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
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
Bugs love weeds. This combination is likely the bane of most homeowners—the stereotypical lawn is typically bug-free and a bright green monoculture of one turf species. But when it comes to the health of the ecosystem, bugs and weeds are ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Lawn, Natural Resources
The mining bees or adrenids are often seen in areas of landscapes that have little ground vegetation and loose soil. They are also commonly seen in North Florida turf areas while grass is still dormant. After mating, the female bee will excavate ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Join Escambia County and other local participating UF IFAS Extension offices in the Florida Panhandle to celebrate pollinators with No Mow March. https://go.ufl.edu/nomowmarch A Pollinator Celebration will be offered on Saturday, March 23, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife