Grassroots initiatives in Manatee County have gained momentum following the election of new commissioners in November 2024. Despite state interference limiting local governance, residents are actively engaged in community projects like the transformation of Mixon Farms into an agricultural education hub. The site aims to foster entrepreneurship and sustainability, reflecting the county's evolving identity amidst significant growth and budget increases.
Recent weather patterns have led to increased rainfall and subsequent flooding, prompting homeowners to consider artificial solutions. However, embracing natural methods, like enhancing soil health through diverse plant life and implementing bioswales, can effectively manage water retention, improve landscapes, and mitigate flooding, without harmful synthetic alternatives.
Hurricane Milton was a storm that will be talked about and studied for years as one of the most impactful storms to ever hit the gulf coast of Florida. It’s far-reaching winds and rain embodied the wrath of a hurricane that residents never want to see. The state of Florida is working hard to… Continue reading Hurricanes vs Trees, Why Correct Selection is Key
Who wants an Instagram perfect garden? Me too, so let’s talk about how to make that happen. It all starts with the basics, starting… No garden can begin unless we do something! Gardens can be desired in many different ways, food, visual stimulation, relaxation and therapy, so start with which one you are looking… Continue reading The Key to a “Perfect Garden”
What is your pleasure, one stop shopping, curbside pickup, same day delivery? In today’s market we have options that simply didn’t exist 20 years ago, and many of these options make life ‘easier’. We are happy to trade money for time because isn’t time our most precious commodity? It seems the use of that purchased… Continue reading Make the Connection
Why should you make the effort to shop local? It’s not as simple as going to the grocery store and assuming they have sourced in state foods and goods. If you have checked the labels in your local store lately, odds are you have first-hand experience and knowledge that food is rarely sourced in state. … Continue reading Fresh from the Source
There's been quite a bit going on in our nation recently. Rising interest rates, inflation, higher gas prices, labor costs, the list goes on. It can be quite overwhelming, especially if you're a farmer. Lately I've seen many posts about farmers and sadly, a big portion were negative. How grocery prices rising are the fault… Continue reading The Threshold of American Agriculture
When you think of growing vegetables, what do you see? A raised garden bed? Maybe rows lined with produce? An EarthBox on your patio? We tend to envision this elaborate Pinterest project that never seems to come to fruition. It doesn’t have to be that complicated. You don’t need an acre of land or 4… Continue reading Incorporating Vegetables Into Your Landscape
One of the best parts about the spring are all the pollinators buzzing around! From bees, butterflies, and moths, nothing brings on pollinators like a mass quantity of flowers. There's one plant that truly attracts pollinators in zones 9-9b, and that's Buddleia.It's also known as Butterfly Bush. Many of the original Buddleia were invasive and… Continue reading What’s the Buzz on Buddleia?
The Veranda View 