Well before the Category II invasive groundcover blooming right now in the area took the label of “Florida Snow”, I remember when a native plant held this title - often an uninvited guest - the saltbush. Saltbush is a native, large ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
It seems that at one time or another every gardener has had an Aloe plant or two - one of the most commonly kept houseplants. Although there are over four-hundred Aloe species, Aloe vera is perhaps the most popular due to its reputed skin-soothing ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
With all the palms to choose from in our area, selecting one to fit your landscape and our climate can be challenging. I would like to recommend an uncommon palm that I think more people should try – the ribbon palm. Stately, exotic, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
During our Demonstration Garden Open House event held off Harbor View Road on October 11th, I was able to get back into the parking lot of our old office. A plant that had been installed by a Master Gardener Volunteer over six years ago ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Just like everybody else, I had Hosta plants up north – that was over twenty-five years ago. Hosta were just normal “bread & butter” planting materials that could be found in practically all landscapes for good reason – so ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Plumerias hold a special place in the hearts of gardeners in Florida. The exotic tropical beauty of these small tree includes it unusual form, large leaves, and colorful and commonly fragrant flowers in a myriad of colors. On occasion ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Sometimes immediate action is required due to an imminent threat. But when it comes to improperly identifying a problem in the landscape, positive identification is essential. Take for example the questions we receive about lichens and/or ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
I you have seen a dwarf chenille plant; you can easily understand why the word “chenille” is French for caterpillar. This colorful groundcover plant is covered with up to two-inch-long red to pink fluffy caterpillar-like flowers arrayed ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
You may have had favorite plants up north that simply cannot grow here or at best linger and are less than robust. For example, there may be only one Hosta cultivar that grows well here but think of the myriad types available in cooler ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Have you noticed a large number of mushrooms popping up in local yards? These fungi are sometimes known as "toadstools" and can even form circles in your lawn. Better known as "Fairy Rings", these fairly common circular manifestations ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease