Still Laughing

Remembering Samuel Ray, the Neighbor Behind Central Cocoanut’s Laughing Buddha

After Ray’s unexpected death, Sarasota’s Laughing Buddha stands as a reminder of the Central Cocoanut neighbor who gave the landmark its watchful place in the community.

04/27/2026 By Kim Doleatto

A Native Worth Noticing

The Passionflower, Sarasota’s Most Striking Plant, Is More Than Just a Pretty Face

Florida is home to approximately seven native passionflower species with the maypop passionvine, Passiflora incarnata, by far the most striking and prevalent.

04/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Neighborhood in Bloom

Spend a Day Touring Gillespie Park and Its Cottage Gardens

Tour goers will see Craftsman bungalows, Mediterranean Revival homes, farmhouse style and mid-century modern homes, too.

03/01/2026 By Marsha Fottler

The Rundown

Inside the Sarasota Succulent Society

The society was started by Walter Sparkman, who built his home there in the 1930s.

02/02/2026 By Susan Burns

Dig In

Plant Some Seeds at One of Sarasota’s Eight Community Gardens

Community gardening is a lesson in both people and plants.

08/20/2025 By Giulia Heyward

Lush Life

The Beauty and Resilience of Florida-Friendly Gardens

“Take your little piece of land and steward it. It will give you a sense of power. Your choices matter. You can make a difference.”

05/05/2025 By Ruth Lando

Branch Out

The City of Sarasota Will Give Away 100 Trees April 25-26

City residents can select one of 100 trees to take home, including gumbo limbo, bald cypress, longleaf pine, mango, royal palm and more.

04/14/2025 By Staff

Personal Growth

Sarasota's UF/IFAS Extension Offers Dozens of Ways to Up Your Local Food IQ

Here are some highlights.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Botanic Bosses

OLIN Wins Architecture Sarasota’s Philip Hanson Hiss Award

The landscape architecture firm is celebrated for its transformative designs, including the reimagined Selby Gardens.

03/11/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Hi, Bonsai

The Sarasota Region Is Home to a Dedicated Group of Bonsai Lovers

The art of creating these miniature trees isn't only for karate masters—but bonsai owners are obsessed with their craft.

07/05/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Plant the Seeds

Sarasota County's Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale Is Set for Oct. 14

The event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get plants and advice for your landscape.

09/20/2023 By Staff

Burning Question

Can You Eat Fruit a Squirrel Has Bitten?

Former editor-in-chief Pam Daniel—chagrined about losing out on fruit from her trees—aims to find out.

06/20/2023 By Pam Daniel

Plant Peeps

With Polly, Her Refurbished Horse Wagon, Taylor Robison Wants to Get You Into Plants

Parrish plant enthusiast Taylor Robison converted a vintage horse wagon into a mobile plant bar. "Having one plant makes you a plant person," she says.

03/14/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Let it Snow

Richardia Grandiflora Is a Different Kind of Florida Snow

The perennial flower is invasive and lawn enthusiasts hate it—but is the controversial plant actually good?

12/19/2022 By Isaac Eger

Play in the Dirt

10 Easy-to-Grow Vegetables That Thrive in Florida

Renourish your yard and garden at two upcoming plant sales.

10/10/2022 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

Bee Mindful

Sarasota Green Group Shares the Importance of Bee Conservation with Local Classrooms

An academic curriculum created by the group helps students learn about the importance of bees.

05/05/2022 By Samantha Lane

Plantiful

The Health Benefits of Owning Houseplants

Turns out your indoor jungle isn't just pretty—it's good for your health, too. Here are some benefits for the greenest thumbs and gardening newbies alike.

04/29/2022 By Allison Forsyth