Let That Digger Bee Be
While digger bee mounds may detract from an otherwise tidy lawn, they will do no harm and can actually be beneficial, in that they improve air, water, and nutrient percolation. Digger Bees have many advantages for the Florida environment.
Pine Tip Moths–Pests Hidden in Plain Sight
Ah, the oft-ignored pine tree. They are so ubiquitous throughout the southeast, that many people consider them undesirable in a landscape. Having grown up near the “Pine Belt” of Mississippi, I figured I knew plenty about them, but this week I learned something new. While on a field tour with local foresters in the business of loblolly and longleaf pine farming, they introduced me to the pine tip moth. These insects can wreak havoc on valuable young pine trees.
Make Way for Traffic!
How many times have you pulled up to an intersection and couldn’t see oncoming traffic because a shrub was in the way? It’s frustrating, and unsafe. To help each other out, we should all pay attention to landscape plants that may be blocking the view of oncoming traffic and/or pedestrians, including your own driveway.
Florida Wildflowers: Lyreleaf Sage
Spring wildflowers are popping up along our roadways and along woodland edges. One of our native perennial beauties you can enjoy right now is lyreleaf sage,Salvia lyrata, with spikes of tubular lavender flowers rising about a foot above the ground.
Upcoming Events
Friday-Saturday, April 6th and 7th. 9:00am-3:00pm. 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428 Washington County Heritage Festival at Falling Waters State Park. You’ll see blacksmiths, flint knappers, gardening demonstrations, antique tractors, live alligators and much more. Cost is $5.00 per car.
Friday-Sunday, April 6, 7,8 Spring Festival of Flowers at Pensacola State College/University of Florida, Milton Campus located at 5988 US 90 in Milton. Lots of plant vendors (including Santa Rosa County Master Gardeners), yard art, horticulture presentations, other exhibitors and more!
