UF/IFAS GLOBAL BLOGS
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Homeowners who irrigate want a beautiful lawn, and they’re more than willing to conserve water, a new University of Florida survey shows. It’s not a matter of a lush lawn versus saving a precious commodity…. Read More
When people think about pollination, the honey bee immediately comes to mind. But honey bees are not native to the Americas. There are many other native insects that serve as pollinators for 75% of U.S. flowering plant species…. Read More
Have you noticed many little dirt piles that resemble mini ant mounds around your yard? Well, fear not, for these mini mounds are made by digger bees who are excellent, yet ephemeral, early-spring pollinators. These solitary ground-nesters are… Read More
Consider yourself lucky this year if your landscape is found to be a suitable spot for one of our solitary bees. Late winter and spring are the times when these beneficial bees begin their development, causing interest and… Read More
Bees, butterflies and other insects play important roles as pollinators in our environment. Over 50 major crops in the United States and at least 13 crops in Florida depend on honey bees. Many native plants in natural areas… Read More
Many gardens in Escambia County are showing the signs of cold damage but there are plants that are adapted to seasonal changes in weather. The ‘Marvel’ Mahonia is an attractive evergreen that is actually blooming now. If temps were… Read More
When starting a vegetable garden or even orchard, you may wonder if you need two or more plants of a certain variety to cross-pollinate each other or if you can get away with just one. This will depend… Read More
Honey bees and native bees like bumble bees, carpenterbees, sweat bees, leafcutter and mason bees are critical to our food supply. They are responsible for pollinating about one-third of the food we eat. Here are 4 suggestions to make… Read More
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar on sweetbay In Part 1 of the Planting for Pollinators post, we discussed the importance and decline of pollinators. Now, step out into your yard for a bit. If the only plants you can… Read More
If I were to ask you to list some pollinators that visit your gardens, butterflies and honey bees may come to your mind. But take a closer look! Do you see a shiny little green sweat bee flying… Read More
