When people think of Charlotte Harbor, they often look at the surface… and may or may not be disappointed by the often-brown water they see. Although this color is natural and results from staining by plant material (think tea), it may give ... READ MORE
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Florida homeowners have unique landscaping challenges. In Southwest Florida’s Zone 10a, landscapes must endure intense sunlight, high temperatures, sandy soils, heavy summer rainfall, periods of drought, and the occasional hurricane. ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
Some insect pests have such specific food sources that are actually named after them – the Geiger tree tortoise beetle is an example. This small, colorful beetle is one of the few insect pests that targets Geiger trees with chewing damage ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
A somewhat uncommon tree/big shrub for our area - the chaste tree - is a favorite throughout Florida. Sometimes seen at a few at local garden centers, the chaste tree is noted for its lavender, lilac-like blooms resembling those of the ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
If you have houseplants, you may have experienced a nuisance insect called the fungus gnat. This tiny true fly is an inhabitant of moist soil where it feeds on fungi and organic matter found in houseplant soil – especially overly moist ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
If you've ever taken a stroll along the shoreline in Charlotte Harbor, you may have noticed dozens or even hundreds of clear, gelatinous organisms drifting just beneath the water's surface. During certain times of the year, they can appear in ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program takes a science-based approach in advocating for healthy, properly managed turfgrass. The first principle of FFL is Right Plant, Right Place, and that principle applies to turfgrass just ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping,
In container garden design they always use terms such as “thrillers, spillers, and fillers” in regard to plant attributes and function. “Thrillers,” are large and colorful plants in the middle of the container, while “fillers” ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Upfront I will say that I have had limited success with establishing a fig in my garden. I tried a couple of times but did not succeed. What was my main problem – nematodes! I think that I live on a nematode conservation district ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes
I started a tamarind tree from seed at least fifteen years ago. I would have more often found a started plant but had some seeds with sprouted very easily. I ended up with one tree which was stepped up from one pot to another pot until ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes