Why a plant podcast?
A delicate whisper of vining tendril, draped eloquently across the trellis, others pendulous carrying their weighted gift of fruit. The reminder in our muscles, the day following the turnover of the fall garden. Contrasting colors, erupting luxuriously across the landscape. Gazing dreamily into the fractured sunlight through the canopy. Plants are endlessly fascinating and inspiring, representing the intricate systems upon which life balance.
This podcast was developed to share our fascination, curiosity, joy and knowledge with you. We look forward to cultivating your curiosity for the fascinating world of plants!
Check out the 'Episodes' tab to listen, additional reading, videos and more! Or scroll over to the 'Get Involved' tab to ask us a question or submit a photo, we love to hear from you!
Alyssa Vinson
Residential Horticulture Agent, Manatee County
Favorite Plant (Today): Helianthus angustifolius
Alyssa Vinson is an avid lover of all things outdoors, spending her time in gardens, on trails and in the water. She has been an environmental science educator for the past 15 years working in Alaska, Oregon and now Florida. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Florida in Ecological Restoration and is a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture. Her current role as Residential Horticulture Agent in Manatee County allows her to work with the Master Gardener Volunteer program, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program, and the Florida Master Naturalist Program. With an emphasis on resilient and sustainable landscape practices, edible landscapes and urban forestry, her work spans ecology, horticulture, urban forestry and volunteer and community development to deliver research-based education to the communities of southwest Florida.
Dr. Taylor Clem
County Extenison Director and Horticulture Agent, Nassau County
Favorite Plant (Today): Hamelia patens
Taylor Clem is our resident nerd and outdoor enthusiast - always on the quest for the cool, wonderful, and intriguing things of the world. He has been working for UF/IFAS Extension for over five years and specializes in sustainable landscape design, green industry practices, and environmental behaviors. Dr. Taylor Clem, a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Kentucky, has two degrees in landscape architecture and a doctorate in horticulture sciences.. Dr. Clem is now serving as Nassau County's Horticulture Extension Agent, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and County Extension Director.
