Search this site

Composting is an easy and effective way to recycle in your yard. Both kitchen scraps and yard debris can be turned into compost, so you can reduce waste and create a beneficial soil amendment. Most households have everything they need to get started. Whether you have a small urban yard, a large suburban lot, or live in a deed-restricted community, there is a method of composting that will work for you. Basic knowledge of how the process works will ensure your success in creating usable compost. Your compost pile requires five basic elements: 1. MOISTURE: Add water with a hose or bucket to your pile—a nearby rain barrel also works. The goal is 45-65% water. Use the “squeeze test” by squeezing a handful of compost in your hand. Moisture should coat your hand but not drip. 2. OXYGEN: Oxygen is added to your compost when you mix the pile. The more you mix and aerate, the more quickly the waste will break down into usable compost. Without adequate oxygen, your pile might have an odor. 3. TEMPERATURE: The temperature of your pile is important if you are using a “fast” composting method. It’s not so important if you are not concerned about making compost quickly. 4. PARTICLE SIZE: Ideally less than two inches so that the material can break down quickly. Cut up thick, tough leaves and fruits. 5. MIX OF GREEN AND BROWN MATERIALS: Brown materials are usually bulky and dry, and the green materials add the fuel (along with microbes) to break down the brown material. Green materials are high in nitrogen, while brown materials are high in carbon. METHODS OF COMPOSTING There are several composting methods to choose from, including cold composting, sheet composting, trench composting, fast (or hot) composting, and vermicomposting. Each approach offers benefits depending on your time, materials, and composting goals. Cold composting is one of the simplest methods. It involves layering “browns,” such as leaves and soil, with “greens,” like kitchen scraps, in a bin or pile. Materials are occasionally mixed and watered as needed. This low-effort option works well if you are not in a hurry to produce finished compost. However, it’s important to avoid adding weeds or diseased plant material. Sheet composting is essentially composting in place. Yard debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and pruning waste is spread directly over landscape beds and used as mulch. As these materials break down, they enrich the soil with organic matter. If you’ve ever used fallen leaves as mulch, you’ve already practiced sheet composting. Trench composting is a great method if you have kitchen scraps but limited yard waste. This method involves digging a hole or trench and burying food scraps beneath 4–6 inches of soil. It can be done around the base of established plants or within mulched beds, where the materials decompose and improve soil health over time. Fast composting requires more active management but produces compost more quickly. In this method, the compost pile heats up (often over 100°) before cooling down as materials break down. The pile shrinks as it decomposes, allowing for additional material to be added. Proper moisture, frequent turning for aeration, and a balanced mix of browns and greens are essential. This is the only method that can safely incorporate weeds and diseased plant material. Finally, vermicomposting uses worms to break down food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. While commercial worm bins are available, they can also be made at home very easily. The worms rapidly process the material, producing castings that are highly beneficial for plants. This method is best suited for kitchen scraps and does not typically include yard waste. It works well in a small space or on a patio or balcony. Composting is an easy, rewarding practice that turns everyday yard and kitchen waste into a valuable resource for your landscape. In your Central Florida yard, finished compost can be used to enrich vegetable and herb gardens and improve the soil in ornamental landscape beds. It can be mixed into soil to boost organic matter, used as a topdressing for lawns, or applied as mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. By composting, you not only reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill but also create a FloridaFriendly and cost-effective way to support the plants in your yard. If you have any questions about composting, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863- 519-1041 or visit us online at: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. You can find the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast wherever you listen or find out more on our Substack: substack.com/@yourcentralfloridayard. Check out episode 34 to learn more about starting a compost pile. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu. An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Photo by UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones I know it’s at the very top of all your holiday plans, so I’m sure we’re all eagerly anticipating the celebrations for World Bee Day on May 20. Don’t worry, I’m totally kidding! I would be so surprised if you even knew that World Bee Day was a holiday, but it is an international celebration of pollinators and bees. All joking aside, the conversation around any bee celebrations usually center on the honeybee. And, while those managed hives are vital for our global food supply, they are only a small part of the story. In Florida, we have over 300 species of native bees. These local specialists have been pollinating our wildflowers and forests since long before the first hives arrived with European settlers in the 1600s. THEY AREN’T LOOKING FOR A FIGHT The biggest hurdle to enjoying native bees is the fear of being stung. But if you learn one thing about our native bee species, let it be this: the majority of them are “solitary.” Being a solitary species, which is one that does not form a community hive and spends the majority of its life alone, means they are less likely to sting. Because they don’t have a hive to protect or a queen to defend, they tend to be incredibly docile. On the contrary, a paper wasp or even a honeybee might get defensive because it is protecting its family and its winter food stores. Now, to be clear, European honeybees are typically very tame as well. Their general lack of aggression is what makes them such a good species for commercial and hobby beekeeping. Your best bet for observing our native bees is to find a flowering plant, make yourself comfortable, and keep as still as you can. You’ll see honeybees, of course, but you’ll also see a wide variety of solitary bees flitting about and visiting flowers. You may also see some bee-mimics, like hoverflies (family Syrphidae), that are also very important pollinator species. MORE THAN JUST YELLOW AND BLACK If you stop and watch a patch of flowers for five minutes, you will realize that the little cartoon bees we all drew as children is an over-simplification of what our bees look like. Our native bee species are some of the most beautiful insects in Polk County and also, vary widely in appearance! Our native bees can be as small as a grain of rice or as large as the width of a quarter; fuzzy or almost bare; brown and red or metallic blue and green; if you can dream it – there is probably a bee somewhere in the world with that look. Easy to Identify Native Bees: METALLIC GREEN SWEAT BEES: Sweat bees look like flying emeralds! They are small to medium sized and have a metallic sheen that catches the sunlight. I see them often on wildflowers, aquatic plants like pickerelweed and duck potato, and even on citrus blossoms. EASTERN BUMBLEBEES: Bumblebees are LARGE and fuzzy. They can be quite scary to those who are unfamiliar with them due to their size, but they are a friendly species that are very charismatic if you stop to watch them. Note: These are a colony-forming species, not solitary. LEAFCUTTER BEES: While they vary in size and color, the ones I see frequently are dark in color and have whitish stripes on the back of their abdomen. The easiest way to know you’re looking at a leafcutter bee is that they don’t carry pollen on their legs; instead, leafcutter bees carry pollen on the underside of their abdomen. It will look like they accidentally sat in a pile of pollen. FINDING A HOME IN THE SAND In Polk County, we are used to fighting against bare patches of sand in our lawns. However, that sand is prime real estate for about 70% of our native bees. While honeybees need a hollow tree or a man-made box, many of our natives dig tiny tunnels directly into the ground. Others look for “cavities,” such as old beetle holes in dead wood or the hollow centers of dried plant stems. When we are too quick to clear out every dead branch or cover every inch of soil with thick mulch, we may unintentionally remove the neighborhoods where these bees live. HOW TO HELP THE LOCALS If you want to support the “wild ones” in your own backyard, the best thing you can do is actually do less work. EMBRACE A LITTLE BIT OF BARE DIRT: Leave a few patches of sandy soil uncovered for the ground-nesters. PLANT FOR SPECIALISTS: Choose native flowering plants like the passionflower, coreopsis, beggar ticks, or saw palmetto. HOLD THE SPRAY: Many garden “pests” are actually food for other wildlife, and many general insecticides don’t distinguish between a caterpillar and a harmless native bee. If applying insecticides, try to find specific formulations for the pest you’re dealing with and focus on spot-treatments rather than fogging or spraying everywhere. By shifting our focus away from the hive and toward these individual native bees, we can start to appreciate the diversity that keeps the Florida Heartland in bloom. Next time you see a flash of metallic green or a fuzzy bee working in your garden or near your picnic, take a second to watch and try to remain calm. If you have questions about the bees in your yard or want to know which plants will attract them, the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Bartow is happy to help. You can reach us at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at https://go.ufl.edu/polk

ARMATURE WORKS BOAT SHOW May 1 – 3 at Armature Works. This family-friendly show spans nearly 400,000 square feet along the Hillsborough River. The show features a mix of family boats, pontoons, and recreational vessels from local dealers, along with boating accessories, fishing gear, and marine lifestyle brands. Free admission. armatureworks.com WILD WEEKEND BRUNCH May 10, 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. at Zoo Tampa. Celebrate Mother’s Day at this decadent brunch featuring a carving station, chef-inspired specials, desserts, and bottomless mimosas. Each seating features visits from your favorite Zoo characters and an up-close animal experience with one of the animal ambassadors. Reserve in advance at zootampa.org. TAMPA BAY RAYS The Tampa Bay Rays play 15 times at home in May at Tropicana Field. The Rays play the Giants, Blue Jays, Marlins, Orioles, and Angels. May 1 is Hello Kitty Day, May 3 is AAPI Heritage Day, May 4 is Star Wars Day, and May 29 is Colombian Heritage Day. Get tickets and full schedule at mlb.com/rays. GOODWILL HIPPIE DASH May 9, at the City Marina in Downtown Safety Harbor. Events include a 10k, 5k, 1-mile Walk, Woof & Roll (dogs & strollers welcome), a Flower Child Fun Run, and the “Keep on Truckin’ Challenge” to run the 10k AND the 5k. Walk or run dressed in your best hippie outfit and stay for the post-race party. Proceeds benefit Goodwill. Register at goodwill-suncoast.org. SUNKEN GARDENS Open every day in the heart of St. Pete. Sunken Gardens is a lush, tropical oasis home to more than 50,000 exotic tropical plants and birds from around the world, including its iconic flamingo flock. Picnic lunches are permitted. Several of the historic paths are ADAaccessible and span three-fourths of a mile. sunkengardens.org DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA May 6 – 31 at the Straz Center. This 2023 Broadway revival follows two desperate people in the Bronx as they walk the line between destruction and transcendence. As their initial reserve begins to melt and they decide to spend the night together, the possibility of a genuine relationship begins. strazcenter.org TAMPA BAY ROWDIES The Rowdies are a pro soccer team in the United Soccer League. They play at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete. Watch the Rowdies play at home twice in May. They play on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Indy Eleven, and then again on May 23 at 7:30 p.m. against the Phoenix Rising FC. Get tickets at rowdiessoccer.com. SIX May 12 – 17 at the Straz. The SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of 21st-century girl power. This new original musical is straight from Broadway. Upgrade your tickets to the Premium Experience for your own private bar & more perks. strazcenter.org MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU May 4, 5:45 – 7:30 p.m. at MOSI in the state-of-the-art Saunders Planetarium. In honor of May the Fourth, join the 501st Legion for photos and build a “pool noodle” light saber. End the night with a special talk and immersive planetarium show exploring the real science behind a galaxy far, far away. Registration is required. mosi.org PARENTS’ TIME OFF May 15, 5:30 – 10 p.m. at the Florida Aquarium. For kids ages 5 – 12. Parents can go out and have fun while their kids dive into aquatic fun, hands-on activities, and adventures. Go out and recharge while the kids explore, learn, and play in a safe space designed just for them. Register at flaquarium.org.

EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW Throughout May at EPCOT. Walk around the world to see the perfectly trimmed topiaries and flowers. Try international food from over 20 outdoor kitchens, see a live show at the Garden Rocks Concert Series, shop for limited edition merch, check out Exhibit Hall, and don’t forget the Instagram-worthy selfies. SHAKEN & STIRRED Learn how to make upscale cocktails in an intimate setting at The Edison at Disney Springs at 1 p.m. May 9: Gin vs. Vodka Core Cocktail. It’s the great martini debate. Learn the techniques to shake (or stir) your perfect version. May 23: Frozen. Beat the heat and learn to create elevated frozen cocktails. Registration required. theedisonfla.com NIGHT BIKE TOUR Explore Orlando after dark on a guided bike ride through Downtown and nearby neighborhoods. You’ll make stops at a few local favorite bars with time to grab a drink. The route moves through Downtown, Mills 50, and Ivanhoe Village. Bikes and helmets are provided. The ride is relaxed and welcoming. orlandobiketours.com MOTHER’S DAY IKEBANA May 3 at 2 p.m. at Leu Gardens. Make a traditional Japanese Ikebana floral arrangement for Mother’s Day for yourself or to give as a gift. You will learn how to arrange flowers with simplicity, seasonality, movement, and harmony. All materials are provided. Register in advance, includes admission to the Gardens. leugardens.org GUIDED KAYAKING Go kayaking in crystal clear kayaks at Rock Springs with crystal clear water, only a short distance from Orlando. This adventure includes an intermediate paddle upstream through Emerald Cut starting from Kings Landing, with a relaxing drift back to the launch site. Groups are small, open every day. Register online at getupandgokayaking.com. ORLANDO PRIDE SC Watch the National Women’s Soccer League team, Orlando Pride, play three times at home in May at the Inter&Co Stadium. They play the Washington Spirit on May 2 at 4 p.m. They go up against the North Carolina Courage on May 8 at 8 p.m. Finally, they play the Bay Football Club on May 29 at 7 p.m. orlandocitysc.com/pride BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA May 1 – 31 at Theater On The Edge (TOTE). John and his daughter Caitlyn are birders. This play takes a close look at their relationship over a decade. TOTE is a cinematic theater experience with immersive sets, cinematic elements, and the energy of a live performance. It’s like watching a film live onstage. theaterontheedge.org ORLANDO FRINGE FESTIVAL May 12 – 25 at various locations in Orlando. Guests will love the live entertainment, unique theatre experiences, visual art displays, kid-friendly shows and activities, and free outdoor concerts. It’s a full celebration of independent artists, and it’s the oldest Fringe Festival in the US. Full schedule and ticket info at orlandofringe.org. THE MILK RUN 5K May 2, 7:30 a.m. Participants will run through the historic streets of Downtown Orlando while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Milk District. TG Lee Dairy will host an after-party with plenty of fun and milk for everyone. Participants are encouraged to dress in cow or milkthemed costumes. The Kid’s HalfPint Fun Run is for ages 7 and under. More info on FB @TheMilkDistrict. SAMANTHA BEE May 17 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. Samantha Bee keeps it real in this one-woman show called “How to Survive Menopause.” She covers everything she’s learned from the ups, downs, and rage rollercoasters of menopause. This show is perfect for anyone who’s going through it, has gone through it, or will be going through it. drphillipscenter.org

TELETHON May 7 at 6 p.m. until May 8 at 6 p.m. Parker Street Ministries is hosting a 24-hour Livestream Telethon, a day filled with stories, worship, generosity, and community. Every hour will showcase the impact of their year-round programs, highlight community partners, and invite viewers to give toward transforming lives in the Parker Street neighborhood and beyond. psmlakeland.org 1776 May 22 – 24 at Lakeland Community Theatre. This musical follows key Founding Fathers, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, as they grapple with the decision to declare independence from the British monarchy. This performance showcases the challenges they faced that led to the birth of a new nation. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com BANDIT MARKET SUMMER PARTY May 2, noon – 5 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Celebrate the tenth Bandit Market with us! Summer is hot, but Bandit Market is hotter! Shop the coolest vendors from all over Central Florida for vintage clothing & homeware, original art, handmade pieces, baked goods, and more. Enjoy live music & more surprises to celebrate the tenth market! IG @thebanditmarket WALTER PARKS May 17, 7 p.m. at Gram Parsons Derry Down in Winter Haven. Walter Parks grew up in North Florida. His research and unique reimagining of the hollers, hymns, and reels of swamp homesteaders are archived in The Library of Congress. Walter is the leader of two Americana roots groups, Swamp Cabbage (electric-folk/rock) and The Unlawful Assembly (reimagined spirituals). gpderrydown.com WELCOME TO WAADIZI, MICHIGAN! Congratulations to local author, Dwight L. MacPherson! His book, “Welcome to Waadizi, Michigan!” is available to order as a hardcover, paperback, or eBook on Amazon. In Waadizi, Michigan, people vanish. Memory erodes. Truth sinks. Through interconnected stories, one man’s search for his missing mother uncovers the terrifying secret his town has learned to live with. AAPI CULTURAL CELEBRATION May 9, 6 – 9 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park. Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage with performances, food, and fun for the whole family. Groups from Japan, India, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, and beyond take the stage, while local vendors serve up authentic Asian and Polynesian cuisine. FREE to attend and open to all. bonnetspringspark.com FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE May 8, 6 p.m. at Munn Park. Hear country music recording artist Eli Mosley brings his signature sound & strong vocals. This free, familyfriendly event will have a wide variety of food and drink vendors, along with local vendors to shop. Bring your chairs and blankets for an evening of live music under the stars in Downtown Lakeland. downtownlkld.com SPCA RUN FOR THEIR LIVES 5K May 23, 7 a.m. at Peterson Park in Lakeland. Run or walk with your four-legged companion. Enjoy a continental breakfast, an awards ceremony, and the powerful feeling of knowing your participation helps give animals a second chance. Every step supports compassion, community, and hope. spcaflorida.org MAYFAIRE BY-THE-LAKE May 9 & 10 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the shores of Lake Morton in Downtown Lakeland. Mayfaire features more than 150 artist booths and is one of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida. Mayfaire has been ranked among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” for ten years in a row. mayfairebythelake.org FAIRYTALE TREATS May 31, 4 p.m. at Enchanted Fairytale Hollow. Join Moana for themed refreshments, an immersive stage show & storybook experience incorporating storytelling, costume changes, interactive activities, and sing-alongs. Plus, a Meet and Greet with Photo Op. Must register in advance, find more info on FB @EnchantedFairytaleHollow.

BANDIT MARKET SUMMER PARTY May 2, noon – 5 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Celebrate the tenth Bandit Market with us! Summer is hot, but Bandit Market is hotter! Shop the coolest vendors from all over Central Florida for vintage clothing & homeware, original art, handmade pieces, baked goods, and more. Enjoy live music & more surprises to celebrate the tenth market! IG @thebanditmarket BEETLEJUICE JR. May 14 – 24 at Theatre Winter Haven. Based on the hit Broadway musical and the beloved Tim Burton film. Packed with catchy songs, wild characters, and ghoulish humor, “Beetlejuice Jr”. is a spooky, high-energy musical that proves sometimes the afterlife can be a lot more fun than the living world. theatrewinterhaven.com FIRST FRIDAY CAR SHOW May 1, 5 – 8 p.m. along Magnolia Ave between 2nd St SW & 3rd St SW in Downtown Winter Haven. Check out all of the cool classic and exotic cars or bring your own to show off. No need to register, just drive up and park. While you’re Downtown, walk around and check out the bars & restaurants for their First Friday specials. More info FB @whfirstfriday. MOTHER’S DAY AT BOK May 10, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Celebrate Mom with a beautiful day in the Gardens. The Shop at Bok has the perfect gifts to make her day special. Treat Mom to lunch or ice cream at The Blue Palmetto Cafe. Carillon Concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Free admission is offered to all mothers. boktowergardens.org WELCOME TO WAADIZI, MICHIGAN! Congratulations to local author, Dwight L. MacPherson! His book, “Welcome to Waadizi, Michigan!” is available to order as a hardcover, paperback, or eBook on Amazon. In Waadizi, Michigan, people vanish. Memory erodes. Truth sinks. Through interconnected stories, one man’s search for his missing mother uncovers the terrifying secret his town has learned to live with. AAPI CULTURAL CELEBRATION May 9, 6 – 9 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park. Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage with performances, food, and fun for the whole family. Groups from Japan, India, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, and beyond take the stage, while local vendors serve up authentic Asian and Polynesian cuisine. FREE to attend and open to all. bonnetspringspark.com LUAU PARTY May 2, 5 p.m. at Grove Roots Brewery. Throw on your best luau attire and celebrate the night in Hawaiian style! Here’s what to look forward to: Hawaiian-inspired plate dinner, pineapple slushee station, Hula dancers, and Fire dancers. Find the full schedule and more info on FB @groverootsbrewing SPCA RUN FOR THEIR LIVES 5K May 23, 7 a.m. at Peterson Park in Lakeland. Run or walk with your four-legged companion. Enjoy a continental breakfast, an awards ceremony, and the powerful feeling of knowing your participation helps give animals a second chance. Every step supports compassion, and hope. spcaflorida.org MAYFAIRE BY-THE-LAKE May 9 & 10 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the shores of Lake Morton in Downtown Lakeland. Mayfaire features more than 150 artist booths and is one of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida. Mayfaire has been ranked among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” for ten years in a row. mayfairebythelake.org KAYAK ECOTOUR May 23, 9 a.m. at Lake Silver in Winter Haven. The City of Winter Haven’s Natural Resources Division is hosting a series of kayak ecotours on various lakes in Winter Haven. These tours will be short (within 3 hours) but information-packed trips where residents and visitors can get out on the lakes. Registration begins two weeks before the event. mywinterhaven.com

HOW FLOWERS MADE OUR WORLD By David George Haskell Here is a book that will change the way you look at every flower you walk past. Haskell makes a passionate and scientific case for flowers - magnolias, orchids, roses, and even seagrasses - as the true architects of life on Earth. Far from just being decorative, flowers are the revolutionaries that reshaped our environment and drove our own evolution. Bonus if you read this where you can see our Florida flowers blooming. THE PECULIAR GARDEN OF HARRIET HUNT By Chelsea Iversen Set in 1860s Victorian London, this atmospheric novel follows Harriet, a woman who has spent her whole life with only her overgrown garden for company. When her father, an ill-tempered controlling man, mysteriously disappears - Harriet is the prime suspect. Harriet thinks she will find protection in the arms of a charming man, but not everything is how it seems. She must find the confidence to trust her own power over her circumstances. ART FROM THE GARDEN By Kerry Michaels For the reader who would rather make something than sit still, this gorgeous book is the perfect companion to usher in the warmer months. Artist Kerry Michaels walks readers through 25 step-by-step projects using materials from gardens: pressed flowers, frozen botanical luminarias, cyanotype prints made with a branch and sunshine, vases from twigs, wrapped stones, and more. Beautifully photographed and practically organized, it is the kind of book you prop open and actually use. COOKING WITH FLOWERS By Miche Bacher If you have ever looked at a pot of nasturtiums or a spray of lavender and thought … I wonder if they’re tasty? Well, this cookbook is your answer. Bacher, an herbalist and chef, offers over 100 recipes built entirely around edible blooms, from pansy petal pancakes and rosemary flower margaritas to savory sunflower chickpea salad. There is also guidance on infusing flowers into vinegar, jelly, sugar, and ice cream. A beautiful, practical book that makes your garden feel like a pantry. WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW By Terah Shelton Harris Leigh is the lone survivor of a prison bus crash and knows she must carry on to survive. By chance, she stumbles upon a flower farm tucked away in rural Alabama and finds a family who has built something real from the ruins of their own lives. Harris writes with the kind of compassion that asks readers to sit with themselves for a while. This is an emotional and heartfelt novel examining what it means to stop surviving and start living. THE FLOWER GIRLS By Alice Clark-Platts A child goes missing at a hotel over the holiday season. Among the guests is a woman who, as a young girl, was convicted in a notorious child murder case and has since been living under a new identity. Be warned that this is an unsettling book, with a central question of when a child does something terrible, do they remain guilty forever? This is a dark book with real emotional depth hiding beneath the suspense; the kind of thriller you think about long after you have finished it. THE BEAR By Andrew Krivak It is tricky to describe this book in a way that doesn’t make it sound ominous. A father and daughter, the last two humans on Earth, live close to the land where he teaches her to fish, to hunt, to read the seasons and the stars. And then she is alone. What follows is a fable that somehow is both spare and luminous- it is a survival story that balances between hope and despair. The story is full of magical flora and fauna and a profound sense that the natural world is not lost, only waiting. BROMELIAD HOUSE By Jessika Grewe Glover If you have spent any time in Florida, you will recognize the landscape immediately: the humidity, the sprawling old estate, the sense that something lush and wild is always threatening to take over. Delphine has spent her life seeing the reflections of loved ones just before they die. When she inherits her family’s crumbling estate, the line between the living and the not-quite-dead begins to blur in unsettling ways. Glover’s imagery transports you to a humid and haunted Florida.

JAPANESE GOTHIC By Kylie Lee Baker In this lyrical, wildly inventive horror novel interwoven with Japanese mythology, two people living centuries apart discover a door between their worlds. Baker’s follow-up to “Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng” delivers a violent and thoughtprovoking tale of grief, generational trauma, and colonialism. MODERATION By Elaine Castillo Girlie Delmundo’s digital work as a virtual reality moderator collides with her personal life when she falls for a coworker in Castillo’s second novel following “America Is Not the Heart,” named a best book by NPR, LitHub, NYPL, and more. ONE & ONLY By Maurene Goo A swoony, funny, romantic novel about a woman thrown a curveball by fate, and the family secret that will make her question everything. As she battles between fate and chance, head and heart, she will have to decide if she’ll follow her fate … or make her own. THE TAKE By Kelly Yang A provocative, fast-paced novel about two creative women — a young writer fighting to be heard and an older producer clinging to relevancy — and the age reversal treatment that intertwines both of their lives. THE MIDNIGHT TAXI By Yosha Gunasekera When the last fare of the night turns up dead in her backseat, a Sri Lankan American taxi driver works off the clock to clear her name in this mystery novel by debut author Yosha Gunasekera. DOUBLE HAPPINESS By Heather Eng Mei finally has what she’s always wanted: a job with growth potential and financial security, and Joey, a fiancé who adores her. But when she runs into college professor, Alexandre, at a cookout, their connection makes her rethink everything: her career, her commitment to her company, and even her upcoming marriage to Joey. HOW TO COMMIT A POSTCOLONIAL MURDER By Nina McConigley Summer 1986. The Creel sisters, Georgie Ayyar and Agatha Krishna, welcome their aunt, uncle, and young cousin, newly arrived from India, into their house in rural Wyoming. They’ll all live together, because this is what families do, until the sisters decide that it’s time for their uncle to die. According to Georgie, the British are to blame. MS. MEBEL GOES BACK TO THE CHOPPING BLOCK By Jesse Q. Sutanto A nearly divorced trophy wife enrolls in culinary school to win back her husband, only to find a fresh start in the unlikeliest of places in this new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Vera Wong’s, “Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.”

Blueberry farming is a growing industry in Polk County, and with so many local growers, it’s a no-brainer to highlight their hard work and delicious crops with a festival! Auburndale has wonderful facilities and is located in the heart of Central Florida, perfect for bringing everyone together for a really fun day! Visit Central Florida has teamed up with Destroyer Media to bring you this fun-filled day. Stop by the festival from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Auburndale’s Downtown City Park on April 11. Here’s what to expect: Pancake Breakfast Start your Polk County Blueberry Festival experience off with a delicious blueberry pancake breakfast presented by Iceberg Home Services from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.! Restaurants Against Hunger will be serving mini blueberry pancakes, two sausages, and a drink for only $10. The Polk County Blueberry Festival is free to attend, however the pancake breakfast requires purchasing a ticket. You can feel good about having this delicious blueberry pancake breakfast because all proceeds go to Restaurants Against Hunger, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping feed those in need. Thank you to Always Fresh for donating the blueberries, that was “berry” sweet of you. The pancake breakfast will be hosted inside the Auburndale Civic Center. Purchase tickets in advance at centralfloridatix.com. Learn You can’t have a blueberry festival without blueberries! There will be several local blueberry farms on site, where you can meet the farmers, learn about growing blueberries in Polk County, and of course, buy fresh blueberries. There will be an Agricultural Education exhibit sponsored by the Polk County Farm Bureau and hosted by the experts at UF/IFAS. Families will learn everything they need to know to grow their own blueberries. Don’t miss the “Integrated Pest Management for Blueberry Trees Workshop” at 2:30 p.m. in the Civic Center, presented by UF/IFAS. The historic Ephraim M. Baynard House will be open for tours. Baynard, born in South Carolina in 1861, had the house built in 1894 by Alfred Chipman Thorpe. This home is an example of the Folk Victorian architectural style and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Food & Drink The Kemp Injury Law, PA Bar, located at The Depot, will be stocked with ice-cold beer and wine. They will also offer locally made Keel & Curley beverages. Get a drink, grab a table, and enjoy a break. Pro tip: Before heading into the bar, purchase drink tickets at the tent just outside of The Depot. No cash or card will be accepted inside the bar. Everyone will need to show their ID. Don’t forget to tip the bartenders! The food trucks will all have a special blueberry offering just for the event. Expect blueberry lemonade, cookies, BBQ, jams, ice cream, jerky, empanadas, kettle corn, and more. Entertainment On the main stage: 1:30 p.m. Lauris Vidal - One man band sensation! 4:30 p.m. Skinny McGee - Rockabilly, primitive country blues 6:30 p.m. Oak Hill Drifters - Rockabilly, Americana On the Civic Center Stage: 12 p.m. Story Time with No Covers 1 p.m. Jewett School of the Arts Rock Band 2:30 p.m. “Integrated Pest Management for Blueberry Trees Workshop” UF/IFAS workshop. The Language & Literacy Academy for Learning Family Zone offers crafts for kids, interactive inflatable games, and more. Bring the little ones for some fun; parent supervision is required. Spring Haven Senior Living will host Blueberry BINGO in the Senior Center, and it’s free to play. Beginning at 11 a.m., they will call five games at the top of every hour, with the last rounds beginning at 5 p.m. This is a great break from the heat, and you can win prizes! The Blue Ribbon Art Show highlights local amateur artists and makers from Polk County and will be located in the lobby of the Civic Center. Spend some time checking out the art and see who won Best in Show. The Sensory Room will be located inside the Recreation Center. If you or your child needs a quiet break, this is for you. Expect chairs and tables, A/C, no harsh lighting, restrooms, outlets for charging, and quiet. Please be respectful of others in the room; sometimes a slow, quiet space is needed. Schedule subject to change. Contests 11 a.m. - The Blueberry Toss will actually be a blue water balloon toss, but since it’s the Blueberry Festival, we’re calling it a blueberry. Participants will compete in teams of two; one partner will toss the water balloon to the other partner. If the toss is successfully caught without dropping or popping the balloon, the team moves back to the next cone. Each round increases the distance between partners, and the last team with their full balloon, wins! 12 p.m. - The Blueberry Spoon Race gives each participant a spoon with a single blueberry on it. Contestants must carry the spoon while balancing the blueberry on it, navigating through a course of cones. First person to cross the finish line, wins! 3:15 p.m. - The Pie Eating Contest is for anyone ages 13+ and is our most delicious contest. It’s simple, the first person to finish eating their entire blueberry pie, without the use of their hands, wins! To participate in any of the contests, go to polkcountyblueberryfestival.com for the full list of rules and the links to register. Good luck to all! Shopping No festival is complete without a little shopping! The Festival will host 80 local vendors selling handmade goods, vintage finds, plants, home decor, and more. Just like the food vendors, everyone will be bringing special blueberry-themed items just for the festival. Stop by the Blueberry Fest info tent to purchase official Polk County Blueberry Fest merch, including t-shirts, mugs, and more. See You There! We’re really looking forward to this delicious day celebrating one of our favorite and super healthy fruits, the blueberry! BIG thank you to the City of Auburndale for being so kind and gracious with us. They are a dream to work with. To stay updated on what you will find that day, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @polkcountyblueberryfestival or go to polkcountyblueberryfestival.com. Polk County Blueberry Festival April 11, 2026 Pancake Breakfast 10 a.m. - 11:30a.m. Festival 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Downtown City Park 119 W Park St, Auburndale, FL Our Super Friend, The Florida Blueberry! Florida is a top blueberry producer in the U.S. The season runs from March through May, allowing them to hit the market before other regions. Major production occurs in Central Florida. Nearly all commercial acreage is planted with southern highbush cultivars (such as ‘Star’, ‘Emerald’, and ‘Jewel’) designed for Florida’s climate. Native, early commercial attempts failed until the release of lowchill, high-quality, early-ripening cultivars by the University of Florida in the 1970s. Blueberries have some of the highest antioxidant levels among all fruits. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, stopping chain reactions that cause cellular damage. This helps to prevent conditions like heart disease (by reducing oxidized LDL cholesterol) and cancer,prevent or delay skin cell damage from sun exposure, and aid in maintaining overall health by defending against environmental stressors. A single serving (one cup) provides essential fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and only 80 calories.

Florida blueberries are a favorite of many Central Floridians. They are tasty, good for you, and fun to pick at local farms. But did you know that you can also grow blueberries in your home landscape? Thanks to low-chill varieties, with proper site preparation, plant selection, and maintenance, home gardeners in Central Florida can enjoy fresh blueberries right from their own yard. WHAT VARIETIES CAN BE GROWN IN CENTRAL FLORIDA YARDS? Blueberries are native to eastern North America, and Florida is home to several native blueberry species. The highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei) are grown at local farms as well as in home gardens. There is also the Darrow’s blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii) and shiny blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites), native varieties that homeowners tend to prefer for their size and ease of growth. Blueberries can be successfully incorporated into home landscapes as edible ornamental shrubs that provide spring flowers, attractive foliage, and delicious summer fruit. Southern highbush blueberries cultivars are adapted to mild winters and produce very early fruit, often earlier than blueberries grown anywhere else in North America. Popular southern highbush cultivars include: • ‘Emerald’ • ‘Jewel’ • ‘Springhigh’ • ‘Sweetcrisp’ • ‘Farthing’ Rabbiteye varieties can be easier to grow than the southern highbush and tend to be more drought tolerant. They grow best in areas north of Ocala. Cultivars include: • ‘Beckyblue’ • ‘Bonita’ • ‘Climax’ PLANT MORE THAN ONE VARIETY Most blueberry cultivars require cross-pollination to produce a good crop. This means gardeners should plant at least two different cultivars of the same blueberry type. For example, two southern highbush or two rabbiteye varieties. Pollination by bees is also essential for good fruit set. Encourage bees and other pollinators with nearby flowers and/or a pollinator garden. Planting multiple cultivars can also extend the harvest season, providing an extended crop for several weeks. SITE SELECTION AND GROWING REQUIREMENTS Blueberries have very specific soil requirements. They grow best in acidic, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Ideally, soil pH should be between about 4.0 and 5.5. If you are considering planting them in the ground, you may want to get your soil tested. Most UF/IFAS Extension offices offer this service for a minimal fee. Our Central Florida soils lack organic matter, so consider adding pine bark or other organic materials to improve growing conditions. Blueberries can be grown in containers where it may be easier to create a more acidic environment for them to grow. Here is what else your blueberries will need: • At least 4–5 hours of sunlight daily • Good drainage. Avoid areas that remain wet after rainfall • Adequate space. Rabbiteye plants need about a 7-foot growing area, while southern highbush can grow in a 4-foot space PLANTING AND ESTABLISHMENT Blueberries are typically planted during the winter months before spring growth begins, but they can be planted any time of year. Container-grown plants are widely available and establish well when planted during cooler weather. When planting: 1. Dig a hole that is a few inches shallower than the root ball. 2. Incorporate organic matter such as pine bark (for acidity). 3. Apply mulch to maintain soil moisture, but keep it pulled away from the base of the plant. 4. Water regularly during establishment. Blueberries benefit from organic mulches such as pine bark, pine needles, or wood chips, which help conserve moisture and maintain soil acidity. For more information on planting visit: gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-shrubs. MAINTENANCE Blueberries typically require supplemental irrigation, especially during fruit development or dry periods. Microirrigation is an easy way to make sure you are applying water efficiently to the plants. Annual pruning is also important. Removing older canes encourages new growth, improves plant vigor, and helps maintain fruit size and quality. Mature rabbiteye bushes can reach 6–8 feet tall or more, so pruning helps keep plants manageable in the home landscape. Blueberries should be fertilized following UF/IFAS recommendations. If you are growing blueberries as part of your ornamental landscape, you may not need to add supplemental nutrients. It is important to not over-fertilize your plants as it can damage them. As with most plants in the Central Florida landscape, there are pests that can harm blueberries. Following proper maintenance practices can keep pests at a minimum. There are management options, and we recommend contacting your local UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinic to determine the best approach. HARVESTING YOUR BLUEBERRIES Depending on the cultivar, blueberries in Central Florida typically ripen from early spring through early summer. Southern highbush blueberries ripen earliest, while rabbiteye varieties generally produce fruit from May through July. Fruit should be harvested when the berries are fully blue and easily detach from the plant. Fresh blueberries are excellent for eating fresh, baking, freezing, and making jams. UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Nutrition expert Andrea Nikolai, shares health information here: blogs.ifas.ufl.edu, and you can find recipes using your homegrown berries here: followfreshfromflorida.com. BLUEBERRIES IN THE FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE Beyond their delicious fruit, blueberries also make attractive landscape plants. Their spring flowers attract pollinators, and many varieties provide seasonal interest with colorful foliage and compact shrub forms. With the right varieties and proper care, blueberries can become a productive and beautiful addition to central Florida landscapes. If you have any questions about growing blueberries in your Central Florida yard, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. To learn more about gardening and landscaping in Central Florida, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast. You can find the podcast wherever you listen or find out more on our Substack: substack.com/@yourcentralfloridayard. An Equal Opportunity Institution. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu.

It’s that time again, book lovers! Your indie bookstores are hosting the fifth annual Lakeland Book Crawl to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day (April 25, 2026). The Crawl will be a three-day event, running April 23–25, and culminating with a bookish afterparty at Union Hall on Saturday evening. Just like last year, participants can make their stops at all seven participating bookstores between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. every day of the crawl. Each store has its own unique vibe and special celebrations planned, so you won’t want to miss any of the stops along the way. Start your journey by picking up your official Lakeland Book Crawl passport at Bookends in North Lakeland (or any of the participating bookstores), then explore the city’s vibrant independent book scene at your own pace. Collect stamps, enjoy exclusive discounts and events, and connect with fellow readers and local booksellers throughout the weekend. This year, the Lakeland Book Crawl is proud to partner with United Way and ShopMadden to promote childhood literacy initiatives across the community. These partners have generously donated book crawl totes that will be awarded to afterparty attendees who complete the crawl. The afterparty, held at Union Hall, will also include other giveaways and the chance to get to know your local bookish community a little better! Visit lakelandbookcrawl.com for full event details, including book crawl logistics, special offers, community partners, and afterparty information. Stay connected by following Lakeland Book Crawl on Facebook and Instagram @lakelandbookcrawl, as well as each participating bookstore for store-specific updates. Be sure to tag #lakelandbookcrawl in your photos so they can share the fun! BookaReaderville 2120 S Combee Rd, Lakeland BookaReaderville continues a fourdecade-long legacy and is one of the largest used bookstores in Central Florida. They are focused entirely on bringing customers a wide selection of used books at really great prices. Bookends Used Books 5100 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland This bookstore, which just celebrated their 25th anniversary, carries a vast array of genres and categories in both hardcovers and paperbacks. BookEnds offers a trade-in allowance that can be used up toward 50% off your purchase, excluding classics. Crash Bookshop 3125 US-98, Lakeland Operating as a pop-up inside the Somos Building, Crash Bookshop curates thoughtful titles, hosts community-centered events, and creates welcoming spaces for readers and creators of all backgrounds. Inklings Book Shoppe 737 S Missouri Ave, Lakeland Since 1975, Inklings Book Shoppe has been a safe space for all those who wander. Inklings has over 50,000 books in stock, including new, used, antique, collector books, an assortment of games, gifts, puzzles for all ages, and local art. No Covers No Covers, formerly Little Bus Books, is a non-profit mobile bookshop selling new and used books for all ages, including local and regional authors. They are an official 501c(3) and partner with several non-profit organizations across the community to provide free books to individuals and families who have inadequate access to libraries and/or bookstores. Pressed Books & Coffee 213 E Bay St, Lakeland Pressed offers a curated selection of new and used books, ranging in all interests and genres, as well as a full-service coffee bar with locally sourced coffee and baked goods. They host a variety of events including a weekly children’s storytime, author spotlight nights, poetry readings, and book clubs. Unbound Bookery 1026 Florida Ave S, Lakeland This quaint and cozy bungalow bookshop is like no other. They offer a unique selection of antique, vintage, used, and new books as well as services related to locating hardto-find books. Unbound Bookery is proudly independent and womanowned.

L. Shannon Graves comes from a boarding school background. It makes up his entire educational career of 30 years. From St. Petersburg to Hawaii, he’s worked for military and traditional boarding schools. He believes in them. And that belief is ever present as he speaks about the Vanguard School. “It’s a place where kids feel comfortable. Our faculty and staff are on campus. Our residential staff is on campus. Our coaches are on campus. And the students develop a real sense of belonging.” Vanguard, a day and boarding school for grades 6th-12th, is a “hidden crown jewel” many may not be familiar with, in Lake Wales, FL. Graves, the Head of School, wants to uncover this treasure. Graves is proud of the precious trove, its gleaming students and staff, its gorgeous campus and activities, its academic achievements, and its prized community built on care and intention. It’s because it’s small: The school has an enrollment of up to 120. It’s because the teaching is individualized: The middle school class sizes are an average of five students, and the high school classes are an average of seven. It’s because it’s inclusive: Vanguard is all about the strength of the interpersonal connections of everyone on campus. It’s also because six years ago, Graves walked in as the father of a Vanguard student and head of school simultaneously. There’s a greater investment in a mission when it’s a proven benefit to your life. Graves has been invested for the last six years. And every year has proven to be better or as great as the last. “In today’s world, it’s very important to have options for families. More and more students are being diagnosed with learning differences … ADHD … anxiety and so forth, so what we offer is a small, individualized, learning structure that can help,” explains Graves. Families deserve choices when considering where their child can be well-adjusted and thrive. Graves wants for others what he and his wife have seen play out for his son, Koa, who has ADHD and had academic struggles before coming to Vanguard. “The reason I came here was my own son. My junior now, who started [here] in sixth grade, is taking college classes, playing three sports, and is a 5-day border. It’s been a tremendous experience for my wife and I to watch our son’s growth and development.” Koa Graves is but one story of how the accommodations of Vanguard assist in improving and in some cases, eliminating the academic problems of its students. As a parent, Graves notes the empathetic and generous attitudes of the adults at Vanguard. They are people the kids can genuinely trust. Where most kids appreciate their teachers long after they’ve left the classroom, Graves says his students appreciate their teachers in the present. When 80% of the school spends 100% of their time together, when everyone tries to impart kindness, concern, and attentiveness, naturally, this environment will influence positive maturation. As the head of school, Graves lauds the culture the students create and their overall social growth that happens when one is in a place where they feel free to step out of their comfort zones and away from their apprehensions. As both president and parent, Graves recognizes the combination of comfort and connection creates a prime academic space for students. While Vanguard specializes in supporting students with varied learning abilities, that is not a requirement to attend. In fact, the value of the school is in the many different ways they are able to service students. Specialized schools are not always for specialized learning challenges. Sometimes a student needs a smaller group setting, less pressure, or the chance to have their teacher sit at their desk to detail a subject to them in the middle of class without being made a spectacle or a distraction. Sometimes a kid just needs to feel accepted. “In so many places--and it’s not a negative thing, but you hang out with people with like interests, and so you have the football team sitting here, the band sitting here, the theater kids sitting here, the computer kids sitting here … well, we’re such a small place that we’re all those things. And we live with each other,” says Graves. Home to students from 15 states and 15 countries, Vanguard boasts as a multilayered place of diversity. “Our students have a great appreciation for all different cultures and all different people and that’s pretty fabulous to bring into one community. We have kids from all over and because of the relationships, the students from other countries--on smaller breaks (Thanksgiving and Spring Break), stay with families in the states and specifically in Florida. And some of the kids from the states [will] travel and spend three weeks over in Europe, Asia, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Germany … and different places. It’s not only important to appreciate where we live locally but understanding the bigger [world] of people, religion, and customs.” When describing the 12-month day and night operation of Vanguard, Graves’ upbeat demeanor takes on another level of energy. He discusses the many school activities, the off-campus errands and adventures with gleeful esteem, “It’s really special … the boarding component of our school. Our teachers are with our kids 24/7, not just 7-3 … a lot of things happen at home from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. Well, that home is here. And when you’re baking cookies at night or playing cards or playing with a teacher’s kid, or running to Walmart to buy a tie for formal lunch tomorrow … it’s a different relationship.” The boarding school part of Vanguard is a large hook for the institution according to Graves. “[The students are] learning independence and growing up. They’re learning how to live with a roommate before they’re forced to go to college and figure that out. They learn how to get up on their own, brush their teeth, and go to bed.” Graves adds he enjoys seeing confidence emerge from the students as they experience all that is Vanguard. He details how it often comes as a surprise to the families of the children. But not to him … because he always believed. THE VANGUARD SCHOOL 22000 US Highway 27, Lake Wales 863-676-6091 vanguardschool.org Photos Provided