Walking through a northwest Florida wildflower prairie in mid-October, the star of the show is Liatris. Known as dense gayfeather or blazing star, this tall (up to 7’!) stunner of a plant is covered up with clusters of small purple ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
To support monarch butterflies, the University of Florida and other conservation groups recommend Florida native milkweed species as host and nectar plants. Currently, there are three native milkweed species that are most commonly found ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, , Wildlife
Chrysanthemums Traditionally this time of year we spend our money on lovely colorful blooming Chrysanthemums for fall décor. Please consider our pollinators when purchasing your next landscape seasonal plants. Here’s why: in cultivated mums, ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
The intricate camouflage developed within the animal kingdom never fails to fascinate me. From fish that look like seagrass blades to butterflies that look like tree bark—or a pair of eyes—the variety, color, and textures are just mind-boggling. ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is alerting growers to a new pest of concern making its mark in South Florida farms and nurseries: the invasive two-spot cotton leafhopper. Measuring ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Before we sold the original 4-H property to Navy Federal, the entire office of Escambia County Extension agents regularly hosted school field trips at the 4-H camp. It had a huge auditorium, forested areas, pitcher plant bogs, and a pond. ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water
An important and growing landscaping trend is gardening for wildlife. This important conservation effort can help our native small wildlife populations with plants that attract and support a wide variety of our native species, especially birds, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Wildlife
The other day, our Horticulture agent, Beth Bolles, called me over to point out something of interest. Along the sidewalk between our buildings was a sandy burrow that looked like a cross between a fire ant mound and a crawfish burrow. “People ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
Often plants have a special feature that makes them worth growing even when other characteristics are underwhelming and not overly ornamental. The blue butterfly bush is an example of this - featuring beautiful exotic flowers, the leggy ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes