APRIL FOOL: Itching to promote native plants

The town of Longboat Key is continuing its hurricane recovery efforts through community beautification projects, including those focused on replanting vegetation destroyed by the storms.

Per best gardening practices, the town has been searching for plant species that are hardy, lush and native to Florida. Following extensive deliberation and consultation with Master Gardeners, they landed on Toxicodendron radicans.

The plant is commonly known as Eastern Poison Ivy and can by identified by its stunning yellowish-white flower clusters and sets of three-toothed leaflets. Poison ivy thrives in partly shaded areas, which experts advised would make it an excellent candidate for planting all over the island, especially concentrating on Bayfront and Bicentennial Parks.

Officials are so pleased with the decision that they appeared flushed, almost red, with pride after they handled the sample seedlings.

Happy April Fools’ Day from the Observer! This story is not real news. Hope you’re as relieved as we are!