Spring has arrived! Azaleas are in full bloom and the bluebirds are busily working on nests. Also in full bloom are the Demonstration Gardens of UF IFAS Extension, Escambia County. Known informally as the “Demo Garden,” the landscape ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
If you live near or visit the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico coasts, odds are you’re a fan of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Fried or steamed legs and claws, crabcakes, entire softshell crabs—that sweet crab meet is delicious ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
There are some things in nature that look so bizarre, so beautiful, or so ornate that one can scarcely believe they’re real. This was how I felt the first time I looked closely at a passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) bloom. Between the ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
My husband’s best friend was a nature nerd like me. If I didn’t know what something was, Anthony was the first person I’d send a photo to for identification help. We lost him unexpectedly last year, but he shows up in small ways for ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation
I have always had a sweet tooth. While some folks prefer their sweetness in fruit or fruity candy, my go-to has always been chocolate. So, you can imagine my delight upon learning our national meeting for Extension natural resource agents ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Conservation, Crops, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation
Driving through north Alabama and central Tennessee this week, my eyes were drawn to a stunning display of color on the roadsides. The redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are a striking shade of fuschia and really pop out in contrast to the ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
For most of the year, yaupon (pronounced “yo-pon”) holly is the nondescript evergreen backdrop to forested areas throughout the Panhandle. But in the fall, these plants are bursting with brilliant red berries. There are 9 holly species ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
Back in the day, pirates would scour the beaches for hidden treasure. On a recent trip out with a group of botanists and biologists, we combed the dunes of Perdido Key for a specific plant that hosts a rare bee species. While not gold doubloons, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Join UF IFAS Extension Escambia County for a fun session on saving seeds from your favorite plants. We will demonstrate how to save seeds from annuals, perennial, edibles, and a few trees. The session will be on Wednesday, August 3 at 11:30 ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping