Category: Home Landscapes
The Value of Birds
July 18, 2017
Have you ever thought about the value of birds? I mean, the value in dollars. There over 18,000 birds on this planet; all are different and all play a role in keeping Florida ecosystems healthy. They can also keep us and our economy healthy ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, WildlifeTags: Birds, Ecosystem Services, Pest Control, Pollinators, Special Topics
Q: I have a Crown-of-Thorns plant in the shade and it is not doing well. What could be wrong?
July 18, 2017
A: Crown-of-Thorns, Euphorbia milii, a native of Madagascar, is a common garden plant in southern states, especially Florida. It grows best in cold hardiness zones 10-11 which means South Florida for us. Typically it will die back during harsh, ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesTags: Crown-of-Thorns, Euphorbia Milii, Poisonous
Q: My neighbor’s bamboo is becoming a problem for my property. What can I do to keep it under control?
July 18, 2017
A: You will only be able to manage those reeds popping up on your property unless you have your neighbor’s permission. If you are having a problem then your neighbor might be frustrated too. Working together would be ideal. It may be hard ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesTags: Bamboo, Invasive Bamboo
Q: I just moved here and there is a cluster of large bamboo plants in my yard. Can you identify them for me?
July 18, 2017
A: I am glad you brought me a photo of this plant. The grasses and grass-like plants are very difficult to identify but this one is fairly easy since you showed me a seed head and it was about 12 feet tall. I believe is it Giant reed, Arundo ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesTags: Arundo Donax, Giant Reed, Noxious Weed
Q: What can you tell me about the bamboo plant Moso?
July 18, 2017
A: Moso bamboo is a close relative of golden bamboo. Moso is the largest temperate bamboo, reaching heights of over 75 feet and with 5 inch diameter shoots. Two scientific names ‐ Phyllostachys pubescens and Phyllostachys edulis ‐ are currently ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesTags: Moso Bamboo, Phyllostachys Edulis, Phyllostachys Pubescens
Q: I will be bringing my plants indoors. I have heard it will help to add aspirin to the soil to help prevent disease. Is that true?
July 18, 2017
A: I was unable to find any research information regarding adding aspirin to soil to prevent plant disease. There is extensive research which documents aspirin provides no benefit if added to the water of cut flowers. I see no reason to add ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesTags: Aspirin, House Plants, Indoor Plants