The Vegetation Committee will have a presentation by UF/IFAS Extension Agent Sheryl van der Heiden, who will speak on “Gardening on Mars: A Florida-Friendly Landscaping Survival Guide” at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 at MacKenzie Hall.
Gardening on Mars explores the unique environmental conditions that make Florida landscapes unlike those in most other regions. From sandy, low-organic-matter soils and seasonal drought to intense rainfall, heat, and pest pressure, successful Florida gardening requires understanding how plants interact with local ecosystems. This workshop introduces the science behind the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and demonstrates how evidence-based management practices can improve plant health, resource efficiency, and landscape resilience.
Join the Master Gardener Volunteers of UF/IFAS Extension Lee County to learn research-supported strategies for selecting site-appropriate plants, managing soil health, conserving water, and supporting beneficial insects and wildlife. Whether you are new to Florida or looking to better understand the challenges of gardening in a subtropical environment, this program will provide practical, science-supported tools for creating a sustainable, attractive, and environmentally responsible landscape.
Sheryl is an ecologist, horticulturist, and educator passionate about connecting people to the natural world. She currently serves as a Residential Horticulture Extension Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Lee County, where she develops educational programs that help residents create sustainable landscapes and become better environmental stewards. To amplify her work, she trains Master Gardener Volunteers to communicate research-based solutions to residential landscape and gardening problems. Sheryl holds two master’s degrees, an M.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Geosciences with a concentration in human-environmental interactions, reflecting her broad interest in the relationships between people, plants, and ecosystems.
Throughout her career, Sheryl has taught university biology courses, managed scientific laboratories, led community education programs, and conducted ecological research throughout South Florida. Known for her curiosity, creativity, and systems-thinking approach, Sheryl enjoys exploring topics ranging from native plants and pollinators to food gardening, citizen science, and environmental sustainability.
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