FLORIDA GARDENS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Extension Education
Brooke Moffis
Commercial Horticulture Agent III
UF/IFAS Extension, Lake County
TAVARES
Abstract
Florida Gardens Questions and Answers panel discussions are opportunities for Sumter County residents to receive diagnosis of plant problems and learn in educational group teaching events. The objective of this educational method is to recommend University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research based horticulture information to address specific client needs, while decreasing repetitive questions. Master Gardeners, the Urban Horticulture Agent, and the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Agent offer panel discussions on specific clientele lawn and landscape problems while providing answers. Questions are asked in a talk show style with responses given from one or several members of the panel. In 2009, 726 participants attended a total of thirteen panel discussions. 93% (n=133) of the surveyed Florida Gardens Questions and Answers participants determined that their specific question was adequately answered. 80% (n=133) of surveyed attendees adopted the UF/IFAS recommendations given in response to their questions. Another 16% (n=133) of surveyed attendees plan to adopt UF/IFAS recommendations to solve their landscape problems. An online follow up survey analyzed the results of this creative, educational method. Adoptions of UF/IFAS research based horticulture information has the ability to reduce storm water runoff, reduce water usage, and will result in proper applications of fertilizers and pesticides.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: B.L. Burn, J.E. Davis
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Burn, B. Urban Horticulture Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Florida, 33513
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Davis, J. Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Florida, 33513