include an herb garden and a pet memorial. The garden is nestled on the grounds of a donated estate alongside existing gardens designed in the early 1950s.

UF/IFAS Extension Suwannee County Teaching Greenhouse

1302 11th St. SW

Live Oak, FL 32064

(386) 362-2771

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/suwannee/

This greenhouse is used for teaching propagation, insect management, fertilization practices, and irrigation practices for workshops and experiential learning. Plants propagated on-site are used for workshops, decorations, plant sales, and in the Heritage Park demonstration gardens.

Taylor

UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County Memorial Garden

203 Forest Park Drive

Perry, FL 32348

(850) 838-3508

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/taylor/

Initially established as a memorial for Master Gardener Volunteers' family members, the memorial garden has evolved into a native and pollinator garden. It educates youth, adults, seniors, and travelers about protecting pollinators and providing habitat for them while beautifying the grounds. A standout feature of the garden is a mural featuring lady beetles, bees, large purple cone flowers, and other plants. The garden also has raised beds with wildflowers and seasonal vegetables.

Volusia

UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County Demonstration Garden

3100 E. New York Ave.

Deland, FL 32724

(386) 822-5778

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/volusia/

Divided into nine areas, this demonstration garden teaches homeowners how to transform their landscape. It is also used as an educational tool for youth groups and garden clubs. The UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County Demonstration Garden has many highlights, including Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL), edible vegetables and fruits, raised beds, pollinator plants, a shade garden, a koi pond, and native Florida plants. Plants are labeled with QR codes, and an FFL educational video is under development.

Walton

Walton County Coastal Branch Demonstration Garden

70 Logan Lane

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

(850) 892-8172

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/walton/

Located on the grounds of the UF/IFAS Extension Coastal Branch, the demonstration garden displays Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices and features many annuals accompanied by identifying signage. A highlight of this garden is a lending library, where individuals can exchange books.

Publication History

This work was originally published as follows:

Worden, E. C., and C. J. D’Angelo. 2002. “Demonstration Gardens in the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: ENH865/EP108, 6/2002.” EDIS 2002 (1). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ep108-2002

Revisions of the work consist of the following:

Brown, S. P., K. Taylor, and E. Eubanks. 2008. “Demonstration Gardens in the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: ENH 865/EP108, rev. 10/2007.” EDIS 2008 (1). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ep108-2007

Brown, S. P., K. Taylor, E. Eubanks, and C. Stephens. 2014. “Demonstration Gardens in the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: ENH 865/EP108, rev. 6/2014.” EDIS 2014 (6). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ep108-2014