Saltbush–a Native Beauty, of Sorts
In the spring and summer, no one notices the little green shrub hidden among wax myrtle and marsh elder at the edge of the salt marsh. However, if I’m leading a group of students or a Master Naturalist… Read More
Tag: Butterfly Gardening
Purple Hyacinth Bean – What’s Old is New
Everyone is interested in growing an easy plant that offers interest all throughout the warm season. Look no further than an old favorite, the purple hyacinth bean, Lablab purpurea. An warm season annual vine that grows easily from seeds plants… Read More
Community Butterfly Habitat
I recently met with a group of community volunteers who are interested in providing more butterfly habitat in our public areas. Monarchs migrating to Mexico this time of year use northwest Florida as a stopover and feeding site,… Read More
Rain Gardens Offer Option for Problem Areas of Yard
Northwest Florida experienced record-setting floods this spring, and many landscapes, roads, and buildings suffered serious damage due to the sheer force of water moving downhill. That being said, we are just entering our summer “rainy season,” so it… Read More
Youth Gardening Grows Across the Country
Backyard gardens have increased in popularity the last few years, with record calls to Extension offices statewide on how to grow tomatoes and preserve produce. Along with the boom in home gardening, schools have steadily added gardens to… Read More
Fall Flower Color
Fall color in the Florida landscape may be a little different than more northern areas but it is just as dramatic with the right plant selections. One of the favorite perennials that is in peak bloom right now… Read More
Summer Bulbs
Thinking of bulbs for the garden? Summer is not necessarily the time of year that gardeners think about beautiful blooms from bulbs and bulb-like plants, but there are many that bloom in the summer garden. In general, many types of plants with… Read More
Garden Fireworks
Bring your own blend of fireworks to the garden this July by adding the Red Rocket Russelia, Russelia sarmentosa to a full sun area. Russelia sarmentosa. Image Credit Beth Bolles, University of Florida A favorite perennial to… Read More