Category Archives: Gardening

Select the right tree for your site ……….

Information provided by UF/IFAS   Selecting the right tree for a particular place can avoid costly disappointments later. Trees adapted to the planting site are more likely to remain standing in hurricanes. Thorough site evaluation can ensure that the chosen tree will survive conditions inherent to the location.   Proper site evaluation, planning, and execution… Read More »

Caring for Winter Houseplants ……..

Provided by UF/IFAS   When the weather turns cold in winter, many of us begin moving our potted plants to warmer locations which typically include inside the house.  But adverse conditions inside a home can make caring for houseplants challenging, even without the freezing temperatures.   Light The most important factor for indoor plants is… Read More »

October planting news ………

Provided by IFAS October   What to Plant Annuals/Bedding plants: Plant digitalis (foxglove), petunia, and shasta daisy in the fall garden. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants Bulbs: Fragrant daffodil varieties for North Florida include ‘Carlton’, ‘Fortune’, ‘Silver Chimes’, ‘Thalia’, and ‘Sweetness’. See Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers Herbs: Some to try from plants or seed include dill, fennel, oregano, and sage. See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs Vegetables: Plant bulbing… Read More »

Experts say Fall is the time to plant perennials ………

(NAPSI)—Perennial plants are a gardener’s dream: They add color to borders and beds, and are relatively easy to maintain. Perennials can also be used to add fragrance and texture to gardens, as well as attract beneficial wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Planting perennials in the fall is like making a long-term investment—one that pays… Read More »

Fall Gardening on the Horizon …………………

Provided by UF/IFAS   by Molly Jameson Start preparing now so your fall garden will be full of dark leafy greens, multi-colored lettuces, and root vegetables of all shapes and sizes. Photo by Molly Jameson.   August is a double-edged sword. The oppressive heat is at its pinnacle – where even the thought of spending time… Read More »

Leaf Spots on Hydrangeas ………..

Provided by UF/IFAS by Larry Williams Hydrangea leaf spot disease Photo credit: Larry Williams It is not uncommon to see leaf spots on your hydrangeas during late summer and fall. These spots are caused by a number of fungal diseases. Plant fungi and wet weather go hand-in-hand. Florida’s high humidity, heavy dews and frequent rains during… Read More »

UF/IFAS makes mobile & web applications available …………………………….

Released by UF/IFAS   … Mobile and Web Applications from the UF/IFAS Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology Gardening information is now at your fingertips with our mobile web tools.  Trees: North & Central Florida The Trees: North & Central Florida mobile application is a readily accessible field guide for professionals, Master Gardeners, educators, and those… Read More »

Silent Invader: Lantana ………………

Released by UF/IFAS   … by David Austin Silent Invaders When we think of things as being invasive we often imagine something like water Hyacinths covering every inch of a waterway or acres of Brazilian Peppers blocking out the sun where nothing else will grow. Invasive species are all around us.  Both animal and plant, they… Read More »

Have Patience with Spring Lawn Problems …………

by Larry Williams Cold injury to lawn. Photo Credit: Larry Williams Patience, warmer soil temperature, and correct lawn management will solve many spring lawn problems. Many spring dead spots in lawns are caused by something that happened the previous growing season or winter. For example, a late application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer can decrease winter survival.… Read More »