Although not native to Florida, the Loquat or Japanese plum is adapted to North Florida conditions. Unlike its relatives, apple, peach, and pear, the loquat is an evergreen tree providing a tropical look with attractive dark green leaves. Flowers ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables
If you love wildflowers, the Fall season has so many plants for you to enjoy. We often think of wildflowers as those in natural settings, on roadsides, or in drainage spots. Here are a few wildflowers that make excellent landscape additions. Goldenrods ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES
UF IFAS Extension Escambia County was recently able to offer a native tree and shrub giveaway to our community. A county partner had some grant funding remaining and chose a nice selection of plants grown by a local native nursery. After seeing ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Wildlife
I’m not sure if you’ve ever stared at a plant for 15 minutes and tried to count and identify all the insects on it, but I can attest it’s not easy! That is exactly what I, and dozens of volunteers, did last Friday (August 23) as part of ... READ MORE
Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Salvias are a popular group of plants for attracting pollinators and adding lots of color to the landscape. A unique salvia that offers velvety flowers is the Mexican bush sage, Salvia leucantha. In our heat, Mexican bush sage can tolerate ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census began in Georgia in 2019 with the goals of increased pollinator habitat, teaching the public the importance of insects, and providing useful data to researchers. 2024 is the first year for Florida to be ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Natural Resources, Wildlife
The native Powderpuff mimosa, Mimosa strigillosa, has potential as a turf companion in the North Florida landscape. Learn about the growth of this plant to determine if you want to add it as a groundcover or companion plant in your yard. UF ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn
Scouting is an important part of keeping pests in check and gardeners are often up to the task. As you routinely enjoy the beauty of your ornamental and edible plants, you are likely to catch a pest sighting before it gets out of control. ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Pests & Disease
We have an incredibly showy tree making a dramatic splash in our demonstration garden right now. The fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a native to the eastern and southeastern part of the United States. Its genus name, Chionanthus, ... READ MORE
Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Natural Resources
Driving through north Alabama and central Tennessee this week, my eyes were drawn to a stunning display of color on the roadsides. The redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are a striking shade of fuschia and really pop out in contrast to the ... READ MORE
Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Natural Resources