Updated 03/15/20 As we continue to monitor COVID-19 in Florida, I wanted to take a moment to update our UF/IFAS Extension community about our current status, best practices and next steps. Please call your local UF/IFAS Extension office… Read More
Stormwater retention ponds play an important role in flood control, especially in Florida’s rainy season. Retention ponds maintain a permanent pool of water and are designed to store and slow stormwater runoff from nearby areas. With over 95,000… Read More
Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is one of the most popular native grasses in the landscape – and for good reason. Its unique pink plumes are an autumn eye catcher. Native to pine… Read More
Whether you live close to the beach, are dealing with saltwater intrusion in your well, or have elevated levels of salt in your reclaimed water, knowing which plants can tolerate these harsh conditions can help you have a… Read More
Did you know Florida has 69 identified ecosystems with over 4000 flowering plants, 700 land vertebrates, 1000 fish and 30,000 land invertebrates? With 7 USDA hardiness zones, it is no surprise that Florida ranks third in plant diversity… Read More
Prickly Pear Cactus A favorite of gopher tortoises and loved by pollinators, Prickly Pear Cactus makes an attractive addition to any hot, dry, well-drained landscape. Prickly pear prefers poor, sandy soils – in fact, if soil is too… Read More
Seeking a tough, low maintenance, eye-catching garden specimen? Look no further than our common yucca. Yucca filamentosa, otherwise known as Adam’s Needle or common yucca, is a member of the Agavaceae family, which includes other well-known arid-loving plants such as agave… Read More
You may see this unique plant while hiking along a wooded trail, planted as a garden specimen, or even—on a rare occasion—nestled into the bark of a palm tree. The genus Callicarpa is a Greek word meaning ‘beautiful’ and… Read More
Factors Affecting Susceptibility to Cold Injury When selecting plants, it is important to understand that St. Johns County’s humid subtropical climate has a USDA hardiness zone of 9a, which means the lowest average temperature is between 20°F to… Read More
Once you’ve identified what plants you have in your yard it’s time for the fun part. Shopping! Well, not just yet. First, assess the living conditions where your new plants will be dwelling. Is it sunny or shady?… Read More
