A mole cricket has a face only a mother could love. They are so strange looking, in fact, that in the past week I’ve had two people ask me what they were. They have large, round, helmet-like heads, undersized eyes, and massive front claws ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Natural Resources
When summer temperatures rise, the bark of crape myrtles starts peeling off. There are several species of trees, including river birch and gumbo limbo, which lose bark in large strips. South Florida’s gumbo limbo is nicknamed the “tourist ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
Blackberries (Rubus spp.) will not quickly jump into your mind when you think of fruit production in Florida. In fact, when you do think of blackberries, you will most likely envision viny plants infiltrating your gardens and attacking you with ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture
by Julie McConnell | Jan 14, 2021 We are back with new topics and guest speakers for 2021! All sessions are Thursdays at noon CDT or 1:00 p.m. EDT. There are two ways to join the Gardening in the Panhandle LIVE! webinars: 1. Facebook ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
I had to do a hard thing last week. My battle-worn okra, eggplant and pepper plants that had produced so reliably since June and endured all the summertime challenges (heat, insects, disease, and a hurricane to name a few) were finally pulled ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture
Cupheas are perennials that produce bright orange, red, yellow or purple flowers all summer and fall. Some species are called cigar plants due to their tubular, cigar shaped flowers tipped in red or yellow (like a lit cigar). Others ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture
If you’re like me, growing turfgrass is often more of a hassle than anything else. Regardless of the species you plant, none tolerates shade well and it can seem like there is a never-ending list of chores and expenses that accompany lawn ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture
Almost every landscape has a problem area where the sun just doesn’t shine and many plants won’t make it, maybe it’s the north side of your house, under a small tree, or tucked away in an oddly-shaped alcove. We all know the same old ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture
It was a hot summer that has continued into Fall. We hope cooler temperatures are on their way to the panhandle of Florida. Fall can be a great time to spruce up your landscape with some new shrubs. It may be time for your landscape to receive ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture
The Florida panhandle has a treasure of native wildflowers to enjoy in every season of the year. In the late summer and fall, blazing star, also commonly known as gayfeather, can be found blooming in natural areas and along roadsides. You ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture