Master Gardeners add landscaping to Edna Pierce Lockett Estate

Posted 9/29/21

The Highlands County Master Gardener volunteers were recently asked if they could help design and install...

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Master Gardeners add landscaping to Edna Pierce Lockett Estate

Some of the Master Gardener volunteer class of 2021 took part in the Florida-Friendly Landscaping of the Edna Pierce-Lockett Estate in Basinger Florida. From left to right are Micky Eaton, Linda Krou, Ann Holly, David Austin, Charlene Vansant, and Susie Whitehead. Not pictured, Bob Fromhartz.
Some of the Master Gardener volunteer class of 2021 took part in the Florida-Friendly Landscaping of the Edna Pierce-Lockett Estate in Basinger Florida. From left to right are Micky Eaton, Linda Krou, Ann Holly, David Austin, Charlene Vansant, and Susie Whitehead. Not pictured, Bob Fromhartz.
Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ Butch Thompson
Posted

BASINGER — The Edna Pierce Lockett Estate sits along the Kissimmee River on the border of Highlands County and is a piece of old Florida. The homestead contains a two-story home originally built in the 1800s with other portions added over time. Also on the property is an old one-room Fort Basinger schoolhouse that was recently moved there. Lastly, one of the large live oaks on the property, estimated to be over 400 years old, was recently dedicated as a Liberty Tree. The property owner, Butch Thompson, has been graciously making the property available for public endeavors. Not daily to the public, but for events such as the recent Heritage Celebration of Highlands County’s 100th anniversary.

Master Gardeners volunteers are busy planting dwarf azaleas and caladiums while getting ready to add the final touch of pine bark nugget mulch.
Master Gardeners volunteers are busy planting dwarf azaleas and caladiums while getting ready to add the final touch of pine bark nugget mulch.

The Highlands County Master Gardener volunteers were recently asked if they could help design and install Florida-friendly landscaping around the perimeter of the old house. With financing from the Highlands County Heritage Association to purchase plants and mulch, the newest class of Master Gardener volunteers took on the endeavor of installing them. The design was kept simple with dwarf azaleas and caladiums. The 16-acre estate has seen many improvements over the last year but the simple elegance of old Florida remains.

UF/IFAS, Edna Pierce Lockett, master gardeners

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