It’s Time to Fertilize
I have lived in Florida my whole life but never had time to care for my lawn. Lawn maintenance was very easy – I wrote a check every month for service. I have lived in other areas of… Read More
Category: Home Landscapes
Azaleas: Questions and Answers
By Diane Otis, Marion County Master Gardener Azaleas are bursting into bloom all over Ocala. One of my neighbors has a low hedge of orange-red azaleas outside his door; another has an island of tall azaleas in multiple… Read More
Invasives in Bloom
Spring is in the air. The bees are buzzing, the pollen is falling, and the flowers are blooming. It’s a beautiful time of year, but there are some blooming plants among us that despite their attractiveness don’t belong. Invasive… Read More
Stinging and Itching Weeds
Stinging Nettle Have you ever been weeding your garden and pulled on a weed that bit back? There is a weed that looks common enough that you think nothing of trying to pull it with bare hands. The… Read More
Biological Control For Pests
As spring approaches, we should all be aware that our pest problems will reappear. There are many types of pests to consider: insects, weeds, nematodes, and even some vertebrate species (such as the Cuban tree frog). When combined… Read More
Shopping Tips for Valentine’s Day Roses
If you are thinking of buying a dozen red roses for someone special this Valentine’s Day you are in good company. During a recent Valentine’s Day season, which runs January 1 – February 14, the plant inspection unit… Read More
Creating Habitat for Birds in Central Florida
Recently the weather was warm enough for lunch on the patio and as we ate one of our guests remarked about how many birds he was observing in our backyard. It’s always good to have outside eyes on… Read More
Florida’s Useful Hollies
At Christmas time we see holly leaves in garlands, decorative sprays, and on Christmas cards. The holly is too valuable a plant to limit it to a few weeks per year. Florida has several native hollies. They have… Read More
Christmas is over – What should I do with my real tree?
By: Greg Barton, Marion County Forester, Florida Forest Service The presents have been opened, the cookies eaten, the parties attended, the eggnog is gone, and the in-laws have headed back home. Sooner or later the decorations will have… Read More
About Mistletoe
As the year draws to a close and trees shed their leaves I think of mistletoe. A kiss under the mistletoe may seem a harmless holiday tradition, but mistletoe is a somewhat dangerous plant. To begin with, mistletoe… Read More