Weeping fig Ficus benjamina hedges are a common sight in the Florida Keys. If you have one in your landscape, it's a good idea to inspect it for possible infestation by a new pest first found in the U.S. in 2007. The ficus whitefly Singhiella ... READ MORE
Category: Pests & Disease
Andy Wilson, Horticulturist The single most important thing to do to keep cut Christmas trees fresh is to keep the base of the trunk immersed in water at all times once it is brought into the home. Most research has failed to show any real ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesThe Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that a eucalyptus pest, Leptocybe invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), of a genus and species new to Florida and North America was recently discovered in Broward County, Florida. "The ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & DiseaseBy Pam Brown, Urban Horticulture Extension agent January can bring frost or maybe freezing temperatures and here in Pinellas County we have tropical plants in our landscapes, so these cold spells can be damaging. If you have plants outside ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
In 2004, a new species of wasp Quadrastichus erythrinae Kimwas identified as the cause of gall formation on several species of Erythrina, known as the coral tree. This tiny pest spread to Hawaii by 2005 and was first found in Florida in 2006. ... READ MORE
Category: Pests & DiseaseBy Pam Brown, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent We have had some cold weather early this year which has created some wonderful red, orange and gold colors in our trees and other landscape plants. Deciduous plants – those that loose their ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Naples Daily News Dec. 6, 2008 Above: The earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) grows to 40 feet tall and has elongate leaves with parallel veins. Photo: Stephen Brown. UF/IFAS Lee Co. Extension. Right, above: ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, UF/IFAS ExtensionBy Pam Brown, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent The new water restrictions released a few weeks ago by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) state that lawn renovations are to be avoided. There has been some confusion ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn, Natural Resources, WaterBy Andy Wilson It’s understandably alarming to a home gardener. A hibiscus or gardenia plant that looked fine a couple of weeks ago suddenly has many bright yellow leaves on it. What could it be? Nothing about the care of the plant changed, ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesPam Brown, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent The continuing drought conditions prompted the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to tighten landscape watering restrictions for Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. SWFWMD ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Water