Answer. Birds, squirrels and other critters love sunflower seed but you should see signs of digging to obtain their food.  Make sure the seed obtained is fresh and has been stored in an air-conditioned room prior to purchase. Some stores have been observed with seed racks outdoors where the seed can deteriorate in the heat and humidity. You must try again with fresh seeds, but this time plant one seed in each small container filled with potting soil. Plant the seeds about a half inch deep and keep them moist. Locate the sown containers in a sunny but critter-free area. When the seedlings are about a foot tall, transplant them to the garden site to grow the flowers.

Q. My tibouchina has grown quite tall but is flowering. Can I prune it now?

A. Why not enjoy the blooms a bit longer, even though the plants may be tall and somewhat out of bounds?  You can remove a few of the longer shoots if you wish, but leave most to flower. Tibouchina, also called princess flower, is cold-sensitive and could be affected during the winter. Delay major pruning until mid-to-late February when plant size can be reduced and cold damage removed.

Q. I planted a seedling found under a fruit-bearing loquat that has grown to 30 feet tall but has not produced fruits. Is there such a thing as a male loquat tree?

A. Loquat trees have male and female flowers on the same tree, but they may take their time coming into bloom. Fall through early winter is flowering time, so trees that are going to produce fruits this year are already in bloom. Seeding trees are quite variable and may need more time than named varieties to come into production. All eventually flower and produce fruit.

Q. Our bird of paradise starts to form flowers, but the buds never fully open. What can I do to get better blooms?

A. Blooms that don’t fully open may have a pest problem or need a little more cultural care. Start by looking for mealybugs or similar insects within the buds. If present, apply an insecticide label for the pest noted. You may have to remove all buds hiding in insects and protect new, unopened buds with the insecticide. Next, make sure the soil is moist. Watering once or twice a week is normally adequate during the dry times. Also, apply a slow-release fertilizer with minor nutrients in March, May and early October. It may take until spring to start reviving your bird of paradise, but you should eventually get the flowers you remember.

November in the garden

Q. We have a Meyer lemon that has produced good fruit in the past, but this year there are only a few, and the leaves are crinkled. Some have a black coating. What is needed?

A. It sounds like there are going to be slim pickings this year as the Meyer lemon crop should be ripening over the next few months, and then trees flower again in spring. Let’s give your tree a slight overhaul to get it back to good production. It appears the symptoms noted are caused by insects. Most likely, leaf miners and scale insects are at fault. Start the new care program with a horticultural oil spray for citrus to control most insects and help remove the black sooty mold coating. Then, when new growth is noted, apply a natural insecticide containing spinosad. This later insecticide is found in Bonide, Fertilome and Southern Ag products. Also, don’t forget that fertilizer applications are needed in March, May, August and early October. Follow all label instructions with these products.

Q. This year, my plumeria did not get the rust as we applied a control, but it has white cottony-like stuff along the upper stems and on the back of the leaves. What is it, and what should I do for the plant?

A. You have solved one common plumeria pest problem, and now there is one left to control. An included email photo made it clear mealy bugs are dining on your plant.  As noted, most activity was on the back of the leaves and upper stems in the bud areas. Try a horticultural oil spray that is directed at the insects to obtain control. Be sure to hit the stems where the insects can live when the leaves drop during late fall and winter.  Remove the leaves from the ground and discard.  If needed, some systemic sprays to apply to the foliage, stems or to the ground are available. Follow label instructions for proper use of the product selected.

Q. Now that the weather is turning cooler, when is the time to sow my annual ryegrass seed?

A. There is often a chill in the evening and morning air, but it’s still quite hot during the day. Wait until the days are consistently in the 70s to lower 80s to make the ryegrass sowing. When the weather is hot and the turf becomes moist, a disease often called cottony blight can cause the young ryegrass to decline. This temporary turf loves the cold but not the hotter weather. Late November to early December would likely be a good time to make the sowing.

Q. I would like to plant the spring flowering bulbs in Florida. Do I refrigerate tulips and crocus before planting?

A. It’s a bit of a chore, but most northern spring flowering bulbs need a cold treatment in the refrigerator to bloom locally. Some gardeners simply set the bagged bulbs in the refrigerator for about 12 weeks. Others prefer to plant the bulbs in containers where they appear to make some growth while receiving the cold treatment. If in containers, they do need to be kept moist. Here is a bit of a complication. There cannot be flowers, fruits or vegetables in the refrigerator at the same time. These give off a gas that can cause the maturing flower buds to abort.  After the cold treatment, loose bulbs are planted in the ground, and containers of bulbs are set in areas where they are to bloom.

Tom MacCubbin is an urban horticulturist emeritus with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Write him: Orlando Sentinel, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL. 32802. Email: TomMac1996@aol.com. 

While I expected a book on, well, how to redecorate, as in refresh rooms in your home without starting from scratch, that’s not what this big, beautiful, 270-page hardcover is about. And that’s okay. What the book is about is the fascinating world of color and paint, a subject few could make as interesting as Joa Studholme, color curator for F&B. Studholme takes us by the hand on an exquisitely illustrated (340 photos and drawings) and narrated tour deep into the world of color, paint, and courageously creative ways to use both. 

Studholme walks us through such key considerations as light, architecture, and style, then squires us around color families of red, blue, green, yellow, darks and neutrals, and ends with a comprehensive look at finishes — from Dead Flat to Full Gloss. 

“It was a joy to write,” Studholme told me last week in a Zoom interview from across the pond, where she has worked for the Dorset, England-based Farrow & Ball for nearly 30 years. (For the record, of all the columns, articles, and books I have written, I never once thought anything was “a joy to write.” It was a joy to have written.) 

For those unfamiliar with the brand, F&B is known for its small collection of artisan colors. “We believe that by condensing the options to only 132 carefully curated colors, that selection is easier,” she said. (By comparison, Sherwin-Williams offers more than 1,700 paint colors.) Since Studholme came on board, every color the company has added was created at her kitchen table, where she sits with ramekins and teaspoons, mixing to make a color that pleases her eye.

The company also goes to extremes to secure its pigments. To make India Yellow, for example, they collect urine from cows fed a diet of mango leaves. 

As a lover of words, I’m done in by the evocative paint names: Mizzle, the color of the evening sky when there’s mist and drizzle; DeNimes, named after the French city where denim was first woven; Stirabout, for the porridge Irish children eat to begin their day; Mole’s Breath, I’ll let you imagine that one. 

Marni Jameson: 7 ways to end porch pollution

The book, which Studholme co-authored with F&B creative director Charlotte Cosby, is a sequel to “How to Decorate,” which came out in 2016. 

Why the update? “Since “How to Decorate” came out, we’ve seen a seismic shift in the way we use color,” Studholme said. “Back then, we were all still enjoying rooms painted in delicate neutrals that we could sort of drift around in. Now we’re embracing much bolder colors.”

She blames the pandemic. While we all spent much time in our homes, Studholme spent much of her time with a paintbrush in hand, experimenting and “thinking of a million ways to use color,” she said. “I was a total menace.” 

Nothing was off limits. She painted baseboards, ceilings, crown moldings, floors, cornices, cabinets, wainscoting, furniture, and doors in three dimensions. Fortunately, the dog wouldn’t sit still, or she’d have painted him, too. 

“How to Redecorate” reflects the best of those experiments and inspires readers to go beyond white walls, white ceilings and white trim. “I wanted the book to be more a manual on how to use color in your home than a coffee table book that just sits and looks pretty. I wanted to make the world of color attainable by using simple language and clear directives.”

Mission accomplished. 

Rightsizing secret: A little bit of great beats a lot of mediocre

She also wanted to give readers permission to harness their inspiration, “so if they have a sudden desire to paint their front door in red gloss, they do.” Although her overarching message is to encourage us to embrace color, she offers some welcome guideposts. Here are a few pointers taken from our conversation and the book:

On room size …

Paint color can change a room’s perceived proportions, she writes. “Lighter colors are often best for large rooms, so they won’t overpower them. Darker tones will enhance small spaces and make them feel intimate. Although painting a small room a dark color may seem counterintuitive, the results can be wonderfully theatrical.” If you are in the unusual position of needing to make a large space appear smaller, add a contrasting trim.

On outside influences

“Palettes gathered from your travels can be a rich source of inspiration, but be wary of using them in your home,” she writes. “The tempting colors of a dazzling tropical flower may well appear garish out of context.” In other words, you may love the hot pinks and oranges of Mexico, but they don’t play well in New England.

On neutrals

“Even though I’ve introduced loads of color, I also included a really important section on neutrals organized into six families,” she says of her book. Each neutral family has four colors that produce failsafe combinations. It also includes an indispensable section on which white to use with which color, which is not as simple as it seems. 

On painting cabinets, floors and furniture 

Do it. But the key to success lies in preparation. “You need to properly prepare and prime the surface, so the paint holds up to heavy use,” she said. “That’s boring but really important.” You must also choose a durable finish, like Modern Eggshell.

On what she wishes more people knew

“That they don’t have to default into using white on ceilings and trim. Personally, I think white baseboards look mean. I would only paint baseboards in the wall color. Why are we calling them out? They are functional, not decorative.” 

On the title

“I think people interpret the word ‘redecorate’ differently,” she said. Perhaps. That said, if the book were called “How to Pick and Apply Paint Color in Your Home,” I might never have read it. And that would have been a shame. 

Marni Jameson is the author of the forthcoming Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow: A Motivational Guide for Those Seeking Their Ideal Home Later in Life, due out Jan. 2, and six more home and lifestyle books, including  What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want, and Downsizing the Family Home – What to Save, What to Let Go. You may reach her at marnijameson.com.

Benji Brown: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10-12; Orlando Improv, 9101 International Drive in Orlando; $32; theimprovorlando.com

Comedian Mickey Bell and David Phelps: 7 p.m.; Nov. 11; Aloma Church, 1815 State Road 436 in Winter Park; bandsintown.com

Chris D’Elia: 8 p.m.; Nov. 10; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; drphillipscenter.org

Karlous Miller, At the End of the Day: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; $39.50; 407-358-6603; drphillipscenter.org

Harsh Gujral: 7 p.m.; Nov. 15; PAC, Edgewater High School, 3100 Edgewater Drive in Orlando; orioleproduction.ticketleap.com

FOOD

Family Meal Box Giveaway: 1 p.m.; Nov. 10; 4520 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 100 in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Senior Turkey Giveaway: 3 p.m.; Nov. 14; Orlando Family Physicians by InnovaCare Health, 810 N. Nowell St. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Food Trucks: 6 p.m.; Nov. 10; Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry; 407-262-7700; calendar.unitedartscfl.org

Cuisine Corner Junior: Turkey-Themed Cupcakes: This online event is recommended for families with children ages 6-8. 4 p.m.; Nov. 16; Orange County Public Library; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Sunday Brunch with Saxophonist Vicente Belen: 11 a.m.; Nov. 12; Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, 494 State Road 436 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Paint and Fete: Enjoy painting, Caribbean food and drinks. 4 p.m.; Nov. 11; D&J Ballroom, 4300 Clarcona Ocoee Road, #407 in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Weekend Brunch Fiesta with Live Music: Enjoy Mexican brunch specialties, margaritas, OJ mimosas and live music. 11 a.m.; Nov. 12; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 520-440-4916; eventvesta.com

Local Live Music and Meals: Mexican specialist serves tacos, wood-fired dishes and craft cocktails. 6 p.m.; Nov. 10-11; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 520-440-4916

Farm to Table Class: Time for a Corn Fiesta: 10 a.m.; Nov. 15; Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; $3; 352-343-4101; longandscottfarms.ticketspice.com

Pasta-Making with Executive Chef Dan: 3 p.m.; Nov. 10; Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort, 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd. in Lake Buena Vista; $110; brownpapertickets.com

Flamenco Fridays:  Enjoy Spanish tapas and shareable pans of paella while flamenco dancers entertain. 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10; Jaleo Disney Springs, 1482 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando; free; jaleo.com

Beehive Glam Pamper Brunch: 1 p.m.; Nov. 12; 3086 Costa Club Drive in Ocoee; eventbrite.com

Beads4Beats 3rd Annual Breakfast Celebration: 8 a.m.; Nov. 14; First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 John Young Parkway in Orlando; free; 321-663-5916; beads4beats.org

Food Bank Volunteers Needed: Help sort food and pack boxes for Thanksgiving food distribution. 9:30 a.m.; Nov. 11; Southeastern Food Bank Warehouse, 655 N. Kissimmee Ave. in Ocoee; eventbrite.com

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Craft Beer and Blues Festival: 5 p.m.; Nov. 10; Lake Concord Park, 127 Quail Pond Circle in Casselberry; free; calendar.unitedartscfl.org

Maitland Rotary Art Festival:  5 p.m. Nov. 10; 10 a.m. Nov. 11-12; Lake Lily Park, 701 Lake Lily Drive in Maitland; eventbrite.com

Meet Florida Meat Market and Family Day: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; Long and Scott’s Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; $2; fun4lakekids.com

OEatz Fall Pop-Up Shop: 2:30 p.m.; Nov. 12; 1515 Lee Road in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Plaid in the Park: 4 p.m.; Nov. 11; Sunset Park, 230 W. Fourth Ave. in Mount Dora; free; 904-334-4923; mountdora.com

GROWvember Fall Plant Sale: The event features plant vendors and exhibitors, kids activities, live music, food and a beer garden. 2 p.m.; Nov. 10-11; Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park; bungalower.com

Cows ‘n Cabs: This is an open-air, country-western-themed event with live music and dancing. 6 p.m.; Nov. 11; West Meadow, 300 N. New York Ave. in Winter Park; $-$325; cowsncabs.com

Fall EggFest: 9 a.m.; Nov. 11; Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Drive in Longwood; $30-$40; 407-399-2443; centralfloridafalleggfest.com

Daisy’s Carnival Afterglow – EDM Orlando Late-Night Celebration: 9 p.m.; Nov. 10; OptiView Immersive Art Museum, 855 N. U.S. Highway 17-92 in Longwood; eventbrite.com

Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival: 11 a.m.; Nov. 10-12; 16651 Schofield Road in Clermont; $21.95-$24.95; 407-986-5806; fun4lakekids.com

Veterans Day Parade: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; downtownorlando.com

CosFaire Orlando:  10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; $5-$10; 407-274-7404; lunattix.com

Fall Festival and Corn Maze: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; Long and Scott’s Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; 352-383-6900; fun4lakekids.com

Fall Fling Craft and Vendor Fair: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; First Baptist Church of Pine Castle, 1001 Hoffner Ave. in Orlando; free; fbcpinecastle.churchcenter.com

Veterans Resource Fair: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Veteran’s Park, 1201 13th St. in St. Cloud; 407-957-7300; stcloudfl.gov

Wicked World Indoor Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; $5; facebook.com

Water Lantern Festival: 3 p.m.; Nov. 11; Lakefront Park, 104 Lakeshore Blvd. in St. Cloud; $25.99-$55.99; waterlanternfestival.com

Audubon Park Community Market: 5 p.m.; Nov. 13; Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road in Orlando; stardustvideoandcoffee.wordpress.com

Fall Craft Fair: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; Town Park, 3651 Avalon Park East Blvd. in Orlando

Seniors Farmers Market: 2 p.m.; Nov. 10; Orlando Family Physicians, 811 N. Nowell St. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Community Day:  8 a.m.; Nov. 11; True Health Lake Underhill, 5730 Lake Underhill Road in Orlando; free; 407-322-8645; mytruehealth.org

Lake Mary Farmers Market:  9 a.m.; Nov. 11; Central Park at City Hall, 100 N. Country Club Road in Lake Mary; free; 407-585-1460; facebook.com

Mount Dora Village Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 12; 230 N. Alexander St. in Mount Dora; mountdora.com

Orlando Farmers Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 12; Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; downtownorlando.com

Orlando Outdoor Market: 7 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; centralfloridafair.com

Clermont Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Nov. 12; Montrose Street in downtown Clermont

Maitland Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Nov. 12; Independence Square, 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland; 407-539-6223; itsmymaitland.com

FUNDRAISERS

“Mamma Mia” Movie Singalong – Orlando Gay Chorus Fundraiser: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10; Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford; $20; 407-321-8111

Turn a Pen for a Veteran:  All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Help Heal Veterans organization. 11:30 a.m.; Nov. 11; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; $15; eventbrite.com

“Threads of Hope” Fashion Show: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 15; Country Club of Orlando, 1601 Country Club Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Lyles Brothers Fundraiser Brunch: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; Overlook at Hamlin, 7709 Lake Hancock Blvd. in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Canstruction: The event raises awareness about hunger while providing resources to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for relief efforts. 9 a.m.; Nov. 11; The Wheelhouse at ICON Park, 8371 International Drive in Orlando; free; canstruction-orlando.org

Dancing for Diabetes:  7:30 p.m.; Nov. 11; Steinmetz Hall, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; 407-358-6603; drphillipscenter.org

Audubon’s Talons and Tidings: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, 1101 Audubon Way in Maitland; $15; 407-644-0190; cbop.audubon.org

42nd Annual Holiday Marketplace: 8 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Drive in Orlando; st.lukes.org

MOVIES

Orlando West Movie on the Lawn: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 11; 3005 N. Powers Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

“The Heartbreak Kid”: The movie is for ages 18 and older. 12:30 p.m.; Nov. 15; St. Cloud Community Center, 3101 17th St. in St. Cloud; stcloudfl.gov

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”: 9:30 p.m.; Nov. 14; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“The Act of Killing”: 11 a.m.; Nov. 12; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

LITERARY ARTS

Story Time: 11 a.m.; Nov. 10; Minneola Library, 100 S. Main Ave. in Minneola; 352-432-3921; fun4lakekids.com

“Gator Country” Book Launch: Rebecca Renner With James Chapin and Mistie R. Watkins:  6 p.m.; Nov. 11; Zeppelin Books, 885 North Orange Ave., Suite B in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Local Author Festival: 2 p.m.; Nov. 11; Orange County Library, Alafaya Branch, 12000 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Baby and Me Story Time: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 13; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; free; 352-536-2275; fun4lakekids.com

Little Creatives and Me: Songs, stories, and art time for babies, toddlers and their special person. Pre-registration required. 10 a.m.; Nov. 15; Art & History Museums of Maitland, 210 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland; free; 407-539-2181; jcohen@artandhistory.org, artandhistory.org

“The Purest Bond” Book Signing With Author Jen Golbeck: 4:30 p.m.; Nov. 14; Writer’s Block Bookstore, 316 N. Park Ave. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Christmas Countdown Event With Author Viola Shipman: 6 p.m.; Nov. 13; Quantum Leap Winery, 1312 Wilfred Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Toddler Sensory Story Time: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 14; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; free; 352-536-2275; fun4lakekids.com

Mayor Buddy’s Book Club: “Stuck” By Jennifer Swender: Ages 8-12 can engage in a discussion and fun activities with the author in this online event. 4 p.m.; Nov. 15; Orange County Public Library; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Shake, Rattle and Read: 11 a.m.; Nov. 16; Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks in Clermont; 352-243-1840; fun4lakekids.com

FAMILY

Free Family Funday: The event is every second Sunday of the month and includes a free miniature fine-art project and docent touring. Noon; Nov. 12; Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando; members.hispanicchamber.net

Family Studio: Ages 5-10 and their families enjoy art and exploration. 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Rollins Museum of Art, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park; free; 407-646-2526; rollins.edu

Holiday Nights: 6 p.m.; Nov. 10-12, Nov. 16; Island H20 Water Park, 3230 Inspiration Drive in Kissimmee; $29.99-$34.99; 407-910-1401; IslandH2OWaterPark.com

Saturday Night Out: Parents can plan a night out or a quiet night at home while kids enjoy games, playtime, pizza and a movie. 6 p.m.; Nov. 11; Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando; 407-387-5330; rosenjcc.org

How to Talk With Your Child: 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 14; Lake Brantley High School Media Center, 991 Sand Lake Road in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Woofie’s Grand Opening Celebration and Pet Pampering Party: 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 15; Home State Brewing Company, 16016 New Independence Parkway, #100 in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Christmas Pet and Family Photo Day: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, 13524 Summerport Village Parkway in Windermere; eventbrite.com

KIDS

JCPenney Kids Zone: 11 a.m.; Nov. 11; 2345 S. Highway 27 in Clermont; free; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Hour:  4 p.m.; Nov. 15; Orlando Cat Café, 532 Cagan Park Ave. in Clermont; $8-$10; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Open Studio: 5 p.m.; Nov. 16; Studio ArtFarm, 120 E. Fourth Ave. in Mount Dora; $12; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Paint and Ice Cream Party: Kids paint Mister Moose or Snow Pals. 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 12; Nan & Pop’s Ice Cream Shop, 351 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Suite 1005 in Longwood; eventbrite.com

Gabby’s Dollhouse: Gabby on the Go: 10 a.m.; Nov. 12; Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Blvd. in Orlando; free; eventbrite.com

OUTDOOR RECREATION

November Eco Paddle: Learn how to benefit waterways and see the Wekiva River firsthand on a canoe tour. 9 a.m.; Nov. 10; Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Drive in Longwood; eventbrite.com

NXL Paintball World Cup: 8 a.m.; Nov. 10-12; 5990 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee; nxl.ticketleap.com

Outdoor Yoga in the Sculpture Garden: In partnership with Full Circle Yoga, the event is every Sunday. 11:30 a.m.; Nov. 12; Mennello Museum of American Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando

The Florida Run: Four distances are available: Mile kids run, 5K, 10K, half-marathon. 7:30 a.m.; Nov. 11; Lake Louisa State Park, 7305 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont; trailrunner.com

Intro to Birdwatching for Junior Naturalists: 9 a.m.; Nov. 11; Johns Lake Conservation Area, 880 Avalon Road in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

PURSUITS & HOBBIES

Cornhole Tournament: Six games are guaranteed. 6 p.m.; Nov. 10; Orlando Elk Lodge, 12 N. Primrose Drive in Orlando; 407-894-1079

Fired-Up Fridays:  All makes, models and years of show-car quality are welcome. 5 p.m.; Nov. 10; The Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; free; 407-338-4811; sunsetwalk.com

Friday Night Muscle Car Show and Cruise: 3 p.m.; Nov. 10; Old Town, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee; carsandcoffeeevents.com

Cars and Coffee: The event is every second Saturday and open to all makes and models. 9 a.m.; Nov. 11; Porsche of Orlando, 9590 Highway 17 in Maitland; carsandcoffeeevents.com

Ukulele Club: The club meets every Tuesday. Registration not required. 5 p.m.; Nov. 14; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; 352-253-6180; mylakelibrary.org

Trunk Show: Discover trendy frames and exclusive deals. 10 a.m.; Nov. 10; New Vision Care, 15508 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 102 in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Symmetry Financial Group – Sales Bootcamp: 3 p.m.; Nov. 10; Hard Rock Hotel, 5800 Universal Blvd. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Sustainability Gathering: Learn to press olives into olive oil, followed by a screening of the Palestinian film “Forager.” 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; 317 Teakwood Lane in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Mindful Beauty Mini Retreat: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Au Naturale Spa and Wellness, 16201 State Road 50, Suite 305 in Clermont; eventbrite.com

Monthly Plant, Seed Swap and Sale: 10 a.m.; Nov. 12; Deltona Garden Club, 1270 Doyle Road in Deltona; free; brownpapertickets.com

Handle Turning: Learn woodturning basics and use a wood lathe to craft a custom wooden handle for an ice-cream scoop, bottle opener or pizza cutter. Noon; Nov. 14; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Not Another D+D Podcast: 8 p.m.; Nov. 15; Hard Rock Cafe, 6050 Universal Blvd. in Orlando; $56.50-$120

Latte Art Throwdown: 6 p.m.; Nov. 11; Stemma Craft Coffee, 328 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Paint a Pumpkin Bouquet With Alcohol Inks: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11; Artisans of Mount Dora, 139 E. Fourth Ave. in Mount Dora; eventbrite.com

Chigiri-e on Canvas Tote – Japanese Collage Technique on Fabric: 10 a.m.; Nov. 14; Hummingbird Studio, 930 N. Donnelly St., Suite B in Mount Dora; eventbrite.com

Exploring Watercolors (Intermediate/Advanced): Challenge yourself with new techniques and sharpen your skills. 1 p.m.; Nov. 14; Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 E. Fifth Ave. in Mount Dora; $130-$160; 352-383-0880; mountdora.com

Art and Sip: 6 p.m.; Nov. 14; Café Tu Tu Tango, 8625 International Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Glamorous Legends Duets Pageant: 6 p.m.; Nov. 13; The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive in Orlando; amorevents-llccom.ticketleap.com

Wood Finishing Basics: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 12; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Orlando Scrabble Club: The group meets on Mondays. 7 p.m.; Nov. 13; Wirz Park Recreation Building, 806 Mark David Blvd. in Casselberry; free; orlandoscrabble.com

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night: 7 p.m.; Nov. 14; The Corner Pizza Bar, 150 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; free; eventvesta.com

Trivia at Pups Pub: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 14; 317 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Trivia Night: 7 p.m.; Nov. 16; World of Beer, 431 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Pastors Conference 2023: 4 p.m.; Nov. 14-16; Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

DIY Holiday Tablescaping: 6 p.m.; Nov. 15; LiveTrends Boutique, 279 Tremaine St. in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Neo Soul Paint and Sip (Season Finale): 8 p.m.; Nov. 10; 1032 W. Robinson St. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Sell your camera gear: 10 a.m.; Nov. 10; The LensPal, 213 S. Dillard St., Suite 330 in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Musical War Car Show/Sound Competition: 10 a.m.; Nov. 11-12; Plastic Tubing Industries, 2346 Vulcan Road in Apopka; eventbrite.com

Intro to Dance: Designed to inspire even the most self-conscious to discover their inner dancer. 2 p.m.; Nov. 13; Orange County Library, West Oaks Branch, 1821 E. Silver Star Road in Ocoee; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Genealogy Conversations: Thanksgiving is the perfect time to jump-start your genealogy and family tree research. Learn how to discover information while sitting around the table in this online class. 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 15; Orange County Library; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Working with CNCs: This class is an introduction to CNC routing and offers guidance with V-Carve. Noon; Nov. 15; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Third Thursday Orlando: Celebrate arts, culture and history on the third Thursday of every month. 6 p.m.; Nov. 16; CityArts Orlando, 39 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; free; 407-648-7060; downtownartsdistrict.com

Third Thursday at The Museum: The history center is open late on the third Thursday of each month with three hours of free admission. 5 p.m.; Nov. 16; Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; free; thehistorycenter.org

Basic Watercolor Painting: 1 p.m.; Nov. 13; Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 E. Fifth Ave. in Mount Dora; $130-$160; 352-383-0880; mountdora.com

Coffee Club Nona: 8:30 a.m.; Nov. 16; Sam’s Club Lake Nona, 11920 Narcoossee Road in Orlando; free; eocc.chambermaster.com

Community Bingo: 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 16; Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando; $20; 407-387-2743; rosenjcc.org

Answer. Many of our favorite flowering plants are susceptible to a disease called rust. Besides the plumeria — also known as the frangipani and the lei flower — hollyhocks and cannas are also affected. The decline noted is caused by a fungus that flourishes during warm to hot, damp weather. During dry times, rust is seldom noticed. As you observed, the leaves yellow and masses of orange spores form on their lower surface. Normally gardeners apply a fungicide as soon as the leaf decline with orange spores are noted. Several fungicides are available at garden centers that list rust control on the label to treat the disease. Repeat sprays are likely to be needed during moist weather following label instructions. Since your plumeria is being affected so late in the season and leaves are going to drop for the winter, sprays are likely to be of little value until late spring when the disease returns. Do gather and dispose of the affected leaves.

Q. I am planning to create hanging baskets of petunias in former containers. The baskets are about twelve inches in diameter.  How many petunias do I need?

A. Most likely, you are trying to stretch your gardening dollars as the price of all plants, soil and containers has risen over the last few years. If you want to really save money, place one petunia in the center of each hanging basket filled with fresh potting soil. With good watering and fertilizing practices, it can gradually fill the container with foliage and flowers. Obtain a quicker basket of color, but at triple the cost by using three petunias spaced an inch or two from the edge around the container. With three plants, you can add more than one color to the hanging baskets.

Q. We try to grow beets but have not been successful. What is the secret?

A. A beet crop is in your future if you start the seed during the cooler weather. November and December are great months to make the plantings. Beets are sold in packets of small capsules that contain several seeds each. Plant the capsules in a prepared garden site about an inch apart. Cover with up to a quarter inch of soil and keep moist. The seeds should germinate within seven to ten days. Notice clusters of beet plants usually sprout from the capsules. You may need to thin the plants as they grow older to one plant every inch or two. Keep moist and fertilize monthly for a crop to pull and eat tops and roots in about 90 days.

Q. We are planting a new landscape. What are the important steps when adding new shrubs?

A. Start the planting by making sure the root balls are thoroughly moist. This may mean setting the plants still in their pots in containers of water for a few minutes. Next, dig a hole for the new shrubs that is wider but no deeper than the root ball. It would be best if the hole were not quite as deep as the root ball so the top can be set an inch or two above ground level. Then, set the plants in their holes and fill them with soil. Add a two to four-inch berm of soil at the edge of the root ball. Use this to direct water down through the root ball. Water daily the first week or two and every two to three days during the drier months through spring.

Q. Our sago has dark green leaves at first, but then they turn brown. We have applied palm food and magnesium. What can we do?

A. Browning of new sago leaves does suggest a nutrient deficiency. But it’s usually a lack of manganese that causes the plant to decline. You have applied a general palm fertilizer that may contain some manganese but probably not enough to correct a deficiency. You have also applied magnesium, which is often confused with manganese. Give the plant a manganese sulfate application following label instructions. One application is all that is needed. New growth produced a month or more after treatment normally continues the good green color.

November in the garden

Q. Now that the crape myrtles have stopped flowering, is it safe to trim the branches to the desired height?  Will winter affect these trees?

A. Winter damage is likely to occur if you prune the crape myrtles at this time. The tree forms and shrubs need a rest period, often referred to as dormancy. This is the way they prepare for spring growth and resist cold damage. If crape myrtles are pruned during fall, they are likely to sprout new shoots and continue growth into the winter. This makes them more susceptible to freezing temperatures. Similar damage may occur if the trees are growing under nighttime lights that keep them in a growth phase. Wait until January or February to do major pruning. Of course, a shoot that is in your way can be removed at any time.

Q. I purchased several pumpkins at a local market and would like to keep the seeds to grow more plants. What should I do, and when are pumpkins planted?

A. Pumpkins are fun to grow for more than jack-o-lanterns. The seeds are kind of sticky, so remove them from the center of the pumpkins and wash them off a little. Then, place them on wax paper or aluminum foil to dry indoors out of the sun. After drying for a day or two, place them in a jar or plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. The next planting time for pumpkins is March. The crop needs about 100 days to produce a ready-to-use fruit. The biggest problems are leaf spots and caterpillars, so keep the sprays handy. They should also be fed lightly once a month with a general garden fertilizer. Pumpkins can be planted again in July or August to have some available for Halloween or fall dishes.

Tom MacCubbin is an urban horticulturist emeritus with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Write him: Orlando Sentinel, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL. 32802. Email: TomMac1996@aol.com. 

These reluctant onlookers unite in their cry to End Porch Pollution! We don’t care how you treat the inside of your home. (Well, I kind of do.) We have to look at the outside, and we’re asking you to clean up. 

(If this article happens to find its way into the mailbox of such a home, I won’t say a word about who put it there.) 

The idea for today’s missive came to me a few weeks ago from a fed-up reader who wrote: 

Marni, You once wrote an article about how to decorate your porch. How about an article on how to undecorate your porch? Honestly, it has gotten out of hand. In my neighborhood, porches are “decorated” with signs, chairs, tables, lamps, stools, end tables, pillows, rugs, plants, planters, wreaths, string lights, mini refrigerators, lawn statues, fake trees, wicker deer, swings, hammocks and more, sometimes all on one porch! Can you please tell your readers to throw away half of what they have on their porches, then stand back and take a good look, and throw away half of what is still left?  Thanks, Marlene

So, Marlene, how do you really feel? I kid, but her email makes a good point. We talk a lot in this column about decluttering the inside of our homes, but we shouldn’t ignore the rooms outside. In fact, decluttering and thoughtfully furnishing our porches and patios may be more important because so many more people see them. If your indoors are a cluttered mess, at least you can pull the blinds.

Marni Jameson: Helping with housing one family at a time

“The way you treat your backyard should be no different from how you treat your living room,” said Tony Evans, an Orlando-based landscape designer. “Don’t junk it up.” That is, don’t put the wicker settee next to a leaky wheelbarrow and a bag of manure.

Editing is essential when creating an outdoor space that not only looks good to others but also makes you want to be there, he added. Ideally, your outdoor space should look like an extension of your interior.

New York architect Jimmy Crisp, author of “On the Porch” (Taunton Press), echoes that sentiment: “A look around many neighborhoods across America suggests that people should be a little more conscientious about what they put on their porches. Many miss the opportunity to use their porches to connect with friends and talk to neighbors because these areas are so uninviting.” 

In other words, if people aren’t stopping by because you have a kiddie toilet and a plastic garden gnome on your porch, you might be a redneck.

Rightsizing secret: A little bit of great beats a lot of mediocre

Here’s how Evans and Crisp suggest you cut porch and patio pollution and do yourselves and your neighbors a favor: 

1. Don’t use it as storage. Resist the urge to use your porch or patio as a substitute for your garage, shed or basement. Just because it doesn’t belong in the house doesn’t mean it belongs on the patio, Evans said. 
2. Start with good basics. Hit pause before you buy four flimsy chairs. Because outdoor furniture has to withstand the elements, which is almost as hard on furniture as toddlers and teens, make it bombproof. “Splurge on your porch furniture the same way you would on furniture for your favorite room in the house,” Crisp said. “When I bought my outdoor furniture, I was shocked by the cost, but I invested, and it has lasted 20 years. As a result, we spend a huge amount of time outdoors.” 
3. Put comfort first. Because no one wants to kick back and relax in a hard plastic chair, choose comfortable soft seating that makes you want to stay a while. Add a coffee or dining table and maybe an end table or two to set a beverage and a book on. If you have the room, add a rocker or a swinging bench. Don’t over-furnish. Let space be your guide.
4. Apply indoor decluttering advice outdoors, too. Edit, edit, edit. We all tend to add but not subtract. Constantly critique your outdoor space. Try to see it as others do. If it looks too busy or over-furnished, pare it back.
5. Keep your politics inside. If Crisp had his way, he would ban political yard signs. “They are a real peeve of mine,” he said. “You see opposing views right next door to each other. It’s like an argument that never ends.”
6. Make cleaning easy. Dirt is a constant outside. The less you have on your porch, the easier it is to clean. Because the trees in Crisp’s yard drop leaves, seeds, pollen and debris on his porch all year, he keeps a hose and a battery-powered leaf blower handy to clean off the decking and seat cushions. “Having a lot of small trinkets around would make that more difficult.” 
7. Accessorize with purpose. Reduce the clutter on your porch or patio by embellishing it only with items you will use. Beyond live plants, which do belong, accessorize with only functional items. In my outdoor sitting area, I keep a pair of glass lanterns on the table, which hold candles that I light every time we dine outside. Other useful décor may include a stack of firewood, a bench with built-in storage for throws, a heat lamp, or a mister. But think twice before you set out that fake tree or wicker deer. 

Marni Jameson is the author of the forthcoming Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow: A Motivational Guide for Those Seeking Their Ideal Home Later in Life, due out Jan. 2, and six more home and lifestyle books, including  What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want, and Downsizing the Family Home – What to Save, What to Let Go. You may reach her at marnijameson.com.

Kevin James: The Irregardless Tour:  8 p.m.; Nov. 4; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Ron Feingold Comedy Series – Troy Thirdgill: 8 p.m.; Nov. 4; Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont; $25; clermontperformingarts.com

DJ Rybski: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 7; Orlando Improv, 9101 International Drive in Orlando; $32-$42; 407-480-5233; theimprovorlando.com

Richard Villa: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 8; Orlando Improv, 9101 International Drive in Orlando; $32-$42; 407-480-5233; theimprovorlando.com

Slide Deck — Comedians Delivering a Presentation on What’s Important: 9 p.m.; Nov. 8; Bull and Bush Pub, 2408 E. Robinson St. in Orlando; free; eventbrite.com

Nacho Redondo: The show is entirely in Spanish. 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 9; Orlando Improv, 9101 International Drive in Orlando; $36-$46; 407-480-5233; theimprovorlando.com

MOVIES

“The Stones and Brian Jones”: 9:30 p.m.; Nov. 8; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles”: Enjoy an outdoor movie in a beautiful garden, which opens at 6 p.m. Movie is 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 3; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando; leugardens.org

“Hummus Full Trailer”: 6:45 p.m.; Nov. 6; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“Frozen”: This is part of the monthly Popcorn Flicks in the Park series. 7 p.m.; Nov. 9; Central Park, 150 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park; free; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“The Other Widow”: 4:15 p.m.; Nov. 6; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“Farewell, Mr. Haffmann”: 7 p.m.; Nov. 7; Orlando Science Center Digital Adventure Theater, 777 E. Princeton St. in Orlando; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with Shadow Cast:This event is for those 18 and older. 9 p.m.; Nov. 3; Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford; $20; 407-321-8111; ritztheatersanford.com

“Tokyo Gore Police”:11:59 p.m. Nov. 3; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“Computer Chess”: 11 a.m.; Nov. 4; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

“Queen of the Deuce”: 2 p.m.; Nov. 5; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

FilmSlam 2023: 2 p.m.; Nov. 5; Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando; filmslam.eventbrite.com

FOOD

First Friday Food Trucks: 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 3; Montrose Street in downtown Clermont

Farm to Table Class: Bring on the Conch Peas: 10 a.m.; Nov. 8; Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; $3; 352-343-4101; longandscottfarms.ticketspice.com

Flamenco Fridays:  Enjoy Spanish tapas and shareable pans of paella while flamenco dancers entertain. 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 3; Jaleo Disney Springs, 1482 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando; free; jaleo.com

Weekend Brunch Fiesta with Live Music: Enjoy Mexican brunch specialties, margaritas, OJ mimosas and live music. 11 a.m.; Nov. 5; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 520-440-4916; eventvesta.com

Live Music and Meals: Enjoy tacos, wood-fired dishes and craft cocktails. 6 p.m.; Nov. 3-4; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 520-440-4916

Fashion Brunch: 11 a.m.; Nov. 5; Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave., Suite 1800 in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Casselberry Food & Wine Festival: 6 p.m.; Nov. 6; Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry; eventbrite.com

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Getdown Downtown Street Party:  6 p.m.; Nov. 3; Maitland Independence Square, 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland; free; 407-539-6223; itsmymaitland.com

College Park JazzFest: 5 p.m.; Nov. 4; Edgewater Drive in Orlando; $15-$20; 321-353-4856;  members.collegeparkmainstreet.com

Collective Corner Local Pop-Up Market: Noon; Nov. 4; Succulents Empire, 1700 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; free; bungalower.com

Greek Fest: 4 p.m.; Nov. 3-5; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1217 Trinity Woods Lane in Maitland; free; 407-331-4687; orlandogreekfest.com

Rum and Reggae Festival: 2 p.m.; Nov. 4; Apopka Amphitheater, 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway in Apopka; eventbrite.com

Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival: 11 a.m.; Nov. 3-5, Nov. 9; 16651 Schofield Road in Clermont; $21.95-$24.95; 407-986-5806; fun4lakekids.com

Plant and Garden Fair: 9 a.m.; Nov. 4; Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora; mountdoraplantandgardenfair.com

Brighter Days Community Fair: 11 a.m.; Nov. 4; Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center, 800 Grand St. in Orlando; free; 407-893-0133, ext. 612; eventbrite.com

Fall Festival and Corn Maze: 10 a.m.; Nov. 4-5; Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; $15-$18; 352-383-6900; visitgreatscott.com

Fall Fiesta in the Park: 10 a.m.; Nov. 4; Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; 352-217-8390; fiestainthepark.com

Florida Canna Fest: 10 a.m.; Nov. 4-5; Renninger’s Twin Markets, 20651 U.S. Highway 441 in Mount Dora; eventbrite.com

Maker Faire: The celebration features local do-it-yourself science, art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, music and hands-on activities. 10 a.m.; Nov. 4-5; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; $15-$20; makerfaireorlando.com

Audubon Park Community Market: 5 p.m.; Nov. 6; Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road in Orlando; stardustvideoandcoffee.wordpress.com

Festapalooza: 10 a.m.; Nov. 4; Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1061 W. Comstock Ave. in Winter Park; bungalower.com

Orlando Outdoor Market: 7 a.m.; Nov. 4-5; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; centralfloridafair.com

Orlando Farmers Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 5; Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; downtownorlando.com

Clermont Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Nov. 5; Montrose Street in downtown Clermont

Lake Mary Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Nov. 4; Central Park at City Hall, 100 N. Country Club Road in Lake Mary; 407-585-1460; facebook.com

Maitland Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Nov. 5; Independence Square, 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland; 407-539-6223; itsmymaitland.com

Mount Dora Village Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 5; 230 N. Alexander St. in Mount Dora; mountdora.com

Enterprise Farmers Market: 10 a.m.; Nov. 5; Enterprise Museum, 360 Main St. in Enterprise

FUNDRAISERS

Coffee and Classics Car Show: Proceeds benefit Sorrento Elementary students. 9 a.m.; Nov. 4; Sorrento Elementary School, 24605 Wallick Road in Sorrento; eventbrite.com

East Orlando Chamber Local Charities Luncheon: 11 a.m.; Nov. 8; Holiday Inn East – UCF Area, 1724 N. Alafaya Trail in Orlando; eocc.org

Orlando Walk-n-Roll: The event for spina bifida is a family-friendly, non-competitive walk featuring entertainment, music, and sponsors from community organizations and businesses. 10 a.m.; Nov. 4; Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd. in Orlando; free; 202-221-5310; give.sbaa.org

Inaugural Johnston Family Day: 10 a.m.; Nov. 4; Orange County National, 16301 Phil Ritson Way in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Project Mod Fashion Gala: The event offers food and refreshments, a fashion show and women’s clothing for sale at a discounted price. 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 4; Remnant Christian Center, 170 S. Washington Ave. in Apopka; eventbrite.com

LITERARY ARTS

Story Time: 11 a.m.; Nov. 3; Minneola Library, 100 S. Main Ave. in Minneola; 352-432-3921; fun4lakekids.com

Baby and Me Story Time: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 6; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; free; 352-536-2275; fun4lakekids.com

Baby’s First Fall Festival: Bring your little one and meet up with friends for a baby story time and autumn fun. 10:15 a.m.; Nov. 6; Orange County Library, Southeast Branch, 5575 S. Semoran Blvd.. in Orlando; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Story Time: Share stories, songs and fun with your little one the first Monday of each month at this indoor event. 10 a.m.; Nov. 6; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando; free; 407-246-2620; leugardens.org

Read to the Dogs: All ages are invited to join the PAWS Therapy Dogs every first Tuesday of the month for an hour. 4 p.m.; Nov. 7; Minneola Library, 100 S. Main Ave. in Minneola; mylakelibrary.org

Toddler Sensory Story Time: 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 7; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; free; 352-536-2275; fun4lakekids.com

Writers of Central Florida or Thereabouts: 8 p.m.; Nov. 8; Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road in Orlando; stardustvideoandcoffee.wordpress.com

FAMILY

Celebrate Veterans Day: Show support and make a patriotic craft to honor national heroes. Recommended for families with children ages 5-up. 4:30 p.m.; Nov. 9; Orange County Library, South Creek Branch, 1702 Deerfield Blvd. in Orlando; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Rollins Family Weekend: Nov. 3-5; Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park; rollins.edu

First Saturday: History Alive: 11 a.m.; Nov. 4; Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; up to $8; 407-836-8500; thehistorycenter.org

Holiday Nights: 6 p.m.; Nov. 8-9; Island H20 Water Park, 3230 Inspiration Drive in Kissimmee; $29.99-$34.99; 407-910-1401; IslandH2OWaterPark.com

KIDS

Kids Open Studio: 5 p.m.; Nov. 9; Studio ArtFarm, 120 E. Fourth Ave. in Mount Dora; $12; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Hour: 4 p.m.; Nov. 8; Orlando Cat Café, 532 Cagan Park Ave. in Clermont; $8-$10; fun4lakekids.com

Navajo Weaving: Learn about the Navajo Nation through this hands-on project for ages 6–10. 3:30 p.m.; Nov. 7; Orange County Library, Eatonville Branch, 200 E. Kennedy Blvd.. in Eatonville; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Student Leadership Institute: 8 a.m.; Nov. 8-9; Disney’s Contemporary Resort, 4600 N. World Drive in Lake Buena Vista; eventbrite.com

OUTDOOR RECREATION

CARE Foundation Wildlife Celebration: 10 a.m.; Nov. 4-5; 4609 W. Ponkan Road in Apopka; $5-$10; 407-247-8948; fun4lakekids.com

Flow and Grow – Yoga By the Rose Garden: 7 a.m.; Nov. 4; 17530 Hartwood Marsh Road in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Outdoor Yoga in the Sculpture Garden: In partnership with Full Circle Yoga, the event is every Sunday. 11:30 a.m.; Nov. 5; Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando.

Great Outdoors Day: 10 a.m.; Nov. 4; Lakefront Park, 1402 Lakeshore Blvd. in St. Cloud; 407-957-7300; stcloudfl.gov

PURSUITS & HOBBIES

Womens Council of Realtors Casino Night: 6 p.m.; Nov. 3; Gabby’s Event Venue, 699 S. U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont; eventbrite.com

Tales of Terror and Nightmares Haunted House: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 3; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; 407-295-3247; centralfloridafair.com

Bricks, Bands-N-Dumbbells: This full-body workout offers dancing, singing and calorie-burning. 10 a.m.; Nov. 4; House of Sweat, 985 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Central Florida International Auto Show:  Noon; Nov. 3-5; Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive in Orlando; $10-$15; 415-380-8390; orlandoautoshow.com

Cornhole Tournament: The indoor event is every Friday and six games are guaranteed. 6 p.m.; Nov. 3; Orlando Elks Lodge, 12 N. Primrose Drive in Orlando; $20; 407-894-1079

NXL Paintball World Cup: 8 a.m.; Nov. 9; 5990 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee; nxl.ticketleap.com

Friday Night Muscle Car Show and Cruise: 3 p.m.; Nov. 3; Old Town, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee; carsandcoffeeevents.com

Show Car Saturday Nights: All makes and models are welcome and displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard. Nov. 4; Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; stungbykia.com

Fired-Up Fridays:  All makes, models and years of show-car quality are welcome at the car and truck event. 5 p.m.; Nov. 3; The Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; free; 407-338-4811; sunsetwalk.com

Kristallnacht Commemorative Program: Kristallnacht, also known as the “November Pogrom,” owes its name to the shards of shattered glass that lined German streets in the wake of violence directed at Jews and Jewish-owned businesses. 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 8; Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center, 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland; free; 407-628-0555; holocaustedu.org

Gars and Fashions — Smoke and Cocktail Party: 5 p.m.; Nov. 5; MYLounge, 7958 Via Dellagio Way in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Music Relaxation and Meditation: 7 p.m.; Nov. 8; Healthy West Orange Building, 1200 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Native Plants for HOAs: 11 a.m.; Nov. 5; Wekiva Community Club, 197 N. Hunt Club Boulevard in Wekiwa Springs; eventbrite.com

Merchant Monday: Merchants in east Orange County are invited to the event, presented by Trustco Bank in partnership with the East Orlando Chamber. 8 a.m.; Nov. 6; Trustco Bank, 12901 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando; eocc.chambermaster.com

Orlando Scrabble Club: The club meets on Mondays. 7 p.m.; Nov. 6; Wirz Park Recreation Building, 806 Mark David Blvd. in Casselberry; free; orlandoscrabble.com

Acrylic Pen Turning: Learn turning basics using a wood lathe to turn a custom acrylic pen body for a pen hardware kit. Noon; Nov. 7; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night:  7 p.m.; Nov. 7; The Corner Pizza Bar, 150 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; free; eventvesta.com

Live Trivia at Pups Pub: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 7; 317 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Trivia Night: 7 p.m.; Nov. 9; World of Beer, 431 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Vegetable Gardening Basics With Master Growers of Orange County: 7 p.m.; Nov. 7; Maitland Public Library, 501 Maitland Ave. South in Maitland; free; 407-647-7700; maitlandpubliclibrary.org

100 Years of the Orange County Library System, 1923–2023: 11 a.m.; Nov. 8; Orlando Public Library, Albertson Room, 101 E. Central Blvd.. in Orlando; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

Backyard Open Mic: 6 p.m.; Nov. 9; The Veranda at Thornton Park, 707 E. Washington St. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Education Day: 10 a.m.; Nov. 3; Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, 2491 Babb Road in Kissimmee; 407-396-8644; osceolahistory.org

Cooper Crafters Group: Bring your current project. The group meets every Thursday. Registration is not required. 2 p.m.; Nov. 9; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; 352-253-6180; mylakelibrary.org

East Orlando Chamber of Commerce Coffee Club Downtown: 8:30 a.m.; Nov. 9; American Freight Furniture, 4308 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando; 407-277-5951; eocc.chambermaster.com

Pastfinders Research: The in-person or virtual event through Zoom uses the British library and UK archives to find ancestors. 4:30 p.m.; Nov. 9; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; mylakelibrary.org

Food Bank Volunteers: Help is needed to sort food and pack boxes for Thanksgiving food distribution. 9:30 a.m.; Nov. 4; Southeastern Food Bank Warehouse, 655 N. Kissimmee Ave. in Ocoee; eventbrite.com

Answer. All garden center plants have greatly increased in cost due to higher prices for supplies and labor at the nurseries. You may notice petunia and other flower and vegetable seeds are also more expensive. One petunia seed of the newer varieties can cost about fifty cents. Older varieties are much cheaper but can be as much as a nickel. Yes, petunia seeds are small, about twice the size of a period at the end of a sentence. Some companies offer pelleted individual seeds to make sowing easier. Use a germination mix in which to sow petunia and other small seeds. Scatter them lightly across the mix. Do not cover, but use a misting bottle to gently water the surface, which slightly moves the seeds into the mix. Keep moist, and germination should occur within 7-10 days. Transplant to individual small containers when two to four leaves are present on the seedlings. Fertilize with a liquid product for flowers mixed at half strength every other week when the seedlings start growing.

Q. I have a tall crape myrtle that fills with Spanish moss. I had the moss removed once, but it grew back. I don’t want to cut the tree form back, so what can I do?

A. Could there be a love affair between crape myrtles and Spanish moss?  It often fills these shrubs and tree forms.  Sometimes, the moss totally envelops crape myrtles, which seem to cause their decline.  Actually, these crape myrtles are probably already in decline or not very vigorous, and the Spanish moss takes advantage of the weak limbs to make good growth. Moss can be pulled from crape myrtles. Some use a rake to reach the moss and pull it out.  Moss is also susceptible to copper fungicides. If sprayed on the shrubs or tree forms, it will slowly cause the moss to decline and gradually drop off the plants. Should you want to use this treatment, obtain a product labeled for crape myrtles or ornamentals and follow the instructions for use on these plants.

The Plant Doctor: Golden rain tree provides fall vibes in Florida

Q. We did not do much pruning during the summer months, and our trees have low-hanging branches. Can we remove them at this time?

A. Feel free to do this needed pruning on normally hardy trees and shrubs. Only plants that produce growth that could be damaged by freezes would be best not given a major pruning until mid to late February. But, even cold-sensitive plants could have out-of-bounds or lower limbs removed as needed.

Q. I am raising a good crop of corn, but caterpillars are feeding on the leaves. What can I spray that won’t affect the ears I eventually harvest?

A.  Brown dingy moths are flying in to lay eggs that produce the larvae or caterpillars you are finding in your corn planting. Sometimes, wasps come to gather the caterpillars and take them back to their nests, which is a good natural control. But, when the damage and pests are extensive, a spray may be needed. Gardeners can use the natural spinosad-containing insecticides. They are of low toxicity, and most are labeled for use in organic plantings. This insecticide can be found at independent garden centers under the Bonide, Fertilome or Southern Ag labels in products for caterpillar control. Just follow the label for proper application.

Q. Azalea bushes in front of our home have become overgrown – we did not prune them this year.  Can you give me some hints on trimming?

A. Why not wait until after the winter through spring blooms are over?  Major trimming now would remove the flower buds that have formed and are starting to swell at the ends of the shoots. You could remove errant shoots that have grown out of bounds as they seldom have flower buds present. The next major pruning time for azaleas is usually April through May.  You can then reduce the height and width of the plantings as needed. This is also a good time to remove some of the older stems and declining portions. Opening up the shrubs a little allows new vigorous shoots to develop that are resistant to pest problems that often cause whole plants to decline.

Q. I noticed one of my trees has a web on the trunk and some of the branches.  Do I need to treat it?

A. Maybe your tree is getting a head start on its Halloween disguise, or maybe this is the work of some scary but harmless psocid insects. My guess is this is the latter, and these insects, often called tree cattle, have been quite active during the summer and early fall. The small insects resemble leaf hoppers when you spot them in the trees. Often, all gardeners see are the webs spun by psocids to rear their young. If you don’t like their decorating, use a strong stream of water to dislodge the webbing. Otherwise, it can be ignored

Q. I have a Bahia lawn that is filling with yellow flowering oxalis. What is the best way to eliminate this weed?

A. Yellow flowered oxalis with clover-like leaves might make a pretty ground cover, but not if you are trying to grow a Bahia lawn. This weed is built to multiply, sporting rocket-like capsules that can propel seeds ten feet or more. The trick is to get the plants under control before they send out the next generation into the surrounding lawn. Select a liquid weed control product to control broadleaf weeds like oxalis in your Bahia lawn. When applied as labeled, the broadleaf weeds should begin to curl their leaves and fade away. Heavily infested areas may need a second application following label instructions, but you can beat the oxalis.

Tom MacCubbin is an urban horticulturist emeritus with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Write him: Orlando Sentinel, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL. 32802. Email: TomMac1996@aol.com. 

Average temperature:  High 79, low 59

Rainfall: 2.32 inches

1. The moon phases

Last quarter: Nov. 5

New moon: Nov. 13

First quarter: Nov. 20

Full moon: Nov. 27

2. Moon sign planting dates

Above-ground crops: 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26

Below-ground crops: 2, 3, 7, 8, 29, 30

Control weeds and pests: 1, 18, 19, 27, 28

Prune trees and shrubs: 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 23, 24

November plantings

3. Vegetables: Beet, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collard, endive,  kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onion, pea, radicchio, radish, rhubarb,  rutabaga, spinach, Swiss chard and turnip

4. Flowers: Ageratum, alyssum, baby’s breath, black-eyed Susan, bush daisy, calendula, California poppy,  candytuff, carnation, cat’s whiskers, chrysanthemum, cleome, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, dusty miller, foxglove, gaillardia, geranium, goldenrod, heliotrope, hollyhocks, Iceland poppy, impatiens, larkspur, lobelia, ornamental cabbage & kale, pansy, petunia, phlox, salvia, shasta daisy, snapdragon, stock, sweet pea, verbena, viola and wax begonias

5. Herbs: Anise, arugula, basil, borage,  chive, cardamon, chervil, cilantro, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, Mexican tarragon, mint,  nasturtium, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, thyme and watercress

6. Bulbs: African iris, amaryllis, anemone, bulbine, crinum, day lily, rain lily, ranunculus, society garlic, spider lily and narcissus;  refrigerate Dutch iris, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and similar bulbs needing a cold treatment before flowering

Vegetable & fruit gardening

7. Let’s hope for cool weather but no freezes for our fall and winter vegetable gardens.

8. Waste no time planting crops that like the cool weather into February.

9. Where there is limited space, plan plantings carefully so as not to grow too much of one thing.

10. Remove declining crops and replant immediately after amending soils.

11. Herbs like the cooler weather, too; begin new plantings and revive older ones.

12. Teach younger family members to garden by helping to plant and tend the crops.

13. Tomato and pepper planting time is over until spring.

14. Allow garden soils to dry a little; water when the surface soil begins to dry to the touch.

15. Improve sandy soils with garden soil, compost, peat moss and composted manure.

16. Feed the garden every 3 to 4 weeks with composted manure or a general garden fertilizer.

17. Stake or trellis taller growing crops to prevent wind damage and pests.

18. Maintain a mulch between plants and rows to conserve water and control weeds.

19. Caterpillars often feed in cool season gardens; hand pick or use natural controls.

20. Build raised beds to better contain plantings and make their care easier.

21. Give bananas and pineapples a final fall feeding with a general garden fertilizer.

22. Many early citrus are ready to harvest; use the taste test to tell when they are ripe.

23. Feeding time for citrus should be completed; feeding time for other fruit trees is over.

24. Water citrus trees once or twice each week during the dry times.

25. Add new citrus or other fruiting trees to the landscape, but be ready to protect from freezes.

26. Sow papaya seeds to overwinter in containers.

27. Delay pruning fruit plantings until late January or February.

Lawn care

28. Many lawns had a tough summer due to varying rains; start needed repairs.

29. Fall is a good time to sod or plug problem areas in lawns; delay Bahia seeding until spring.

30. Feeding time is over for Bahia, centipede and Zoysia lawns.

31. Give St. Augustine lawns one more feeding with a quality turf fertilizer around mid-month.

32. Brown or large patch disease can be severe in Zoysia; apply a fungicide in early November.

33. Eastern Standard Time returns Nov. 5; watering is usually limited to once a week.

34. Water lawns separately from trees and shrubs that need less moisture.

35. Repair and adjust sprinklers to water efficiently.

36. Chinch bug and caterpillar control may still be needed during warm fall weather.

37. Have lawn soil tested by the University of Florida lab to ensure proper feeding.

38. Lawns low in potassium can be given extra winter protection with a late-month application.

39. Apply herbicides for your lawn type if needed for broadleaf and sedge weed control.

40. Continue mowing at normal heights; change directions to avoid ruts.

41. Aerate hard to wet, compacted and nematode-infected soils.

42. Sow ryegrass in barren areas for a temporary lawn starting in late November.

43. Remove and compost fallen leaves.

44. Fill in shady problem spots with ornamental ground covers.

45. Service lawn care equipment during the fall and winter months.

Landscape plantings

46. Periods of dry weather caused many shrubs to decline; prune out dead and increase care.

47. Use the cool weather to add new trees, shrubs and ground covers to the landscape.

48. Check container plants for adequate drainage; roots often fill holes in pots and planters.

49. Now is a time to decide what to keep and groom; discard declining plants and replace them.

50. Keep the root balls of new plantings moist with frequent hand waterings.

51. Fall is a good time to renew mulches; only a light topping is normally needed.

52. Pruning time is over for azaleas, gardenias, hydrangeas and camellias.

53. Poinsettias have initiated the flowering process; pruning time is over, but water and fertilize.

54. Palms can still be pruned but only remove declining fronds and flowering or fruiting stalks.

55. Palm diseases may be spread by pruners; disinfect at least between palms.

56. Remove declining warm season flowers and replace them with the cool season selections.

57. Experiment with combinations of flowers and foliage in container plantings.

58. Work organic matter into flower beds and replace soil in planters before planting.

59. Slow-release fertilizers are an easy way to feed flower beds and containers.

60. Extend chrysanthemum life; remove faded flowers, keep the soil moist and feed lightly.

61. Some gingers, caladiums, achimenes and cannas normally decline; trim out dead.

62. Mealybugs have been heavy this year on shrubs and foliage plants; use a natural spray.

63. Leaf spots and die-back are normal on many trees and perennials as they prepare for winter.

64. Hurricane season ends November 30; select small, sturdy trees for new plantings

65. Remove limbs and weeds interfering with sprinklers.

66. Complete all tree, palm and shrub feedings by mid-month.

67. Collect and refrigerate your favorite flower seeds in plastic bags and store them in the refrigerator.

68. Hurry to create wildflower plantings that won’t flower until spring.

69. Reduce feedings of orchids and bromeliads in the landscape as the weather cools.

70. Divide perennials and bulbs

71. Form compost piles to recycle yard waste.

72. Clean birdbaths and prepare feeders for winter.

73. Reduce feedings of water garden plantings

Foliage and house plant care

74. Plant new narcissus and amaryllis bulbs in containers to begin growth for holiday blooms.

75. Remember, no nighttime light for holiday plants until they begin to bloom.

76. Water holiday cactus and kalanchoe when the soil dries to the touch; keep poinsettias moist.

77. Many outdoor foliage and bulbs have weeds in their containers; remove and repot if needed.

78. Check and treat outdoor plants for insects before bringing them indoors.

79. Discontinue or reduce foliage plant feedings to every other month.

80. Begin moving cold-sensitive foliage plants indoors.

81. Indoor foliage needs less water during fall and winter; water when the soil starts to dry.

82. Poinsettias start appearing at garden centers; obtain them early to last the holidays.

83. Locate holiday plants in bright light and away from drafts.

84. Trim & move chrysanthemums outdoors where they may rebloom.

85. Order gift plants for friends so they arrive before the holidays.

Tom MacCubbin is an urban horticulturist emeritus with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Write him: Orlando Sentinel, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL. 32802. Email: TomMac1996@aol.com. 

The story takes place in Northfield, Minnesota, a small town with a big heart and home to the Hernandez family.

Victor and Lorena Hernandez (whose names I’ve changed for privacy) came to the United States from Mexico twenty years ago while still teenagers. They then met, married and had three children, overcoming language, immigration and citizenship barriers along the way. For two decades, they have worked hard and paid taxes. Victor works in manufacturing and does landscaping on the side. Lorena cleans houses. They both provide janitorial services for the local parish.

Their hard-earned money goes to support their immediate family, their extended family in Mexico and to pay rent for a rundown two-bedroom apartment. For them, the American dream of owning a home remained just that — a dream. 

That changed when the priest at their parish introduced them to Bob Thacker and Karen Cherewatuk. The couple, also of Northfield, had long been concerned about the lack of affordable housing in their area but weren’t sure how they could help.  

As they came to know Victor and Lorena, they got to thinking maybe they couldn’t solve the housing crisis, but they could help one deserving family own a home.

They began looking for an inexpensive house to renovate, but the houses in Northfield start at $300,000. Then, while on a bike ride, they came across an abandoned, falling-down house that had been vacant for two years. They contacted the owner, an elderly woman, who had moved out and into a condo because the house had become too much for her.

When Bob and Karen told her of their desire to renovate the house to help a family, not for any financial profit, she gladly sold them the classic Midwest American farmhouse circa 1890 for $80,000.

Bob, Karen, Victor, and Lorena got to work. Soon, many community members joined them. “We filled eight dumpsters just cleaning the property up,” Bob said. Ultimately, he and Karen put another $110,000 of their personal money into the three-bedroom home, with the understanding the Hernandezes would get financing and pay them back. The value of the donations and free labor that poured into the nonprofit charity they worked with easily surpassed their contribution. 

Make room for baby and all the stuff that goes with them

“I felt like Tom Sawyer painting the fence,” Bob said. “Everyone who came along thought pitching in would be a great idea.” Nobody worked harder than the Hernandezes, including their kids. 

Last Labor Day, after eight months of renovating, the Hernandez family moved in. “We had a fiesta and thanked everyone who worked on the house,” Bob said. “Over 150 people came, including the local priest who blessed the house and each room inside.”

Victor addressed the crowd in tears, thanking everyone for making possible a dream he never thought could come true: a home for his children and grandchildren. 

“The house wasn’t a charity project,” Bob said. “It was a leg-up project. Everyone knew the couple was going to buy the house.” They simply built the bridge between the impossible and the possible.

For now, the Hernandezes make monthly payments to Bob and Karen, with all payments going directly against the principle. When interest rates come down, they will take out a bank loan, which they’ve been approved for, and pay off the note. 

“When the money comes back to us, we want to do this again,” Bob said.

If your heart isn’t warmed now, check your pulse. 

Bob hopes others might be inspired to repeat the model in their communities. Here’s the formula: 

• Get good guidance. Bob knew the woman who ran the local Habitat for Humanity and sought her advice. Although The Starfish House (as they named it) is similar to a Habitat for Humanity house in that both models help families realize affordable housing, which the future owners help build, Habitat homes are typically new construction, while the Starfish model renovates existing houses. “Habitat has this down to a science, and were a great resource,” Bob said. Other professionals were also consulted. Three bankers offered free financial advice. A lawyer offered free legal counsel, and a local architect assessed the house, offering ways to make it more secure at no charge. 
• Tap the community. For construction help, Bob asked and quickly found talented framers, drywallers and carpenters, some retired, who wanted to be part of something special. Nearly 100 local residents volunteered to help with demolition, carpentry, painting and gardening. Two carpenters built a new front porch. A talented kitchen and bathroom designer helped with both those areas. 
• Watch for finds. The Starfish team scoured the streets and curbs for useful castoffs. “We became consummate dumpster divers,” Bob said. They trolled Facebook Marketplace, where they found someone offering free patio stones if you dug them up and hauled them away, which Victor did, and then used the stones to build a patio and wall. If they couldn’t find free, they found frugal. They got deals at a builder outlet that sold items, such as doors, cabinets and sinks, that contractors returned unused. Bob bought a large Anderson window that sells for several thousand dollars for $145. It’s now the home’s front window. They found all the home’s light fixtures at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which sells donated home improvement materials and furnishings. 
• Solicit donations. By simply asking, Bob also got a plumbing company to donate plumbing supplies, fixtures and HVAC updates. An electrical company offered them new wiring at cost. Generous neighbors pooled funds to replace appliances. “I can’t explain the spirit of service and serendipity,” he said. “The minute we hit an impasse and asked, ‘How are we going to do this?’ Someone stepped forward. It speaks to the inherent goodness of people.”

Told you I would make you feel better.

Marni Jameson is the author of the forthcoming Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow: A Motivational Guide for Those Seeking Their Ideal Home Later in Life, due out Jan. 2, and six more home and lifestyle books, including  What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want, and Downsizing the Family Home – What to Save, What to Let Go. You may reach her at www.marnijameson.com.

Affion Crockett: 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 27-28; Orlando Improv Comedy Club, 9101 International Drive, Suite 2310 in Orlando; $32-$42; 407-480-5233; theimprovorlando.com

Dave Chappelle: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 2; Amway Center, 400 W. Church St. in Orlando; $55.50-$275; amwaycenter.com

Will Burkart: 7 p.m.; Oct. 29; Orlando Improv, 9101 International Drive in Orlando; $27-$32; 407-480-5233; theimprovorlando.com

Erik Griffin: 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 2; Orlando Improv, 9101 International Drive in Orlando; $32-$42; 407-480-5233; theimprovorlando.com

Jen Fulwiler: Maternal Instinct: 8 p.m.; Nov. 2; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; drphillipscenter.org

HALLOWEEN

Happy Frights: 6 p.m.; Oct. 27-31; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando

Haunting Nights: 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 27-31; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando

Bollywood-Themed Halloween Party: 8 p.m.; Oct. 29; VFW Post 10147, 519 S. Central Ave. in Apopka; eventbrite.com

The Carving Haunted Attraction:  Oct. 27-29; Spooky Empire at Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Drive in Orlando; the-carving-haunted-house-at-spooky-empire.ticketleap.com

“Click, Clack, BOO! A Tricky Treat”:  2 p.m., 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 28; Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando; orlandofamilystage.com

Trunk-or-Treat: 2 p.m.; Oct. 28; Grace Church Lake Mary, 499 N. Country Club Blvd. in Lake Mary; free; 407-493-7148; gracechurchlakemary.org

Halloween Oktoberfest: Noon; Oct. 28; German American Society of Central Florida, 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry; $5; 407-834-0574; orlandogermanclub.com

Eden Bar’s Halloween Party: 9 p.m.; Oct. 28; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

Halloween Block Party: 8 p.m.; Oct. 28; Burton’s Thornton Park, 801 E. Washington St. in Orlando; bungalower.com

Huge Halloween: 10 a.m.; Oct. 27-31; Fun Spot America, 5700 Fun Spot Way in Orlando; free; 407-363-3867; fun-spot.com

Halloween Festivities: Oct. 27-31; Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa, 9500 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando; free; 407-345-0000, ext. 8842

Studio du Chocolat: Hands-on Halloween Chocolate Experience: 1 p.m.; Oct. 28; Caribe Royale, 8101 World Center Drive in Orlando; $125; 407-238-8000; eventbrite.com

Creepy Crawl 5K Run & Walk: 4 p.m.; Oct. 28; Harbor Park, 4990 New Broad St. in Orlando; 800-293-6527; secure.qgiv.com

A Halloween Story – Electronic Academy:  This event is for those 18 and older. 5 p.m.; Oct. 28; Orlando Amphitheater/Warehouse, 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Halloween Silent Disco: This event is for those 21 and older. 8:30 p.m.; Oct. 27; New York Beer Project, 9230 Miley Drive in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Barbie Halloween: 6 p.m.; Oct. 28; Mist Hookah Lounge, 10892 W. Colonial Drive in Ocoee; eventbrite.com

Fits Demis’ Halloween Punk Fest:  3 p.m.; Oct. 28; Sanford Avenue Tavern, 119 S. French Ave. in Sanford; fitsdemis.ticketleap.com

Falloween: 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 28; Maitland Independence Square, 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland; free; 407-539-6223; itsmymaitland.com

Phantasmagoria XIV: “Tales of the Undead”:  8 p.m.; Oct. 27-28; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; drphillipscenter.org

Trick-or-Read Free Comic Book Day: 11 a.m.; Oct. 28; Comic Central, 1425 W.P. Ball Blvd. in Sanford; free; 407-321-5111; fb.me

Halloween Virtual Story Time: This is an event with Preschool Readers. 10 a.m.; Oct. 28; free; 762-233-7323; preschoolreaders.com

Trick-or-Treat Safe Zone: 10 a.m.; Oct. 28; Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; free; thehistorycenter.org

Boo Bash: Ages 2-4 enjoy treats, games, costumes, crafts and fun. 10:30 a.m.; Oct. 30; Civic Center, 3001 17th St. in St. Cloud; 407-957-7300; stcloudfl.gov

Drive-Thru Halloween Candy Crawl: 4 p.m.; Oct. 31; Waterford Lakes Town Center, 413 N. Alafaya Trail in Orlando; members.hispanicchamber.net

Orlando Horror Stories: 9 p.m.; Oct. 28; Majestic Event Center, 801 John Young Parkway in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Eolaween: 4 p.m.; Oct. 28; Lake Eola east lawn, 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando; free; 407-246-3708; downtownorlando.com

MOVIES

Friday Film Series: “Modigliani: Man and Myth”: Noon; Oct. 27; Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 W. Canton Ave. in Winter Park; free; 407-645-5311; morsemuseum.org

“Good”: 10:30 a.m.; Oct. 28; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

Rob Zombie’s “Halloween”: 6:30 p.m.; Oct. 31; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

Rob Zombie’s “Halloween II”: 9:30 p.m.; Oct. 31; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland; 407-629-1088; enzian.org

FOOD

Brunch Fiesta with Live Music: Enjoy Mexican brunch specialties, margaritas, OJ mimosas and live music. 11 a.m.; Oct. 29; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; free; 520-440-4916; eventvesta.com

Taste of Baldwin Park Food and Wine Experience: 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 2; Baldwin Park, 4990 New Broad St. in Orlando; $55-$85; 407-896-7356; facebook.com

Live Music and Meals: Enjoy tacos, wood-fired dishes and craft cocktails. 6 p.m.; Oct. 27-28; Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 222 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; free; 520-440-4916

Flamenco Fridays:  Enjoy Spanish tapas and shareable pans of paella while flamenco dancers entertain. 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 27; Jaleo Disney Springs, 1482 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando; free; jaleo.com

Books, Beef and Bucks: 10 a.m.; Oct. 29; Temple Israel, 50 S. Moss Road in Winter Springs; free; 407-383-5380; templeisraelevents.com

Farm to Table Class: Saucy Green Beans: 10 a.m.; Nov. 1; Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; $3; 352-343-4101; longandscottfarms.ticketspice.com

Shades of Flava Dinner and Show: 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 2; Legends Resto & Lounge, 5250 International Drive in Orlando; luvmiimagery.ticketleap.com

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Montverde Day Carnival: 9:30 a.m.; Oct. 28; 17436 Division St. in Montverde; free; 407-469-2681; fun4lakekids.com

Hometown Harvest:  4:30 p.m.; Oct. 28; Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Drive in Winter Springs; free; 407-327-5985; winterspringsfl.org

Moon Mercado – Hunter Full Moon: 5 p.m.; Oct. 28; 111 N. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Mount Dora Craft Fair: 9 a.m.; Oct. 28; 138 E. Fifth Ave. in downtown Mount Dora; mtdoracraftfair.com

Corn Maze: 10 a.m.; Oct. 28-29; Great Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora; $15-$18; 352-383-6900; visitgreatscott.com

Fall Fest: The family event includes trunk-or-treat and movie night. 6 p.m.; Oct. 28; East Ridge Middle School, 13201 Excalibur Road in Clermont; free; 352-431-4909; storychurchfl.com

Harvest Festival: 10 a.m.; Oct. 28; Montrose Street in downtown Clermont; free; clermontdowntown.com

Fall Festival: The event has a pumpkin patch, hayrides, mazes and play areas. 10 a.m.; Oct. 27-29; Club Lake Plantation, 3403 Rock Springs Road in Apopka; $16.95; 321-299-3794; clublakeplantation.com

Fall Festival: 5 p.m.; Oct. 27; Elite Learning Academy Inc., 1425 W. Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka; eventbrite.com

Fall Festival: 10 a.m.; Oct. 28; Church of the Lakes, 4716 Lincoln Ave. in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Fall Festival: 11 a.m.; Nov. 2; Southern Hill Farms, 16651 Schofield Road in Clermont; $21.95-$24.95; 407-986-5806; fun4lakekids.com

Orlando Health and Wellness Gospel Fest: 3 p.m.; Oct. 28; Lake Eola Amphitheatre, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church Community Health Fair: 10 a.m.; Oct. 28; 1202 S. Central Ave. in Apopka; eventbrite.com

Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Oct. 28; Central Park at City Hall, 100 N. Country Club Road in Lake Mary; free; 407-585-1460; facebook.com

Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Oct. 29; Montrose Street in downtown Clermont; free

Farmers Market: 9 a.m.; Oct. 29; Independence Square, 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland; free; 407-539-6223; itsmymaitland.com

Farmers Market: 10 a.m.; Oct. 29; Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando; downtownorlando.com

Neighborhood Market: Noon; Oct. 29; Foxtail Coffee Howell Branch, 2451 Howell Market Lane in Winter Park; free; 407-555-5555

Village Market: 10 a.m.; Oct. 29; 230 N. Alexander St. in downtown Mount Dora; mountdora.com

FUNDRAISERS

Art of the Vine: The food and wine event benefits New Hope for Kids. 6 p.m.; Oct. 27; Fields BMW, 963 Wymore Road in Winter Park; 407-331-3059; newhopeforkids.org

Bra-Vo Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Screenings: 4 p.m.; Oct. 27-29; Artisans of Mount Dora, 139 E. Fourth Ave. in Mount Dora; ci.mount-dora.fl.us

Beverlye Colson Neal Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Gala: 6 p.m.; Oct. 28; Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St. in Winter Garden; eventbrite.com

Charisma and Talent Pageant Fundraiser: 1 p.m.; Oct. 29; 620 W. Montrose St. in Clermont; eventbrite.com

NextStep Orlando’s 14th Annual Walk-n-Roll-a-Thon: 9 a.m.; Oct. 28; Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs; 407-571-9974; nextstepfitness.org

LITERARY ARTS

Baby and Me Story Time: 10:30 a.m.; Oct. 30; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; free; 352-536-2275; fun4lakekids.com

Toddler Sensory Story Time: 10:30 a.m.; Oct. 31; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; free; 352-536-2275; fun4lakekids.com

FAMILY

Mr Richard and the Pound Hounds: 1 p.m.; Oct. 28; Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; free; 407-835-7323; mrrichard.net

Family History Research: 1 p.m.; Nov. 1; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; mylakelibrary.org

KIDS

School Out Days: Parents can drop off kids for a day of fun and games. 9 a.m.; Oct. 27; Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando; rosenjcc.org

Kids Hour: 4 p.m.; Nov. 1; Orlando Cat Café, 532 Cagan Park Ave. in Clermont; $8-$10; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Open Studio: 5 p.m.; Nov. 2; Studio ArtFarm, 120 E. 4th Ave. in Mount Dora; $12; fun4lakekids.com

Kids Night: 5 p.m.; Oct. 30; Chick-fil-A, 17240 U.S. Highway 441 in Mount Dora; 352-385-0046; fun4lakekids.com

Little Chef: Cookie Monster Snack: Ages 3-5 can celebrate National Cookie Monster Day by making a sweet treat. Adult participation and registration is required. 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 1; Orange County Library, South Creek Branch, 1702 Deerfield Blvd. in Orlando; free; 407-835-7323; attend.ocls.info

PARKS & GARDENS

Community Garden Workday: Make native wildflower seed bombs for your garden and then help tidy the herb garden. 9 a.m.; Oct. 28; 650 Maitland Ave. in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Maintenance, Care and Pest Control of Vegetable Gardens:11 a.m.; Oct. 30; Veterans Memorial Library, 810 13th St. in St. Cloud; osceolalibrary.org

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Outdoor Yoga in the Sculpture Garden: In partnership with Full Circle Yoga, the event is every Sunday.  11:30 a.m.; Oct. 29; Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando

PURSUITS & HOBBIES

Cornhole Tournament: Six games are guaranteed. 6 p.m.; Oct. 27; Orlando Elks Lodge, 12 N. Primrose Drive in Orlando; $20; 407-894-1079

Caffeine and Chrome: Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver. All makes and models welcome. 9 a.m.; Oct. 28; Gateway Classic Cars of Orlando, 635 Century Point Suite 101 in Lake Mary; stungbykia.com

Fall Open House: Inquire about BSN nursing and clinical mental health counseling programs. 5 p.m.; Oct. 27; Palm Beach Atlantic University – Orlando Campus, 4700 Millenia Blvd., Suite 100 in Orlando; free; 561-803-2091

Intro to Beekeeping: 9 a.m.; Oct. 28; UF/IFAS Extension, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane in Kissimmee; ocagriculture.eventbrite.com

Make and Take Cabinetry: In this two-day class, learn what’s involved in building cabinets, including box construction, face frames, drawers, slides, doors, and hardware. 10 a.m.; Oct. 28; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 515 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 1018 in Altamonte Springs; eventbrite.com

Fired-Up Fridays: All makes, models and years of show car quality are welcome at the car/truck event. 5 p.m.; Oct. 27; The Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; free; 407-338-4811; sunsetwalk.com

Show Car Saturday Nights: All makes and models are welcome. Oct. 28; Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; stungbykia.com

Inky Fingers Printmaking and Zine Fest: 2 p.m.; Oct. 29; Space Station Orlando, 2539 Coolidge Ave. in Orlando; bungalower.com

Kiwi Camera Swap Meet: This is a buy, sell and trade event. 9 a.m.; Oct. 29; Kiwi Camera Service, 542 Virginia Drive in Orlando; free; 407-286-4073; facebook.com

Silk Painting Shibori Technique: Shibori uses folding, scrunching, and tying to create designs on fabric. 10 a.m.; Oct. 31; Hummingbird Studio, 930 N. Donnelly St., Suite B in Mount Dora; eventbrite.com

Orlando Fashion Week Kickoff: 6 p.m.; Nov. 1; City Hall, 400 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; orlandofashionweek.org

FEN Social: Networking, Art, and Entertainment:  6 p.m.; Nov. 2; Aloft, 500 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando; downtownorlando.com

Agriculture Communicators of Florida Summit: 10 a.m.; Oct. 30; 800 Trafalgar Court in Maitland; eventbrite.com

Bingo: 5:45 p.m.; Oct. 30; Orlando Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive in Orlando; 407-894-1079; localendar.com

Orlando Scrabble Club: The group meets on Mondays. 7 p.m.; Oct. 30; Wirz Park Recreation Building, 806 Mark David Blvd. in Casselberry; free; orlandoscrabble.com

Paint and Sip: 3 p.m.; Oct. 29; 4300 Clarcona-Ocoee Road, Suite 407 in Orlando; eventbrite.com

Everybody Draw Everybody: All skill levels welcome. 6 p.m.; Oct. 30; Casselberry Art House, 127 Quail Pond Circle in Casselberry; eventbrite.com

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night: 7 p.m.; Oct. 31; The Corner Pizza Bar, 150 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; free; eventvesta.com

Trivia: 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 31; Pups Pub, 317 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Trivia Night: 7 p.m.; Nov. 2; World of Beer, 431 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Washi Tape Bangles: Ages 14-upearn a new way to make a beautiful bracelet. Registration is required. 7 p.m.; Oct. 31; Maitland Public Library, 501 Maitland Ave. in Maitland; free; 407-647-7700; maitlandpubliclibrary.org

Coffee Club East: 9:30 a.m.; Nov. 2; Bonefish Grill Waterford Lakes, 12301 Lake Underhill Road, Suite 101 in Orlando; free; eocc.chambermaster.com

Family Research Classes: Beginner Genealogy Session 1: 1 p.m.; Nov. 1; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; eventbrite.com

Keeping Backyard Chickens: 6 p.m.; Nov. 1; UF/IFAS Extension, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane in Kissimmee; ocagriculture.eventbrite.com

Adult Downtown Field Day: 3 p.m.; Nov. 2; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts plaza, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; 407-246-2555; downtownorlando.com

Cooper Crafter’s Group: Bring your current project. The group meets on Thursdays. Registration not required. 2 p.m.; Nov. 2; Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont; 352-253-6180; mylakelibrary.org

Thrive Thursday: From healthy cooking demos to the perfect exercise routine, find the best path to a healthier and happier you. Facilitated by Help Against Hunger East Osceola. 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 2; Hopkins Park, 620 E. 17th St. in St. Cloud; stcloudfl.gov