The Master Gardeners of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences extensions are always here to help.
These green-thumbed gardeners are certified experts of Florida horticulture, from lawn and garden maintenance to educating youth about the state’s native environment. Master Gardeners have a breadth of knowledge and a willingness to share.
The UF/IFAS extensions are stationed in every county in Florida. They work with the USDA, land grant universities and local governments. In Greater Tampa Bay, Master Gardeners serve as resources for the citizens of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.
With the prime gardening season running from late August to May, there is plenty of time to get those plants and flowers blooming.
Linda Smock — Master Gardener from Pinellas County
At the heart of Linda Smock’s Master Gardener tenure is passion. She is passionate about educating youth, passionate about the flora and passionate about ensuring its future existence.
“I’m concerned about the future in a lot of ways,” Smock said. “We need fruits and vegetables. We need all kinds of plant life.”
Her childhood on a farm in Florida’s panhandle shaped Smock’s future vocation. She grew to appreciate the outdoors and developed a lifelong love for plants.
Smock enjoyed a career as an educator and school principal and sought out the Master Gardener path upon retirement.
“I enjoyed working in my yard and with people. I knew I would love to do volunteer work guiding children through gardens and showing them around. I wanted to pass on the learning to love the outdoors,” Smock said.
Six weeks of training gave her the Master Gardener title. An additional 10 hours of training each year is required to maintain it.
With this role comes a flurry of different responsibilities. Smock coordinates their speaker’s bureau, leads tours and occasionally writes for their newsletter, “The Dirt.”
Each county has unique resources and wildlife. Booker Creek Preserve in Pinellas County, for example, provides Smock a great opportunity to observe nature. She urges people to help maintain places like this by growing native plants and supporting local nurseries.
It is safe to say that sharing Smock’s passion is beginning to take root.
By Ryan Walsh.
