Backyard Ponderings
Spring Pond Checklist
by Lisa Burns on 03/22/12
Spring checklist 1. Add or transplant your Water lilies, fertilize & prune: A 9" or larger shallow no-hole pot works best for lilies. If your lily is already in a large pot, you can re-use the pot just change out the old soil for new soil. Water lilies are heavy feeders fertilize monthly, starting in spring through summer. Remove spent blooms & dead leaves from lilies & bog plants. A good rule of thumb to control algae naturally is 60% coverage. Aquatic plants will feed off the nutrients that would otherwise feed the algae. Be sure to add submersed, emerged & oxygenating plants 2. Fish Feeding: In warmer weather feed a higher protein food a few times a week. 3. Clean filters regularly: Depending on your filter system, clean them weekly to bi-weekly. Rinse skimmer nets & filters weekly. 4. Clean submersible pump: Time to take the pump apart & check the impeller & shaft to make sure they are in good working order 5. Replace blown light bulbs: halogen bulbs last 2-6 months depending on use and LED last up to two years. If you have halogen lights in your pond you may want to upgrade to LED, they use less electricity & longer lasting bulbs. 6. Vacuum muck from pond bottom: Leaves, fish waste & other decaying matter on the bottom of the pond is the perfect breeding ground for parasites & bad bacteria 7 Add Beneficial Bacteria regularly: Good bacteria will help reduce algae growth & will help balance the pond 8. Change your UV bulb: If you have a UV clarifier keep in mind that even if the bulb is lit after 12 months it becomes ineffective. Change the bulb yearly to help control green water. Remember UV only works to control green water, no other type of algae 9. Add Water lilies & aquatic plants: 10. Add algaecide if needed: If your pond is out of balance, too many fish, not enough plants, too small filtrations, or just simple over feeding, you will get algae. OOf course, it is always best to correct the problem but a fish safe algaecide can also be helpful especially during summer months. 11. contact Backyard Getaway to schedule a pond maintenance. Mention you saw us on facebook & receive a free bottle of beneficial bacteria with your paid pond maintenance scheduled in April. 941-75-7663 or lisa@backyardgetaway.net
The Village Pharmacy: Neem oil the miracle oil
by Lisa Burns on 03/07/12
Neem oil comes from the seeds of the Neem Tree. The botanical name for Neem is Azadirachta indica, which translates to “The Free Tree of India”. Every part of this evergreen tree is beneficial. For many centuries Neem has been used for its antibacterial, antifungal & healing properties. Although, it is fairly new to the western world, it is the most heavily researched remedy in India and is known as the “village pharmacy”. In fact 75% of Ayurvedic remedies contain Neem in one form or another. Neem is known to have anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The Seed The most widely used part of the Neem tree is the oil pressed from the seed. Neem oil is used in natural insect repellent for people and pets, pesticide for home and garden, shampoos, lotions, creams, soaps, cleaning products and more. There are thousand of home remedies using pure neem oil but if you prefer, it can be purchased in ready made products as well. The Leaf The leaves are more readily available and are as valuable as the seed. Neem leaves contain the same active ingredients as the seed but in a much lower concentration. Because the tree is an evergreen the leaves are available year round. There are mouthwashes, toothpastes, skin care & hair products created using neem leaf. In fact, Dr. Oz did a segment recently totting the benefits of Neem shampoos. Many herbalists recommend chewing the leaves to clean the blood, to support the gastrointestinal system and to boost the immune system. Of course, if you aren’t into chewing leaves you may want to try taking it in a capsule or tea. If you are new to Neem it is best to talk to a qualified herbalist before taking internally and do not take for an extended period of time. The Bark Although the bark is not as easily obtained as the leaves and is a bit more difficult to use, it too is useful, especially in the dental field. The bark contains a much higher concentration of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients than the leaves. For centuries in India people would chew on young branches then use them as a toothbrush. The Cake No you can’t bake a cake with Neem. The Neem cake is actually the left over pulp once the oil has been extracted. It is edible by animals and is mainly used as a soil amendment and fertilizer. The Flower The intense honey like fragrance of the neem flower is heavenly. Bees are attracted to Neem flowers creating a popular honey. It is also used in aromatherapy for its calming and restorative properties. To learn more about home remedies and neem uses visit: To purchase visit:
A bucket list for garden lovers
by Lisa Burns on 02/14/12
Have you ever created a bucket list? A list of things you want to accomplish, places to see, people to meet, foods to taste, before you...well you get the idea. Being a gardening fan, I have a bucket list of gardens and parks that I hope to one-day visit. Places that give natural inspiration to create something beautiful. Some of the gardens are located through out the country, but many are right here in our own backyard. I have been fortunate enough to visit a few on my list, a couple more than once. Here is a list of gardens in and around southwest Florida that are truly beautiful and awe inspiring.
? Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 South Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-5731 www.selby.org
Nested in 14 acres and amongst 12 buildings in a brick-laid residential section of Sarasota, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an open-air and under-glass museum of thousands of colorful and exotics plants. Many of these plants have been collected from the wild on more than 200 scientific expeditions to tropical rain forests by Selby Gardens research staff. Selby is a hidden treasure that many people are not aware of. *Nestled in the back of the garden is a beautiful Koi pond with a 4’ high waterfall.
? John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, Florida 34243
941-359-5700 www.ringling.org/Grounds.aspx
The beauty of the Ringling Museum is not confined to the galleries. The grounds and gardens are also treated and cherished as works of art. Stroll the grounds and enjoy the Rose Garden, Mable’s Secret Garden, the Dwarf Garden, Millennium Tree Trail and other delights of the estate by the bay. *The Rose garden is amazing.
? Florida Botanical Gardens
12520 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33774
(727) 582-2100 www.flbg.org
The Florida Botanical Gardens inspires and educates visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques. Bring the family and spend a day. The Gardens are open every day of the year and admission is free
? Naples Botanical Garden
4820 Bayshore Drive Naples, FL 34112
239-643-7275 / 877-433-1874 www.naplesgarden.org
In 1993, a group of eight Naples residents founded the Garden with nothing more than the dream of creating a world-class botanical garden. Today visit which includes six cultivated gardens, 2.5 miles of walking trails, and 90-acres of restored native preserve
? Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 S.W. 58th Drive Gainesville, FL 32608
www.kanapaha.org/ (352) 372-4981
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a 62 acre facility founded, developed, funded and operated by the North Florida Botanical Society, a non-profit educational organization. In 1978, the Society signed a lease agreement with Alachua County whereby it gained access to a 33 acre tract of land for the development of a public botanical garden
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. * In the summer visit to see a Victoria Water lily
? Harry P Leu Gardens
1920 North Forest Avenue Orlando, FL
407.246.2620 www.leugardens.org/
Explore an amazing 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from downtown Orlando. Each garden is designed specifically to inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. The Leu House Museum located in the heart of the gardens reveals turn-of-the century living for the families who once called this home. The gardens and historical home were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane
? Flamingo Gardens
3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, FL
954.473.2955 www.flamingogardens.org
Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida. The 60-acre not-for-profit botanical garden contains over 3000 tropical and sub-tropical species of plants and trees and it's Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife in the state.
? USF Botanical Gardens
4202 E. Fowler Avenue NES107, Tampa, FL
(813) 974-2329 www.gardens.usf.edu/
The USF Botanical Gardens is part of the Department of Geography, Environment and Planning in the College of Arts and Sciences. It consists of 16 acres of gardens and greenbelt on the USF Tampa campus. The Gardens maintains a living collection of more than 3,000 of plants, animals and natural habitats.
? Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd. Lake Wales, FL 33853
863.676.1408 www.boktowergardens.org
Looking up at the 205 foot neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower carillon is an experience like no other. Designed by famed architect Milton B. Medary and ornately crafted by noted stone sculptor Lee Lawrie, the Tower houses one of the world’s finest carillons. Concerts from the 60 bell carillon fill the Gardens daily. Edward Bok’s Singing Tower was sited at the highest elevation south of the reflection pool, so the water reflects its full image. Tranquil resting places, shady recesses, picturesque vistas and expansive splashes of color create a contemplative setting for your enjoyment.
? Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL
305.667.1651 www.fairchildgarden.org
Behind the seemingly natural beauty of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden lies a carefully orchestrated blend of science and art. Documented botanical specimens provide valuable resources in science and education, while horticultural displays and the classic landscape design by William Lyman Phillips offer visitors an unforgettable aesthetic experience
? Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road Delray Beach, Fl
561-495-0233 www.morikami.org
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida since its opening in 1977. The Morikami invites guests to discover South Florida’s heritage and connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens inspired by a different historical period & style of Japanese gardening.
Spring Inspiration
by Lisa Burns on 02/14/12
Spring is just around the corner and the unseasonably warm weather we have been enjoying has me thinking about my garden. Ok, truth is, I think about gardening all year long. During the winter months, I plan for my spring garden, thumbing through gardening books, scanning online gardening blogs, combing through garden magazines for new ideas to try. Boy, do I find ideas. I cannot wait to get out there to start digging in the dirt. Of course, there is something to be said about viewing live plants and gardens for inspiration. Visiting botanical gardens or shopping your local farmers market is a great way to get inspired. Nothing beats a garden festival, where you can purchase a wide variety of plants, usually grown by local growers, while enjoying the beautiful Florida outdoors. Many local Botanical gardens and garden society host garden festivals. Here are a few in South Florida to visit this spring. Flamingo Gardens Butterfly & Garden Festival March 3-4, 2012 9:30am-4:30pm The Garden is bursting with blooms and butterflies! Feed live butterflies in the Butterfly Encounter Pavilion. Visit dozens of specialty plant vendors, along with plant and gardening supplies, garden/butterfly art and decor, classes and demonstration, kid's zone, live music and entertainment, food, and tropical fruit wine tasting by Florida Orange Grove Winery. Admission to Flamingo Gardens $18 ages 12 + and $10 ages 4-12 3750 S. Flamingo Rd. Davie Fl 33330 For more info: 954-473-2955 flamingogardens.org/events.html Florida Azalea Festival in Palatka March 3-4, 2012 (times vary) The Annual Florida Azalea Festival takes place in historic downtown Palatka at Memorial Park. Come out and enjoy one of Florida’s Oldest Festivals. It is located along the banks of the beautiful St. John’s River. This event is for the whole family with live entertainment, food cook offs, art and craft vendors, and magnificent azaleas in bloom. The festival will have food, the Azalea Queen Beauty Pageant, and a parade. The event also hosts an Azalea Festival 5k called “Run through the Ravines”. Admission and parking is free. For more info: 386-328-1503 or http://www.flazaleafest.com Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival March 07, 2012 to May 20, 2012 The Annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival takes place at Walt Disney World Epcot Theme Park. You will enjoy millions of flowers in bloom. Theme displays of topiary, including over 75 Disney characters will be abundant Garden Town lets you seek expert advice from top horticulturists. Fragrance Garden provides an abundance of wonderful smells of flowers and more. Admission: Purchase of an Epcot Theme Park ticket is required More info: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot Fairchild Annual Orchid Festival in Coral Gables March 9-11, 2012 9:30am-4:30pm Fairfield’s 10th Annual International Orchid Festival showcases more than 10,000 orchid plants from 50 plus vendors 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156 Admission: free to Fairchild members and children under 5. Non-members: $25 adults, $18 seniors, $12 ages 6 - 17. More info: http://www.fairchildgarden.org/ or 305-667-1651 Bonus: Visit their website for info on other events like the monthly moonlight tour Morikami Botanical Garden’s 33rd Annual Hatsume Fair March 17-18, 2012 Celebrating the first bud of spring, Hatsume, transforms the normally tranquil Morikami Park into a unique Japanese spring festival. Hatsume Fair features three stages with continuous entertainment including taiko drummers, a Japanese tea ceremony, flower arranging, martial art demonstrations, bonsai and orchid demonstrations, and much more. Also includes artisan booths, plant sales, food vendors & kid’s activities. 10 for adults & $5 for kids advance/ Tickets at the gate: $12 adults & $6 for kids For more info: www.morikami.org/hatsume 4000 Morikami Park Road • Delray Beach, Fl 33446 • 561-495-0233 Kanapaha Gardens Annual Spring Garden Festival March 24 , 2012 9-6 and March 25, 2012 10-5 Kanapaha Botanical Gardens hosts an annual Spring Garden Festival with more than 10,000 visitors, 200 booths, 2 stages, and numerous live garden seminars Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 4700 S.W. 58th Drive Gainesville, FL 32608 Admission: Admission: Adults $8, Children 13 and under $5 --cash only. Contact: Phone: 352-372-4981 or www.kanapaha.org Extra: Be sure to visit their site to learn about other events like the April 21st Rose Show Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival March 24, 2012 9:00am-3:00pm In addition to wildflower & gardening education, the festival features vendors who provide information, wildflower and gardening-themed products, and arts and crafts related to general gardening, native plant gardening, gardening for birds, butterflies and wildlife, habitat creation, home improvement, environmental conservation, recycling and "Green" living Downtown DeLand at West Indiana Ave. Free Parking and Admission For more info visit: www.floridawildflowerfestival.com
FREE for museum members and children 3 and under
Create a peaceful space in your garden
by Lisa Burns on 02/14/12
Your outdoor living space should be a source of harmony and happiness. A place for you to relax after a long day at work. There are many ways to create a relaxing atmosphere in your garden. One of which is to use the principals of Feng Shui. Feng Shui is a Chinese design philosophy, if applied will help promote healing and harmony not only in your garden but also in your life. Translated, Feng Shui means wind and water. According to traditional Chinese beliefs, wind and water are the source of all life energy. The Chinese believe that chi brings blessings into your environment and your life. The basic principle of designing your garden according to this philosophy is to encourage the chi to flow into, throughout your outdoor space, and in turn your life. It is all about positive energy. The first thing you need to do is identify the negative or bad chi elements in your outdoor space and apply Feng Shui “cures” to raise the positive chi. For instance power lines and large buildings would be considered negative aspects, adding upward lighting, wind chimes and decorative elements help to balance the negative. This does not mean you want to over clutter the garden, which can block the flow of energy. Removing dead plants, creating curved walkways as opposed to straight paths will also help to un-clutter and create positive flow. It is important to make sure you include all five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water, in your design. These elements work together to create harmony, but be careful of favoring one element over another. Too much of one element can cancel out another. Balance and placement is the key. The elements are represented as follows: wood is represented naturally using plants, flowers and trees fire is represented in lighting, candles, fire pit and red toned plants earth is represented using stone or brick for pathways, ceramic decorative objects metal is represented by metal furniture and decorative sculptures water is represented in fountains, water features and waterfalls Feng Shui practitioners use the Bagua, an octagon shaped symbol that identifies the nine life sectors in your garden corresponding with eight directions. The Bagua is a guide showing you how to raise the chi in each of these sectors. The nine life sectors include Wealth (SE), Fame (S), Relationships (SW), Children (W), Helpful People (NW), Career (N), Knowledge (NE), Family (E) and T’ai Chi (Center). Placing the right elements, shapes and colors in each of these sectors will help raise the chi and promote the positive flow of energy creating a peaceful and relaxing space for you to enjoy. ?
Reminder: winter pond care tips
by Lisa Burns on 01/27/12
Here are some winter pond care tips to keep your Koi & pond healthy.
If you have not done so by now you should clean your pond. Remove 50% of water, the decaying leaves & fish waste.
Switch to a wheat germ food once water temperature reaches 60 degrees. Stop feeding altogether when water temperature reaches 50 degrees.
In the south, add submerged plants to give the fish a place to graze and replace cool sensitive plants with cool weather plants and continue to add beneficial bacteria. In the north remove your plants and over-winter in your garage or basement.
Remove fallen leaves from the pond as soon as possible. If you have a large tree over your pond, cover the pond with a leaf net.
In the south, perform pump maintenance. In the north, remove equipment you are not using like UV clarifiers.
Continue to clean your filters or back flush your systems as usual. You may not have to do this as often. Check your skimmer leaf net more frequently.
Test your pond as usual keeping an eye on the pH. The pH can drop with out notice especially in colder weather. If the pH drops below 7.0 do a partial water change & raise the pH.
Northern ponds should keep a hole in the ice using an aerator or "pond deicer" to help remove the build up of gases & provide needed oxygen. Also, drain water from exterior piping & autofill to eliminate cracking or breaking of the pipes & check water levels especially if you leave the waterfalls running during the winter. add water & dechlorinator as needed
If you have turtles or tropical fish in your pond, you should add a submersible heater or move them inside until spring.
In the south, add lights to your pond so you can enjoy your pond in the evening. Get out your fire pit, light a fire, sit back & enjoy your pond in the cooler weather!
Frost Damage in a southern garden and what to do.
by Lisa Burns on 01/27/12
Surviving frost damage in the southern garden It's official, while the rest of the country has been suffering with cold weather for weeks, winter has finally arrived here in sunny Florida. The weatherman tells us there is a cold front on the way with temperatures dipping into the low 30's. The first thing I thought of when I heard the forecast was I had better start covering my landscape plants and bringing in the potted ones. Chances are, if you cover your plants as I do, you will notice that some of your plants will still sustain damage. There is no getting around, it especially if the air temperature reaches below 28 degrees. Another factor is how the plants are covered. If you lay a blanket or tarp over the entire plant and the cover is directly, touching the plant there will still be damage. It is also important to remove the cover during the day so the plant can warm up. Like most of you, I am to busy to cover and uncover 100 plants everyday during the cold snaps, so, my plants remained covered. Some plants tolerate frost and cooler temperatures better than others do. The age and general health of the plant will play a factor in whether or not your plants will survive. Popular plants that usually are killed or damaged by frost include annuals, Impatiens, Marigolds, Coleus & some sub-tropical like Hibiscus, Citrus & Bougainvillea. However, do not give up too quickly. Any plant that is still alive will attempt to recover. Many of your perennial plants like Salvia & Begonias will die back but the roots can survive the winter only to re-sprout in the spring. The same applies for bulb plants like Day Lilies & Iris. Even if a plant has lost all of its woody parts, it can re-grow from the root or stem tissue. If you did not think to cover your plants in time or you have frost damage here are some tips to helping your plants survive. Resist the urge… to prune that is! With a yard full of damaged, dead looking plants the gardener’s first instinct is to prune. Don’t do it! The damaged leafs can work as an insulator for further damage and will serve as a starting point for new growth in the spring. In fact, heavy pruning can stimulate new growth that could be damaged again if, heaven forbid, we get another cold snap. Hydration is key but no feeding please! Keep your plants well watered. This may be the most important factor in saving your damaged plants. Windy days will dry up the soil and the frost on the leaf will actually pull water from the leaf causing dehydration. Water your plants but do not fertilize them until spring once they have resumed active growth. What about my pond plants? The same rules apply for your pond plants, no pruning or fertilizing. They will actually have a better chance of survival because the water temperature is generally warmer than the air temperature and the plants will be hydrated from the pond water. Come spring when the weather warms, look for new growth & start pruning. If a plant is truly dead, don’t be too upset. That just means you have an excuse to buy new plants for your garden. ? ?
Lux magazine spotlight
by Lisa Burns on 01/27/12
Last month Backyard Getaway was featured in the Biz Spotlight on Lux Magazine. Lux is a premier online woman's magazine. I am contributing writer on Lux with a monthly gardening article. Below is the Backyard Getaway spotlight article:
Did you know that water gardening is the fastest growing segment in the garden industry? Why not give the gift of tranquility to someone special this year or treat yourself to a getaway in your own backyard. Backyard Getaway, a local water garden business, grew from a hobby into a passion. Over 15 yrs ago, Dave Burns caught the pond "bug" when he purchased his first pond kit. It didn't take long before he was digging a second larger Koi pond & helping friends & family create their own backyard retreats. His wife, Lisa, was quick to join him, growing native aquatic plants & Water lilies. They decided to make it official & Backyard Getaway was born.
Gifts for the pond lover on your list can range in price from a few dollars for a water thermometer, wheat germ based food, water treatments & pond netting to a few hundred dollars for a pond deicer, pond vacuum or a small pondless water feature. Other inexpensive items offered by Backyard Getaway for someone without a yard is a hand crafted tabletop fountain. All of these items and more are available on the website at www.backyardgetawaystore.com or visit www.backyardgetaway.net to learn more about Backyard Getaway's services.
Although professional installation and renovation is a major part of their business, Dave & Lisa point out that with a bit of research & some hard work you can create a beautiful water garden yourself. It is important to ask yourself a few basic questions before you decide to do-it-yourself or hire a professional. First, what style of water feature most appeals to you? Next, location is important. A front yard would be fine for a pondless feature but may not be the best choice for a Koi pond. What size water feature would you like & what is your budget? Keep in mind that at least 50% of all pond owners upgrade at least twice, creating larger features. Finally, is this something you want to tackle yourself or hire a professional to do?
No pond is maintenance free. A well-built pond with proper filtration, that is not overstocked or overfed may require 10-20 minutes of maintenance once a week, which still leaves you plenty of time for enjoying your pond. Backyard Getaway offers a monthly, quarterly & yearly pond maintenance service that includes a deep cleaning. Gift certificates are available for maintenance services if your loved one already has a pond.
When choosing a pond installation company it is important to look at their portfolio and to talk to their customers. If you are installing your pond yourself, talk to the experts. Whomever you purchase your equipment from should be able to answer your question concerning your new pond.
If you build it they will come!
by Lisa Burns on 11/04/11
Every fall we receive phone calls and emails from upset customers whom have lost fish to predators. We can sympathize and know first hand that terrible feeling they have when they realize their pond is now a sushi bar. Herons, Egrets and raccoons are the most popular culprits in our area but there are others to watch for too. Otters, opossums, foxes, bobcats (if you are in a rural area), snakes, snapping turtles and even large bullfrogs will eat your Koi and Goldfish. I know what you are thinking, you have never seen a heron near your pond and most likely, you never will. They will wait until there is no movement near the pond to attack. Herons are extremely patient and once they find your pond they will return on a daily basis until they have picked off every fish. If your fish are disappearing but there are no signs of disruption, you have a Heron or Egret visiting your pond. These large birds will swoop in and take the fish with them, or if the fish is too large, they will leave it by the side of your pond. Remember in the fall the birds are migrating and the Koi are slowing down making them easier prey. Raccoon damage is easier to detect. They love to make a mess. You will see muddy footprints around the pond, your plants will be torn up, pots knocked over or broken and rocks knocked into the pond. Most importantly you will find fish bones. Of course, raccoons are nocturnal so you most likely will not see them either. Otters and Snakes are a bit less noticeable and they have no problem feasting on your Koi even if you are home. There are several options to help prevent fish lost. For those of you who are considering creating a pond or water garden have no fear there are ways to prevent fish loss and raccoon damage before you dig your pond. Sloping edges may look the most natural but it is also an invitation for small animals to enter your pond. When building a pond for Koi be sure the sides are straight and drop two feet or more. You can still have plant shelves installed on the pond edges with rocks on the edges to keep the Koi off the shelves and a steep drop from the shelves into the pond to keep the raccoons out.
Backyard Getaway Receives 2011 Business/Education Partnership Award
by Lisa Burns on 09/19/11
Backyard Getaway is excited to announce we received the Manatee Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Business/Education partnership award for our donated water feature project at Haile middle school this past April. We were nominated in 4 categories along with 150 other local businesses. Twelve local businesses & educators were chosen to receive awards.
We look forward to future business/education partnerships and hope to eventually see a water feature at every Manatee county school!
