Category: UF/IFAS Extension

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Succulents

by Jackie Lebouitz, Forest Hecker and Ashley Ellis

April 16, 2024

Low-Maintenance Succulents Succulents are plants with thick leaves that easily retain water, making them well-adapted to drought-like conditions. They can add interesting textures and forms to the typical landscape, and some residents even ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Edible, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Low, Maintenance, Native, Pgm_Water, Pollinators, Use, Water

Extension, County Volunteers Honored at Ceremony

by kgeis

April 5, 2024

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County honored a suite of high-performing volunteers at a March 19 ceremony, ahead of global volunteer month in April. At the event, held in the Sarasota County Commission chambers and including volunteers with ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Community Volunteers, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: 4-H Volunteers, Master Gardener Volunteer, Pgm_Admin, Service, Volunteer

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Vines

by Jackie Lebouitz, Forest Hecker and Ashley Ellis

April 2, 2024

Low-Maintenance Vines Vines are so versatile! Vines can be trained to grow on walls, fences, trellises, archways, and even trees. Keep reading to learn about some vines that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County. Note: The ... READ MORE

Can I Plant This? A Guide for Newcomers to Southwest Florida

by Ashley Ellis

April 1, 2024

Welcome to the lush landscapes of Southwest Florida! As you settle into your new home, you might find yourself drawn to the idea of adding some greenery to your surroundings. But before you start digging, it's essential to understand the unique ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Florida Friendly, Master Gardener Volunteer, Native Plant, Pgm_HortRes, StarterKit

Understanding Your Utilities – How to Read and Reduce Your Utility Bills

by Jackie Lebouitz and Devin Beede

March 25, 2024

Introduction Whether you're new to the area or have lived here for years, chances are you've used electricity or water in your home. If this is the case, you may have also received a bill in the mail (or your email). It can be tricky to read ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Energy, Pgm_Sustain, StarterKit, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Water

Springtime Caterpillars

by Jackie Lebouitz

March 21, 2024

It's officially spring, and almost like clockwork, several seasonal caterpillars have begun to emerge from our trees...and may have found their way onto our walls, benches, and well, just about everywhere. While their presence may be a nuisance ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Caterpillar, Echo Moth, Inchworm, Integrated Pest Management, Leafroller, Management, Pest, Pgm_Chemicals, Spring, Tussock

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Trees and Palms

by Jackie Lebouitz, Forest Hecker and Ashley Ellis

March 19, 2024

Low-Maintenance Trees and Palms Trees and palms are a staple in many landscapes. They provide shade and shelter, improve air quality, and mitigate flooding. Keep reading to learn about some trees and palms that require minimal watering and ... READ MORE

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Ferns

by Jackie Lebouitz, Forest Hecker and Ashley Ellis

March 5, 2024

Low-Maintenance Ferns Dating back to 360 million years ago, ferns are one of the oldest plant lineages. They are a lovely choice for filling out shaded areas of the landscape. Keep reading to learn about some ferns that require minimal watering ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Low, Maintenance, Pgm_Water, Use, Water

The Great 2024 Cicada Emergence

by Jackie Lebouitz

February 15, 2024

If you've ever spent a summer in Florida, you're likely familiar with the loud, eerie buzz of the cicada. That buzz is actually the males' mating call, and by their standards, the louder it is, the better. This sound is produced by their tymbals, ... READ MORE

Category: Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Buzz, Cicada, Emergence, Featured, Pgm_Chemicals, Summer

Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Educational Outreach Garden

by Ashley Ellis

February 12, 2024

Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful contributions of the passionate individuals who form the backbone of our gardening community. These dedicated volunteers bring ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Demonstration Garden, Master Gardener Volunteer, Pgm_HortRes

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