Scent-sational Shrubs: Unveiling the Aromatic Allure of the Tea Olive (9/22/2023) - When it comes to choosing plants for my yard, I follow my nose. And I have found nothing is more aromatically exquisite than the Osmanthus fragrans, tea olive tree. The tea olive is a tree, reaching heights of 20 feet or more, but since it is slow growing, it is usually pruned and kept as… more
Late summer in your Florida-Friendly landscape: A few quick tips (9/2/2023) - It’s the end of summer and it’s hot--and not just hot, but hot and humid! Now is a good time to keep your garden activities to a minimum. If you work in your landscape addressing the few chores that might be necessary, always remember to STAY SAFE! Work primarily in the morning or late afternoon… more
Greenhouse Guide for Educators (9/1/2023) - Are you an educator interested in building and installing a greenhouse? Do you have a greenhouse but need age-appropriate curriculum? The Greenhouse Manual: An Introductory Guide for Educators from the United States Botanical Garden was adapted to use in Florida by UF/IFAS Extension. The manual contains information on installing a greenhouse, what to grow when,… more
August Landscape Jobs and Plant Clinic (8/16/2023) - August is usually a harsh month in the North Florida landscape. Heat and humidity take their toll on both the landscape and the gardener. But there are things to do now that can make a difference in your landscape in the near future. Now is a good time to cleanup roses for fall flower production.… more
Quick Tips on Hand-Weeding in Your Florida-Friendly Yard (7/14/2023) - The act of hand-weeding is often considered a dreaded chore, but gardeners take heart! With just a few modifications and – perhaps – a slightly different mindset, you can make this chore less daunting and even enjoyable. Some tips: Don’t let your weeds get out of hand. In Florida, weeds appear during each season. The… more
Residents Guide to the Polk County Fertilizer Ordinance (6/3/2023) - On June 1, many local fertilizer ordinances start the "blackout period", a restricted time of year where no fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus are to be applied. What does that mean for Polk County? It is important that residents in Polk County know what the local fertilizer ordinance states. What is the purpose of a… more
Changes to the Orange County Plant Clinic (5/17/2023) - Did you know that UF/IFAS Extension Orange County has a group of trained volunteers to help you with your plant needs? If your plants are in need contact our Residential Plant Clinic! What exactly is a Plant Clinic? Think of it as a one-stop-shop for all your plant health questions or walk-in clinic for your… more
Tips for Florida Homeowners on Fertilizing Plants (5/17/2023) - Fertilizer can help plants grow but can also have adverse effects on the environment. Be sure to apply best management practices when fertilizing to optimize your plant health without harming our water bodies. Watch the recording of our How to Fertilize Plants webinar here. The key to having healthy plants is to build good soil.… more
Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer FAQ & 2023 Recruitment (5/16/2023) - Do you love gardening? Or maybe you have a “black thumb” and 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… more Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale includes Native Plants (4/27/2023) - The UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold their 2023 Spring Plant Sale 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at the temporary UF/IFAS Extension Annex located at the Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) in Fort Walton Beach. Our former location on Hollywood Blvd. closed. We are now in a temporary location in… more![group of volunteers and staff members after receiving sarasota county honor for their efforts. [credit: sarasota county government]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2023/04/20230320_VolunteerAppreciationBreakfast_013_SD_CROP1338x357-1024x273.png)
Sarasota County honors Extension, other volunteers (4/17/2023) - In celebrating National Volunteer Week (April 16-22), UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County thanks it’s 255 volunteers. Throughout the 2022 fiscal year, Extension volunteers gave 13,042 hours of service worth $390,615 in labor to the residents of Sarasota County. On March 21, the Sarasota County Commission recognized Sarasota County volunteers for their efforts in the 2022 fiscal… more
UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Applications Being Accepted in Sumter County (4/11/2023) - Applications are now being accepted for the UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Master Gardener Volunteer Program for the 2023 class. Have you always wanted to be Master Gardener Volunteer? Now is the time to apply through July 15, 2023! When are Classes and What do we Learn? Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 9 am… more
The gARTening Program: 2023 Schedule (4/11/2023) - What is the gARTening Program? The gARTening Program is designed to connect residents to both our UF/IFAS Extension Services and Horticulture through the use of art within gardening. The gARTening program is a program for all ages, from 4-104 years old! While gardening has physical health benefits, it also has mental health benefits. In a study… more
Thank you, Orange County! Garden Festival & Plant Sale Recap (4/10/2023) - March 4th, 2023, was a beautiful sunny day. The UF/IFAS Extension Orange County campus was flooded with 2300 people to celebrate the 12th annual Garden Festival and Plant Sale. Plant and craft vendors were here showcasing their beautiful products. Patrons loved the locally grown plants, honey, and corn meal, as well as the locally… more
Sustainable Gardening-How to Grow Microgreens at Home (4/6/2023) - Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Urban Horticulture Agent Lorna Bravo What are Microgreens? Microgreens are emerging specialty crops that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are young, tender greens harvested at the cotyledon stage or when the first true leaves emerge. The stem is snipped just above the soil and sold with the… more
Support Your Local Pollinators – and Your Local Bookstores! (3/31/2023) - The UF/IFAS Sumter County Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener Program will be holding a Pollinator Short Course at the Sumter County Fairgrounds in Bushnell next Wednesday, April 5, and the IFAS Bookstore will be there! The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include presentations on local butterflies and conservation, honey beekeeping, bee conservation,… more
Happy Birthday! The Master Gardener Volunteer Program Turns 50! (3/20/2023) - This year, the Master Gardener Volunteer program celebrates its fiftieth year. Programs across the United States (and beyond) are recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments the program has made in so many communities. Additionally, March 20-26 is officially National Extension Master Gardener Volunteer week. How did the Master Gardener Volunteer program start? How does it benefit the… more
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Series: Five Steps to Become a Florida-Friendly Landscaper (3/6/2023) - Join us in celebrating 30 years of Florida-Florida Friendly Landscaping™ this blog series. Since 1993, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ has served as the state of Florida’s premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping, providing guidance on low impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters.… more
Gardening with Florida Native Plants (3/2/2023) - Where is IFASBOOKS this weekend? This Saturday, March 4, 2023, the IFAS Extension Bookstore will be at the UF/IFAS Extension Orange County Garden Festival and Plant Sale in Orlando. The festival is a free, family-friendly event from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature, in addition to the bright demeanors of your favorite bookstore’s… more Florida-Friendly Landscaping Series: Take some action in five simple steps! (2/27/2023) - Join us in celebrating 30 years of Florida-Florida Friendly Landscaping™ with this blog series. Since 1993, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ has served as the state of Florida’s premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping, providing guidance on low impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida… more
2023 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Now Open for Applications- UF/IFAS Extension Clay County (2/23/2023) - Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Master Gardener Volunteer training offered by UF/IFAS Extension Clay County. UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are educators who work alongside agents to deliver workshops, answer client questions, develop educational displays and demonstration gardens, and help our community be successful with their gardening endeavors. As the outreach component… more Florida-Friendly Landscaping Series: Five facts to know to help you grow! (2/13/2023) - Join us in celebrating 30 years of Florida-Florida Friendly Landscaping™ this blog series. Since 1993, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ has served as the state of Florida’s premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping, providing guidance on low impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters.… more
Master Gardener Volunteers Ready to Help in Fort Walton Beach (1/30/2023) - What happened to the old Extension Office Annex on Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach where I used to go to have my lawn and garden questions answered? Here is the answer as well as info on where to find us now. The main office for the University of Florida-IFAS Extension in Okaloosa County has… more
A Winter Wildlife Garden (1/20/2023) - What do you see in the photo on the left? A container of useless dead plants A bouquet of pollinator plants in their “winter” form A container showing plants that are a source of nesting and shelter for our over-wintering native pollinators To pollinator gardeners, the correct answers are B and C. From spring through… more
“Ground” Yourself By Planting Florida Native Plants (1/8/2023) - Most gardeners everywhere enjoy the rewarding experience of being “grounded”, so to speak, by planting and maintaining beautiful garden spaces. And what better way to become grounded in our local environment than by including Florida’s native plants in our landscapes? The benefits of native plants are tremendous! Beauty Our area continues to experience tremendous population… more
Connect with Hillsborough County Master Gardener Volunteer Program (1/6/2023) - Master Gardener Volunteers help extend the reach of University of Florida Extension programs across Hillsborough County. We are happy to welcome our new Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, Tia Silvasy, to lead our program! Here are some of the ways we serve our community: Speakers BureauWe have speakers on topics incline Vegetable Gardening, Butterfly Gardening, Native… more
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Broward County Project Recognitions-La Finca (1/5/2023) - Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Urban Horticulture Agent Lorna Bravo What motivates people to adopt and model sustainable landscape practices in their urban landscapes? Meet Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Jeannie Schmidle. Jeannie graduated from the UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer program class of 2018. In 2022, the University of Florida… more
Meet Hillsborough County’s New Residential Horticulture Extension Agent (12/23/2022) - IntroductionHello everyone! My name is Tia Silvasy, and I am the new Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator Extension Agent in Hillsborough County! I started this position in December 2022 and wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. BackgroundA little about me, I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA where I grew up on my grandparent's family… more
Better with Butterflies: Them and Us (12/20/2022) - Welcome to our last butterfly blog of the year. This month I want to summarize all the things we have talked about in the last 11 blogs to encourage you to get involved in protecting these delicate creatures. Butterflies are as essential to our survival as we are to theirs. Many plants cannot produce without… more
2022-2023 UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Citrus Picking (12/20/2022) - It is winter and the temperatures are dropping, the holiday season is upon us, and citrus across the state is ripening on the trees. In this season of giving, have you ever noticed your backyard orange trees produce just too much fruit for you to eat? If that's the case, consider having the UF/IFAS Clay… more New Year’s Resolution Ideas for your Garden (12/1/2022) - Each year's end brings a new year's beginning. Many people see the new year as a fresh start, and an opportunity to try something new. Here are some New Year’s Resolutions to kickstart your 2023 gardening journey: Selecting the Right Plant for the Right Place Have you ever bought a new plant and the second… more
“Something to Talk About”—Seminole Pumpkins! (10/25/2022) - Have you heard that Seminole pumpkins can be grown easily in Polk County? They are not only easy to grow but also make nutritious and flavorful dishes—and to top that off, they’re just plain fun! Seminole pumpkins are a cultivated variety of Cucurbita moschata. They are touted by many sources as a native plant to… more Orange County’s Master Gardener Volunteer Recognition Event (10/20/2022) - What is the Master Gardener Program? The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a citizen-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the residents of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and in giving back to their communities. Orange County’s Master Gardener Volunteer Program has been serving the citizens… more
Pollinator Plants that Survived Hurricane Ian (10/12/2022) - In our area of Polk County, Hurricane Ian produced Category 1 winds and associated rainfall. Local flooding and loss of power were experienced by many. And yet there is hope in a garden, and one local garden filled with pollinator plants offered a bit of cheer and hope on the morning after Ian’s visitation! The… more
Better With Butterflies- The Cabbage White (10/3/2022) - Welcome back to our monthly blog in which we discuss a few interesting facts about butterflies in general and a specific type of butterfly each month, focusing on the cabbage white this October. Butterflies are harmless to other animals and have no active way of defending themselves. They are therefore low on the food chain… more
Better with Butterflies: Buckeye (9/6/2022) - Welcome back to our monthly blog in which we discuss a few interesting facts about butterflies in general and a specific type of butterfly each month. Of the six known butterfly families, this month we will address the last two, the brush footed and skipper families. Brush footed butterflies are the largest of the families… more
Better With Butterflies: The Atala (8/19/2022) - Welcome back to our monthly blog in which we discuss a few interesting facts about butterflies in general and a specific type of butterfly. Of the six known butterfly families, this month we will address the gossamer winged, also known as hairstreaks and blues and the metalmarks. Gossamer winged butterflies are so called because of… more
Plant Sale- August 6th, 2022 (8/5/2022) - Many butterfly and pollinator plants will be available at the 2022 UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Plant Sale on Saturday, August 6th from 7:30am to 12 noon. Consider the possibilities of developing a butterfly garden and attracting monarch, sulphur, fritillaries, and swallowtail butterflies. Plants that are great for this include milkweed, assorted- color salvia,… more
Wild About Florida Native Plants – Firebush (8/1/2022) - Why am I "wild" about Florida native plants…….because they are the original settlers who came from all over the world and found a home in Florida. They decided that Florida was the perfect place to call home. Native plants are a good choice for the Florida gardener who wants to work less in the garden,… more
Save a monarch, plant a (native) milkweed! (7/26/2022) - By now, you may have seen the recent article stating alarming news about the beloved monarch butterfly population. Many gardeners in Florida enjoy planting for butterflies, observing the unique lifecycle of butterflies, and adding colorful flowers to their gardens. Milkweed is a critical plant for monarchs as it is their food source. If you have… more
Master Gardener Volunteer’s Favorite Plants: Pentas (7/11/2022) - Pentas lanceolata is a Florida perennial that is an attractive plant with red, pink, or white blooms. They are a great source of food for butterflies and hummingbirds. Most Pentas grow to about 2 or 3 feet high and 15 inches wide and love the sun. They do need to be protected from freezing weather,… more Coreopsis: A Summer Wildflower Favorite (7/8/2022) - Coreopsis leavenworthii is an annual to short-lived perennial with bright yellow flowers with a dark brown center. The flowers are held upright on tall, leafless stems. The blooms occur from late spring in north Florida to year-round in south Florida. Also called Leavenworth’s tickseed, this plant is native to Florida and used in edging and… more
Time to Apply for 2022 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course (7/7/2022) - The University of Florida Extension Office in Okaloosa County is taking applications for the 2022 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 program, participants will be ready to begin 75 hours… more Apply for the Sumter County Master Gardener Volunteer Class! (6/23/2022) - Do you enjoy gardening and want to know more about gardening in central Florida? Is conserving and protecting water quality important to you? Does acquiring new skills or expertise learned in workshops or classes challenge you? Do you enjoy sharing what you know with others? If you answered yes to any of… more
Better with Butterflies: Painted Ladies (5/31/2022) - Better with Butterflies: Painted Ladies Written by Carin Ashman, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteer This month I want to address the spiritual aspects or symbolism of butterflies across world cultures. Because of their unique lifecycle from humble crawly eating machine into a many colored, graceful flying insect, butterflies symbolize transformation, rebirth, hope and… more
TLC for Tougher Turfs (5/17/2022) - Where is IFASBOOKS this week? Turf School for Homeowners UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County 7620 SR 471, Suite 2 Bushnell, FL 33513 As any Florida homeowner knows, turfgrass really takes a beating in our state, between flooding and drought, soil conditions, insect pests, nematodes, weeds, and diseases. Learning the perfect balance of sustainable TLC for your… more
Better with Butterflies The Cloudless Sulphur (4/21/2022) - Welcome back to our monthly blog in which we discuss a few interesting facts about butterflies in general and a specific type of butterfly. This month I want to talk about how and what butterflies eat. With very few exceptions butterflies feed on nectar. Nectar is a sugary liquid excreted by flowers to attract pollinators.… more
Volunteers are the Heart and Soul of UF/IFAS Extension (4/18/2022) - April 17-24 is National Volunteer Week. What a great opportunity to celebrate the people who lend their time, effort and talents to make a difference in their community! In UF/IFAS Extension, we would be lost without our volunteers. They act as the facilitators and ambassadors of our mission to bring science-based education to the people… more![Master Gardener Volunteers staff a check-in table on a rainy Saturday during the group's 2021 plant sale.. [CREDIT: UF/IFAS Extension Sarsaota County]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2022/04/20211009_090106_CROP1338x357-1024x273.png)
A heartfelt “Thank you” to our amazing volunteers (4/8/2022) - UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County extends its heartfelt "Thank you!" to its volunteers, as we celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 17-23). And there is much to celebrate, with this group. In 2021, Extension's 328 volunteers provided 12,595 hours of service, worth $359,466 in labor to Sarasota County residents. Despite and throughout another challenging year with the… more
Wakulla Master Gardener Volunteer 2022 Spring Seed Library Program (3/22/2022) - Ask Wakulla Master Gardener Volunteer Michele Hackmeyer Objective To provide small packets of seasonally appropriate seeds to encourage members of the community to get started to try growing their own vegetable plants from seed. Select up to 3 packets of seeds from the UF/IFAS Wakulla County Extension Office. Location: 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, FL… more