Changes in the Garden
Sadly, this year the big water oak in my front garden had reached the point in its life where it needed to be removed. The oak was probably planted at the time the house was built in the… Read More
Refreshing Tastes of Summertime
Tomatoes and Watermelon It is summer, and we are surrounded be the refreshing flavors of foods such as tomatoes and watermelon. These foods not only taste great but have a barrage of health benefits as well! Did you… Read More
World Oceans Day: Celebrate with UF/IFAS Extension
“On World Oceans Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor the ocean, which connects us all. Get together with your family, friends, community, and the planet to start creating a better future. Working together, we can… Read More
Proper Planting Techniques for Perennials and Annual Bedding Plants
Gardeners can greatly enhance the health of their new plants by following recommendations on how to successfully install them. The following guidelines for installing perennials and annuals apply for sandy, well-drained soils, much like we find in Polk… Read More
Proper Planting Techniques for Trees and Shrubs
Gardeners can greatly enhance the health of their new plants by following recommendations on how to successfully install them. The following guidelines for installing trees and shrubs apply for sandy, well-drained soils, much like we find in Polk… Read More
Air Potato Leaf Beetles Available to Florida Residents
You may recognize the long twining vines and glossy heart-shaped leaves of the exotic air potato vine,but would you recognize its greatest enemy in Florida? Air potato leaf beetles are small red beetles with a black head (see… Read More
Planting a Cutting Garden
Do you often walk around your yard looking for beautiful blooms and foliage to bring indoors? Have you ever considered planting a cutting garden? We have some suggestions for you! Native plants, particularly wildflowers, offer beautiful (and sometimes unusual)… Read More
Gardening for Pollinators
What are pollinator or butterfly gardens and why are they beneficial? Pollinators (bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds and other beneficial creatures) transfer pollen from flower to flower, or within flowers. These hard workers serve a critical role in assisting… Read More
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Events for May-August 2018
Our event catalog for May-August 2018 is here! Join us at gardening workshops, youth events, nutrition classes and more!
Commonly Confused Snakes in Central Florida
There are 46 species of snakes in Florida and only 6 of them are venomous. These creatures play an important role in our Florida ecosystems. One described even eats venomous snakes and is a federally protected threatened species. Read… Read More