Passion fruit is an ingredient in many products we use every day – especially fruit juices. The exotic flavor of this vining plant from tropical America is unrivaled as a refreshing and tasty cool drink. The first time I can remember ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes
By Ralph E. Mitchell When is a plant a weed? A plant is a weed when we feel it is out of place. In some instances, a plant can be a weed as well as a colorful ornamental, a valued grain plant and a leafy spinach substitute. Amaranth ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
By Ralph E. Mitchell A papaya is not a true tree, but a tree-like or arborescent plant. This large herbaceous plant is relatively short-lived, but can be a great producer of high-quality fruit. I have grown them for years with successes ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes
By Ralph E. Mitchell Variegation in any plant catches the eye, but for some reason the color of a yellow and green variegated ginger is, to me, the epidemy of tropical splendor. I bought a small variegated ginger specimen a year ago to mix ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
By Ralph E. Mitchell Heliconias do great in Southwest Florida! This native to tropical America easily adapts to a variety of home landscapes and sports colorful bracts of red, yellow, orange, and pink which adorn deep green leafy plants ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes