A Gardener’s Story: A Special Bonus Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (3/25/2025) - A Gardener's Story, A very special bonus episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast A Gardener’s Story is special bonus episode where we sit down with a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who is dedicating their time and expertise to help our communities thrive. From supporting Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices to providing hands-on education, we’ll uncover… more
Dead wood: Nature’s invitation to your yard (2/24/2025) - Katy Deitz’s laurel oak was decades old, the trunk half the length of her body, when the hollowing effects of heart-rot decay rendered the tree unsafe to stand. Arborists felled the oak, and Deitz intended to grind the stump. “I’m glad I didn’t, because one, it saved me money, and two, it brought a lot… more
Winter Gardens in Central Florida (2/19/2025) - Our recent central Florida weather proves yet again that every couple of years gardeners face plant-damaging cold temperatures. During these cold snaps we bring out frost cloths and bring in containerized plants. With bated breath and crossed fingers we hope our beloved ornamental and edible plants will make it through. And we still have much… more
Celebrate Old-Time Shrubs for a Classic Central Florida Landscape (2/4/2025) - The following shrubs are a few old-time favorites that offer the true look of a central Florida landscape. These easy-to-grow shrubs bloom in the fall and during mild winters. They offer nectar to butterflies, native bees, and/or hummingbirds who will happily visit your yard at a time of the year that other plants may have… more
Reading the Leaves: What Your Landscape Is Telling You (1/31/2025) - Reading the Leaves: What Your Landscape Is Telling You As a University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticulture agent based in Southwest Florida, I often encounter homeowners, Master Gardener Volunteers, and landscape professionals eager to solve problems in their landscapes. Many come to us asking, “What’s wrong with my plant?” But… more
February 2025 Gardening Workshops- UF/IFAS Extension Clay County (1/28/2025) - It might only be February but spring is right around the corner! Get a head start on your garden this year by increasing your gardening knowledge at some our upcoming horticulture workshops taught by our Environmental Horticulture Agent, Dr. Wayne Hobbs , or one of our amazing Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers. Here are our… more
Request a Master Gardener Volunteer or Extension Agent Speaker at Your Event! UF/IFAS Extension Clay County (1/23/2025) - Do you want a Master Gardener Volunteer, Extension Agent, or Program Assistant to teach a gardening topic to your group or at an event? Check out our new online request portal at https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1XPksxmxaDYWhca . This short survey will give us information so that we can start planning to meet your needs with one of experienced… more
Resources for Your Central Florida Yard (1/10/2025) - In this post, you'll find a collection of valuable gardening and landscaping resources from UF/IFAS Extension. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these resources will help you grow healthier plants, create beautiful landscapes, and troubleshoot common issues. Explore tips on Florida-Friendly Landscaping, lawns, plant care, and more. General Resources UF IFAS Extension… more
UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Teaching Events- January 2025 (1/9/2025) - What better way to start 2025 than with growing your gardening knowledge! The UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers have an amazing schedule of events planned for this year and here is a listing of what we have this January! January 27th- Monthly How-To Series: The Allure of Camellias - Learn about an amazing… more
Winter is Coming: Protect Your Plants from the Cold (1/6/2025) - One of my favorite things about Florida is our year-round warm weather. However, when we occasionally get cold weather that falls below freezing, we need to prepare our tropical loving plants. Certain varieties of palm trees, avocadoes, mangoes, cacao, and other tropical fruiting trees can be very sensitive to cold temperatures. It is important to… more
2025 Landscape Matters Programs (12/30/2024) - Gardens and Roses When: January 9, 2025; 6pm – 7pm Where: Online or In-Person, 25 N 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/vAYF1i3TQgqc2WXOKsfcKw An unequivocal component of gardens is roses. Roses, especially in Florida, can be difficult to maintain. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Fernandina Beach Library Branch (25 N. 4th… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer: Rooted in Passion, Blooming in Service (12/30/2024) - Meet a Master Gardener Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we spotlight the dedicated individuals who make a significant impact in our community through their passion for horticulture and education. In this installment of our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" series, we delve into Linda's inspiring story. We explore her… more
Holiday Decor from the Garden: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (12/20/2024) - Want to decorate from your yard this holiday season? Do you want to learn how to use plants in the landscape to naturally add holiday color and interest in your yard and around your home? In the landscape add seasonal color by selecting the right plants for the right place AND in the right color… more
Polk County Businesses are Choosing Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (12/13/2024) - Along with the many residents of Polk County who have chosen to implement Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) in their yards and apply for recognition, we now have businesses and even municipalities participating. If you are not familiar with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, it is a way to maintain landscapes in Florida that reduces the use of water, fertilizer,… more
Holiday Decor from the Garden: Ideas and Inspiration (12/9/2024) - It is the time of year when you pull out the holiday decorations, untangle twinkle lights, and decide if you want to purchase that giant Santa you saw at the store. But wait! Before you make that purchase, consider using natural items and plants for decorations this year. Whether adding plants to the landscape, in… more
Central Florida Gardening and Landscaping Fact Sheets (11/20/2024) - Looking for gardening and landscaping facts sheets specific to central Florida? Seeking resources mentioned in an episode of the Your Central Florida Yard podcast? Accessing fact sheets is a valuable way to stay informed about best practices in gardening and landscaping. These resources provide research-based information tailored to various topics, such as plant care, pest… more
Part-Time Gardening: Tips for Newcomers, Seasonal Residents, and Snowbirds: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (11/19/2024) - Are you new to Florida or are you a part-time resident? In this episode join us as we talk tips for gardening in central Florida including debunking five common garden myths. Julie and Anne will discuss what you need to know when gardening, what to look for when hiring out landscaping services, and how to manage… more
Crape Murder…A Haunting Tale: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (10/30/2024) - It's spooky, it's scary, it's downright terrifying! It's crape murder! Pruning crapemyrtle trees is often done incorrectly and the consequences of improper pruning are quite scary indeed. What do you know about crapemyrtles and their care? Have you heard the term “crape murder”? Ever wondered what it meant? In this episode we will discuss crapemyrtles and… more
Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers Earn Three Awards of Excellence at State Conference (10/29/2024) - The Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers earned three Awards of Excellence at the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Conference in Kissimmee on October 23, 2024. Awards were earned in the categories of educational materials, personal communication, and communications. The educational materials project, Soil and Nutrients; A Hands-On Training for the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course, was… more
Join Us on November 9: Discover, Learn, and Connect at the UF/IFAS Extension Broward MGV Open House! (10/12/2024) - Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Urban Horticulture Agent Lorna Bravo Join us for our FREE open house On Saturday, November 9, UF/IFAS Extension Broward will host an open house from 9 a.m. to noon at 3245 College Ave. in Davie. This event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to explore… more
Learn, grow and connect with UF/IFAS Extension Broward Master Gardener Program at the Nov. 9 open house (10/3/2024) - There is something for everyone at UF/IFAS Extension Broward County. Whether it’s finding the right 4-H youth activity, growing your garden, training to be an arborist or needing an expert to diagnose your landscape woes, UF/IFAS Extension Broward County has that and more with all your resources under one roof. On Nov. 9, UF/IFAS Extension… more
Crafting Spooky Season Planters: A BONUS Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (10/1/2024) - It's a spooky season bonus episode! Let's create spooky season planters for our ghoulish gardens! Are you ready for spooky season? Today we have a fun bonus episode for you about combining plants in containers (along with using items found in the yard) for frightfully fun seasonal decor. In this episode we will chat about… more
Spooky Season Planters: Transforming Planters into Hauntingly Beautiful Holiday Decor (10/1/2024) - Are you ready for spooky season? Sure, you can buy decorations, but consider combining plants in containers (along with using items found in the yard) for frightfully fun seasonal decor! Use spooky season colors when planning your containers. Look for flowers and foliage in colors like black/purple, dark green, chartreuse, orange, red, white, and yellow.… more
Create a Wattle in Your Yard (9/5/2024) - Are summer storms dropping dead branches and twigs onto your yard? Recycle them and create a "wattle" fence! Wattles, or hurdles, have been in use since the Middle Ages; originally used as portable fencing for grazing sheep. Over time, designs have evolved and many examples of beautiful woven fencing can be found worldwide. Back to… more
Harmony in Bloom: Announcing the 2025 Garden Festival & Plant Sale (9/3/2024) - 2025 Orange County Garden Festival & Plant Sale Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Mark your calendars! The 2025 Garden Festival & Plant Sale will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, 32812. Get ready… more
Starting a Vegetable Garden in Central Florida: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (8/26/2024) - So you want to start a vegetable garden... Before you dig in, there are a few basic tips that will help you grow a successful vegetable garden in central Florida. From proper timing for seasonal vegetables, to soil prep, water, fertilizer, and even pest management. In this episode we will chat about deciding what to… more
September 2024 Class List (8/23/2024) - Join us at the UF/IFAS Brevard Extension office for some fun learning experiences! Make sure to follow us on Eventbrite to be notified by email whenever we post a new class: https://brevardextension.eventbrite.com Want this sent to your email? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://brevardextension.substack.com Arborist Certification Workshop September 3 - 4 | 9 am -… more
Weeds in the Home Landscape: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (8/19/2024) - Weeds in the home landscape Weed management can be stressful and difficult for many homeowners, and like many pest problems, the best way to combat problems in the lawn and landscape is through proper maintenance to promote healthy plants. In this episode of Your Central Florida Yard we talk all things weeds! A new episode… more
UF/IFAS Extension Gilchrist County to expand facilities 10-fold (8/13/2024) - Rain left a two-inch puddle on the floor of the UF/IFAS Extension Gilchrist County office Wednesday. It was a fitting reminder of the Trenton structure’s age, and one remarked upon repeatedly Friday by speakers at a ceremonial groundbreaking for its future replacement, a 20,000-square-foot building adjacent to the county agriculture complex in Bell. “This is… more
Join the 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program! (8/2/2024) - I am delighted to announce registration is open for the 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer training program! If you're a Sarasota County resident, this is your chance to expand your horticultural knowledge, engage in meaningful community service, and connect with like-minded gardening enthusiasts right here in your own community. Imagine being part of a passionate group… more
Summer seed saving: A Master Gardener shares tips on wildflower propagation (7/31/2024) - Lois McNamara has been growing wildflowers for more than two decades, but she still remembers the species that endeared her to the hobby: blue larkspur. “My daughter brought me seeds one year and threw them in a flowerbed, and the result was so beautiful that I wanted to do that, too,” said McNamara, a Master… more
A Tropical Yard in Central Florida: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (6/21/2024) - A tropical yard in central Florida Does the thought of living in central Florida bring to mind a tropical-looking landscape? The climate of central Florida is unique and is changing. There are many plants that thrive in this area from ornamental plants like palms and foliage plants to fruit trees. In this episode of Your… more
Support Florida’s Pollinators All Year Long (6/21/2024) - Landscapes that support our native pollinators are places filled with wonder! They help our environment by providing safe havens for our smallest of wildlife – bees, butterflies and more! Homeowners, institutions, developers – even apartment dwellers with balconies – can experience the reward of knowing that individuals CAN make a difference! Florida's pollinators have life… more
Time to Apply for the 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course (6/2/2024) - The University of Florida Extension Office in Okaloosa County is taking applications for the 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer training course. We are looking for people who will provide volunteer time at the Extension Office in Crestview assisting with our planned educational activities. After successfully completing the course, participants will be ready to begin 75 hours… more
Hurricane Prep for the Landscape: A new episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast (5/22/2024) - Hurricane Prep for Landscapes In this episode of Your Central Florid Yard, we talk hurricane prep for landscapes. Living in Florida includes being prepared for hurricanes. Many people know how to get their homes ready but what should do for your landscape? Join us to learn how to prepare your garden and landscape for hurricane… more
Tips on hand watering (5/4/2024) - It’s springtime, and gardeners in central Florida are eagerly adding new plants to our gardens. Yet this year’s very dry and breezy weather creates a challenge at the very critical time of establishing strong new roots. For most of us that means we are busy with a lot of hand watering! Did you know that… more
When Grass Won’t Grow, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast (4/29/2024) - When Grass Won't Grow In this episode of Your Central Florid Yard, learn what to do in your yard when grass won't grow. A new episode out now from Your Central Florida Yard Your Central Florida Yard, a podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County has a new episode on what to do when grass won't… more
Duval County volunteers keep Jacksonville trees trim (4/24/2024) - Jacksonville, the largest city by landmass in the contiguous United States, is also home to the country’s largest urban park system – more than 80,000 acres of land featuring more than 400 parks. For a decade, a cadre of gloved individuals armed with pruning shears has helped provide the city’s young trees with a healthy… more
Extension, County Volunteers Honored at Ceremony (4/5/2024) - UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County honored a suite of high-performing volunteers at a March 19 ceremony, ahead of global volunteer month in April. At the event, held in the Sarasota County Commission chambers and including volunteers with other county departments, Extension staff highlighted five of its volunteers for outstanding achievement in 2023: Linda Collins June Haley… more
2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Recruitment & FAQs (4/2/2024) - Do you love gardening? Or maybe you just want to learn more? Are you interested in being a part of a community of volunteers and sharing your gardening training with the residents in our county? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Find out what is involved in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV)… more
Can I Plant This? A Guide for Newcomers to Southwest Florida (4/1/2024) - Welcome to the lush landscapes of Southwest Florida! As you settle into your new home, you might find yourself drawn to the idea of adding some greenery to your surroundings. But before you start digging, it's essential to understand the unique environment of this region and embrace sustainable landscaping practices. Let's dive into what you… more
Fertilizing Palms, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast (3/22/2024) - Yellow palm fronds? What's going on? Are you interested in keeping your palm tree healthy and green? Learn what may be causing your palm trees to turn yellow, how long it can take to correct it, and what to look for in a palm fertilizer. Find out in this episode of Your Central Florid Yard.… more
gARTening: Pound Flower Art – A Creative Twist on Botanicals (3/20/2024) - Welcome to the world of gARTening! In this program we focus on connecting with our residents and creating Garden + Art related activities. Today, we're exploring a unique and creative way to incorporate nature into art with Pound Flower Art! This technique, also known as flower pounding or flower hammer art, offers a unique blend of… more
Florida celebrates 45 years of Master Gardener Volunteer program (3/14/2024) - University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension offices will show appreciation next week for the more than 3,300 residents serving as Master Gardener Volunteers throughout the state. During Master Gardener Volunteer Week — March 17-23 — UF/IFAS Extension agents plan to recognize the hard work of their volunteers through a social… more
Why is My Palm Yellow? (3/13/2024) - One of the most common occurrences with palms is the unsightly yellow appearance that many display. So, why are palms yellow? Palm Nutrient Deficiencies Nutrient deficiencies are some of the most common causes of yellow palm fronds. So, let's take a look at some common nutrient issues that palms experience, what they can look like… more
Creating a Native Wildflower Garden in Your Central Florida Yard, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast (3/13/2024) - Creating a Native Wildflower Garden in Your Central Florida Yard In this episode of Your Central Florid Yard, learn how to start adding native wildflowers to your yard! A new episode out now from Your Central Florida Yard Your Central Florida Yard, a podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County has a new episode on wildflowers.… more
Organic mulches in the Florida-Friendly Landscape: How do I know which ones to use? (3/7/2024) - The answer might be - it depends! Are you mulching a large landscape bed of trees or shrubs, or more delicate annuals or perennials? Are you creating a mulched pathway? Do you have a wildflower area? Read on for a few facts, tips and myths about mulch choices. For more complete information, check out the… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Speaker’s Bureau (3/6/2024) - Meet a Master Gardener Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful contributions of the passionate individuals who form the backbone of our gardening community. These dedicated volunteers bring horticultural expertise, community spirit, and a love for sustainable practices to the forefront of our… more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff (3/5/2024) - Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff (3/5/2024) - Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more