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First lavender farm in Florida thriving in Southport

With the many challenges of growing lavender in the south, one family has found success right here in the Florida Panhandle. It’s a group endeavor as Jason Leabo, an Air Force combat veteran, his wife Kari, and daughters Jamie and Amber all chip in and work their Southern Grace Lavender Farm in Southport. As Florida’s first lavender farm, it is off to a great start with more than 1,500 plants along with a line of lavender products. Planted right before...

Guided plant stroll at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 19

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler on Monday, Aug. 19 from 9 – 11 a.m. for a guided plant stroll. Take a stroll through the park and the campground to explore the plants visible and to see what is in bloom. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain. Entry into the park is free through Labor Day weekend. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at...

Seagrove Beach Real Estate Company hosting “Retire Old Glory” U.S. flag drive

Davis Properties of NW Florida, one of South Walton’s oldest real estate companies, is hosting a South Walton community out-reach project over the next several weeks. “Retire Old Glory” U.S. Flag Drive, is geared toward giving 30A locals a convenient means to properly dispose of their old, worn or tattered American flags. “With Independence Day recently past, we thought that many folks might have purchased new American Flags to display for the Fourth of July holiday. But the dilemma is,...

Florida Forest Service now accepting applications for Longleaf Pine Private Incentive Program

Southport, Fla.– The Florida Forest Service announced that applications are now being accepted for the Longleaf Pine Private Landowner Incentive Program. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 2, 2019. The primary objective of the Longleaf Pine Private Landowner Incentive Program is to increase the acreage of healthy longleaf pine forests in Florida by assisting eligible, non-industrial private forest landowners with the long-term investment necessary to establish and maintain the valuable longleaf pine ecosystem. “We are excited to expand the...

Memorial Day services in North and South Walton May 27

Gum Creek Cemetery, Glendale 8 a.m. The 23rd Annual Memorial Day Service will be held at the Gum Creek Cemetery located north of DeFuniak Springs off State Road 83 near Glendale. The service will be held on May 27, 2019 and will begin at 8:00 a.m. The Gum Creek Cemetery is one of the oldest in Walton County and is thought to be over 160 years old. The cemetery marks the final resting place of veterans from American’s wars all...

Grow native milkweed to support monarch butterflies

By Molly Jameson, UF/IFAS With spring upon us, the mighty monarch butterflies have begun their long trek to the north from Mexico, looking to time their migration with growth of the milkweed plants in the southeastern United States. Mated monarch females lay hundreds of eggs along their journey, but only two percent of these eggs will survive to become mature caterpillars to carry on the next generation. Monarch larvae rely exclusively on milkweed for nutrients, so it is of upmost...

Peach Creek Blooms a delight to the senses

Serena Robinson and her husband Jonathan Douglas are busy folks with a very unique profession. Tucked away on a ¼-acre in Point Washington, the couple operates an intensive micro farm of beautiful blooming flowers. At any given time of year, their farm field is brimming with colorful blooms destined to become tabletop posies. Serena, a Florida master gardener and owner/grower at Peach Creek Blooms, starts each flowering plant from seed, and nurtures it through the various stages of growth. Serena...

Florida Forest Service giving away trees Jan. 18 – 19

YOUNGSTOWN, Fla. – On Florida’s Arbor Day, celebrated the third Friday in January, we are reminded of the impacts that trees and forest-related industries have on our community. Forest products always have played a crucial role in our area, from ribs and masts of sailing ships, turpentine stills and mills. We have lived among native trees that provided comfort, health and beauty. Through collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation and corporate sponsors, the Florida Forest Service is celebrating Arbor Day...