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The UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold their 2024 Spring Plant Sale 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the temporary UF/IFAS Extension Annex located at the Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) in Fort Walton Beach. The address is 1976 Lewis Turner Boulevard. There are two entrances to the OTC. Use the [&#8230;]

The UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold their 2024 Spring Plant Sale 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the temporary UF/IFAS Extension Annex located at the Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) in Fort Walton Beach. The address is 1976 Lewis Turner Boulevard.
<img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28301 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Flyer for MGV Plant Sale on May 18, 2024" width="656" height="840" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosaco/files/2024/05/MGV-Plant-Sale-5-18-24.jpg">
There are two entrances to the OTC. Use the entrance closest to the fire station, not the main entrance, and follow the signs to the Extension building, located in the back of the campus. Here is a link with a map showing how to find our building or call the OTC Extension Annex at 850-651-7476 for directions.
Map with directions is below article.
Many of the plants available for purchase at the plant sale will be Florida native plants that are well suited for North Florida. There will be a selection of hard-to-find, Florida-friendly and pollinator plants. And, dozens of milkweed plants will be available, which are larval feeding sources for monarch butterflies as they migrant through north Florida during the fall.
The Master Gardener Volunteers are excited about being able to offer this plant sale. Having the event in-person allows better interaction with the public, including the ability to answer your questions related to the available plants. Master Gardener Volunteers and I will be onsite to help answer your lawn, landscape and garden questions, as well.
You also may bring a sample of soil from your lawn, landscape or garden for pH testing. Use a clean shovel, trowel or soil probe to collect a representative sample by taking thin slices or cores of soil to a depth of six to eight inches from ten different spots throughout the plant bed, lawn or garden. Thoroughly mix all the small soil slices/cores together in a clean bucket. Place one to two cups of this mixture in a closable plastic bag or small throwaway plastic container and bring to the plant sale for testing. Attach a slip of paper with your name, phone number and where the sample was taken (e.g. lawn, vegetable garden, flowerbed, etc.).
Proceeds from the plant sale will be used by Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers in providing their educational programs for the public.
Price remains $5.35 per container. Please note that cash or checks only will be accepted. Make checks out to UF or correct change is appreciated.
The plant sale also is a perfect time to bring your black, one-gallon nursery pots (only 1-gallon pots are needed) to donate to the Master Gardener Volunteer nursery.
<figure id="attachment_27913" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27913" style="width: 828px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-27913 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Directions to Extension Annex at Okaloosa Technical College in Fort Walton Beach" width="828" height="740" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosaco/files/2023/01/Directions-to-OTC-Extension-Annex-Bldg-.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-27913" class="wp-caption-text">Directions to OTC Extension Annex in Fort Walton Beach. Credit: Larry Williams</figcaption></figure>

The UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold their 2024 Spring Plant Sale 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the temporary UF/IFAS Extension Annex located at the Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) in Fort Walton Beach. The address is 1976 Lewis Turner Boulevard.

There are two entrances to the OTC. Use the entrance closest to the fire station, not the main entrance, and follow the signs to the Extension building, located in the back of the campus. Here is a link with a map showing how to find our building or call the OTC Extension Annex at 850-651-7476 for directions.
Map with directions is below article.
Many of the plants available for purchase at the plant sale will be Florida native plants that are well suited for North Florida. There will be a selection of hard-to-find, Florida-friendly and pollinator plants. And, dozens of milkweed plants will be available, which are larval feeding sources for monarch butterflies as they migrant through north Florida during the fall.
The Master Gardener Volunteers are excited about being able to offer this plant sale. Having the event in-person allows better interaction with the public, including the ability to answer your questions related to the available plants. Master Gardener Volunteers and I will be onsite to help answer your lawn, landscape and garden questions, as well.
You also may bring a sample of soil from your lawn, landscape or garden for pH testing. Use a clean shovel, trowel or soil probe to collect a representative sample by taking thin slices or cores of soil to a depth of six to eight inches from ten different spots throughout the plant bed, lawn or garden. Thoroughly mix all the small soil slices/cores together in a clean bucket. Place one to two cups of this mixture in a closable plastic bag or small throwaway plastic container and bring to the plant sale for testing. Attach a slip of paper with your name, phone number and where the sample was taken (e.g. lawn, vegetable garden, flowerbed, etc.).
Proceeds from the plant sale will be used by Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers in providing their educational programs for the public.
Price remains $5.35 per container. Please note that cash or checks only will be accepted. Make checks out to UF or correct change is appreciated.
The plant sale also is a perfect time to bring your black, one-gallon nursery pots (only 1-gallon pots are needed) to donate to the Master Gardener Volunteer nursery.
Directions to OTC Extension Annex in Fort Walton Beach. Credit: Larry Williams

The UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold their 2024 Spring Plant Sale 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the temporary UF/IFAS Extension Annex located at the Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) in Fort Walton Beach. The address is 1976 Lewis Turner Boulevard. There are two entrances to the OTC. Use the […]

Pollinator & Native Plants at Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale

In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, the introduction of non-native species can often have devastating consequences. One such example is the invasive plant species known as Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii). Originally from Madagascar, this succulent has spread rapidly in various regions, outcompeting native flora and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, there [&#8230;]

In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, the introduction of non-native species can often have devastating consequences. One such example is the invasive plant species known as Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii). Originally from Madagascar, this succulent has spread rapidly in various regions, outcompeting native flora and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, there is hope in restoring equilibrium by introducing native species like Gallberry (Ilex glabra). In this blog, we&#8217;ll explore the threats posed by Mother of Millions and the benefits of replacing it with Gallberry.
Understanding Mother of Millions: 
Mother of Millions reproduce prolifically, producing numerous plantlets along the edges of their leaves. This reproductive strategy allows them to spread rapidly, colonizing new areas, and outcompeting native vegetation for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients. reproduces both sexually and vegetatively. In vegetative reproduction, suckers are produced from the base of the plant and daughter plantlets are formed along the edges of detached leaves (epiphyllous buds). The prolific growth of Mother of Millions poses several ecological threats:
1. Habitat Degradation: Mother of Millions can quickly establish dense populations, forming monocultures that displace native plants and reduce biodiversity. 
2. Altered Ecosystem Dynamics: The presence of Mother of Millions can alter soil composition and nutrient cycling, affecting the entire ecosystem&#8217;s functioning. 
3. Disruption of Wildlife Habitat: The invasive nature of Mother of Millions can negatively impact native wildlife by altering habitat structure and reducing food sources.
<img decoding="async" class="" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/54b94e4df12211333ec3e3a8304741384cbff2f1/c=0-237-2558-1682/local/-/media/2018/05/08/PalmSprings/PalmSprings/636613929234833179-degremontana.jpg?width=3200&amp;height=1680&amp;fit=crop" alt="Mother of millions, originally from Africa, make home in U.S. desert" width="335" height="176" />
The Case for Gallberry: 
Gallberry (Ilex glabra) is a native evergreen shrub found in southeastern United States. It belongs to the holly family and typically grows in wetland habitats such as swamps, bogs, and moist woodlands. Introducing Gallberry as a replacement for Mother of Millions offers several benefits:
1. Ecological Restoration: Gallberry plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems. Its dense foliage provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects. 
2. Soil Stabilization: The extensive root system of Gallberry helps prevent soil erosion, especially in areas prone to flooding and water runoff. 
3. Native Plant Diversity: By promoting the growth of Gallberry, we can enhance the diversity of native plant species in impacted ecosystems, contributing to overall ecological resilience.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="" src="https://bugwoodcloud.org/images/1536x1024/1607251.jpg" alt="gallberry (Ilex glabra)" width="242" height="363" />
Implementing Change: 
Replacing Mother of Millions with Gallberry requires a concerted effort involving conservation organizations, land managers, and local communities. Some steps that can be taken include; removal of the invasive species, promotion and planting of native species such as Gallberry, and regular monitoring of restored areas.
The spread of invasive species like Mother of Millions poses significant challenges to ecosystem health and biodiversity. However, by replacing invasive plants with native species like Gallberry, we can work towards restoring balance and resilience to our natural landscapes. Through collaborative efforts and informed conservation practices, we can protect and preserve the rich tapestry of life that sustains us all.

In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, the introduction of non-native species can often have devastating consequences. One such example is the invasive plant species known as Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii). Originally from Madagascar, this succulent has spread rapidly in various regions, outcompeting native flora and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, there is hope in restoring equilibrium by introducing native species like Gallberry (Ilex glabra). In this blog, we’ll explore the threats posed by Mother of Millions and the benefits of replacing it with Gallberry.
Understanding Mother of Millions:
1. Habitat Degradation: Mother of Millions can quickly establish dense populations, forming monocultures that displace native plants and reduce biodiversity.

The Case for Gallberry:
1. Ecological Restoration: Gallberry plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems. Its dense foliage provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects.

Implementing Change:
The spread of invasive species like Mother of Millions poses significant challenges to ecosystem health and biodiversity. However, by replacing invasive plants with native species like Gallberry, we can work towards restoring balance and resilience to our natural landscapes. Through collaborative efforts and informed conservation practices, we can protect and preserve the rich tapestry of life that sustains us all.

In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, the introduction of non-native species can often have devastating consequences. One such example is the invasive plant species known as Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe x houghtonii). Originally from Madagascar, this succulent has spread rapidly in various regions, outcompeting native flora and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, there […]

Restoring Balance: Replacing Mother of Millions with Gallberry

In August 2005, large swaths of Biloxi, Mississippi were underwater. In particular, Main Street and historic New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church—0.7 miles from the coastline—were inundated with 12 feet of floodwater. While the levee failures and desperation in New Orleans grabbed most news headlines after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, storm surges in coastal Mississippi reached an [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39261" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39261" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/04/stormwater-cell-tour.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39261 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/04/stormwater-cell-tour-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39261" class="wp-caption-text">Landscape designers describe an underground stormwater project at New Bethel Church in Biloxi, MS. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
In August 2005, large swaths of Biloxi, Mississippi were underwater. In particular, Main Street and historic New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church—0.7 miles from the coastline—were inundated with 12 feet of floodwater. While the levee failures and desperation in New Orleans grabbed most news headlines after <a href="https://www.weather.gov/mob/katrina">Hurricane Katrina </a>made landfall, storm surges in coastal Mississippi reached an unbelievable 21 feet.
<figure id="attachment_39265" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39265" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/04/stormwater-cell-7.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39265 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/04/stormwater-cell-7-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39265" class="wp-caption-text">The landscaped strip at the edge of this parking lot is part of a highly engineered stormwater vault system. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
Years later, New Bethel and surrounding homes and businesses have dried out but not completely recovered. For years, when it rained, the church’s parking lot filled with standing water, forcing parishioners in their Sunday best to wade ankle-deep in water back to their vehicles.
As part of a broader effort to revitalize and increase the overall c<a href="https://placeslr.org/our-work/activeprojects/resilient-east-biloxi/">ommunity resilience of East Biloxi</a>, a creative arm of Mississippi State called the <a href="https://www.gulfcoaststudio.msstate.edu/current-work">Gulf Coast Community Design Studio </a>stepped in to help. They had a creative solution that not only addressed the flooding problem, but also improved the aesthetics of the open lot adjacent to the church.
<figure id="attachment_39263" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39263" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/04/stormwater-cell-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39263 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/04/stormwater-cell-2-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39263" class="wp-caption-text">These black plastic cells can be connected adjacent to and above or below similar cells to create underwater stormwater storage capacity. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
While I have written about <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2023/08/23/weekly-what-is-it-bioretention/">bioretention</a> here before, the New Bethel project is a bit different. Instead of digging a deeper open-air swale and planting it with vegetation, this effort incorporates an underwater stormwater vault. The designers placed hard plastic open-structure “<a href="https://citygreen.com/product_info/stratavault/">stratavault</a>” cells below ground, wrapped them in geotextiles, and covered them in landscape soil. The vaults formed an open cavity for water storage, in which the parking lot runoff could be directed. Hidden below ground, the vault was planted over with grasses and other low-growing vegetation.
<figure id="attachment_39273" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39273" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/04/Strata-animated.gif"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39273 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/04/Strata-animated-300x300.gif"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39273" class="wp-caption-text">Illustration of how the stratavaults work underground. Courtesy Citygreen.com</figcaption></figure>
While other options, including pervious pavement, were considered for the project, funding was limited, so they looked for less expensive options. The designers had access to a stockpile of free stratavault cells, so they decided to use them as a demonstration project. So far, it has worked beautifully and kept the parking lot dry.
Many sites that use underground <a href="https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/env_topics/water/ultraurban_bmp_rpt/3fs6.aspx">stormwater vaults</a> do so to save space.  Open real estate is expensive, especially on beaches or urban sites. So, many builders use this technique under the foundation of a building or directly below sidewalks and parking lots. Because structures are built over these underground vaults, care must be taken to provide access for future maintenance. The design of underground vaults varies from gridded cells like the East Biloxi project (often used due to their load-bearing capacity) to open concrete or metal tanks.
For more information on the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio and resilience projects in East Biloxi, check out their websites below.
Mississippi State University Gulf Coast Community Design Studio: <a href="https://www.gulfcoaststudio.msstate.edu/current-work">https://www.gulfcoaststudio.msstate.edu/current-work</a>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="bim2GlFTY6"><a href="https://placeslr.org/our-work/activeprojects/resilient-east-biloxi/">Resilient East Biloxi</a></blockquote>
<iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" title="&#8220;Resilient East Biloxi&#8221; &#8212; PLACE: SLR" src="https://placeslr.org/our-work/activeprojects/resilient-east-biloxi/embed/#?secret=gMHBHbYA2Y#?secret=bim2GlFTY6" data-secret="bim2GlFTY6" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Landscape designers describe an underground stormwater project at New Bethel Church in Biloxi, MS. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
In August 2005, large swaths of Biloxi, Mississippi were underwater. In particular, Main Street and historic New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church—0.7 miles from the coastline—were inundated with 12 feet of floodwater. While the levee failures and desperation in New Orleans grabbed most news headlines after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, storm surges in coastal Mississippi reached an unbelievable 21 feet.
The landscaped strip at the edge of this parking lot is part of a highly engineered stormwater vault system. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Years later, New Bethel and surrounding homes and businesses have dried out but not completely recovered. For years, when it rained, the church’s parking lot filled with standing water, forcing parishioners in their Sunday best to wade ankle-deep in water back to their vehicles.
As part of a broader effort to revitalize and increase the overall community resilience of East Biloxi, a creative arm of Mississippi State called the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio stepped in to help. They had a creative solution that not only addressed the flooding problem, but also improved the aesthetics of the open lot adjacent to the church.
These black plastic cells can be connected adjacent to and above or below similar cells to create underwater stormwater storage capacity. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
While I have written about bioretention here before, the New Bethel project is a bit different. Instead of digging a deeper open-air swale and planting it with vegetation, this effort incorporates an underwater stormwater vault. The designers placed hard plastic open-structure “stratavault” cells below ground, wrapped them in geotextiles, and covered them in landscape soil. The vaults formed an open cavity for water storage, in which the parking lot runoff could be directed. Hidden below ground, the vault was planted over with grasses and other low-growing vegetation.
Illustration of how the stratavaults work underground. Courtesy Citygreen.com
While other options, including pervious pavement, were considered for the project, funding was limited, so they looked for less expensive options. The designers had access to a stockpile of free stratavault cells, so they decided to use them as a demonstration project. So far, it has worked beautifully and kept the parking lot dry.
Many sites that use underground stormwater vaults do so to save space.  Open real estate is expensive, especially on beaches or urban sites. So, many builders use this technique under the foundation of a building or directly below sidewalks and parking lots. Because structures are built over these underground vaults, care must be taken to provide access for future maintenance. The design of underground vaults varies from gridded cells like the East Biloxi project (often used due to their load-bearing capacity) to open concrete or metal tanks.
For more information on the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio and resilience projects in East Biloxi, check out their websites below.
Mississippi State University Gulf Coast Community Design Studio: https://www.gulfcoaststudio.msstate.edu/current-work
Resilient East Biloxi

In August 2005, large swaths of Biloxi, Mississippi were underwater. In particular, Main Street and historic New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church—0.7 miles from the coastline—were inundated with 12 feet of floodwater. While the levee failures and desperation in New Orleans grabbed most news headlines after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, storm surges in coastal Mississippi reached an […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Stormwater Detention Vaults

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Publicaciones relacionadas en el blog de IFAS

Pollinator & Native Plants at Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale

Restoring Balance: Replacing Mother of Millions with Gallberry

Weekly “What is it?”: Stormwater Detention Vaults

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