As the temperatures begin to cool and the days get shorter, fall presents the perfect opportunity to plant wildflowers in Central Florida. Not only do these hardy plants thrive in our subtropical climate, but they also attract pollinators, enhance ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping
For those in search of a native showstopper, Skyblue Clustervine (Jacquemontia pentanthos)—also known as Key West Morning Glory—is truly a gem. Native to South Florida, where it is listed as an endangered species, this vine is currently ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension
You may be impressed with the determination of nature when you find that little sprout growing up from the driveway or contemplate how wooden roots crumble concrete. On the one hand it is incredible, but if these things are happening on your ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
At the Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension Office, we've been cultivating a Food Forest to showcase the most productive, unique, and often underutilized fruits suited to our distinctive southwest Florida climate. Through this project, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes
Our communities are resilient, and so is nature. With hurricane season in full swing and storms bringing wind and flooding across the state, let’s discuss necessary steps we must take to rebuild beautiful gardens safely following a flood. ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Food Safety, Fruits & Vegetables
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) have long been beloved for their rich coloring and ability to suppress plant - parasitic nematodes. This is true, however, simply planting marigolds in your garden or landscape, or intercropping, will not reduce nematode ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Why would I encourage you to grow cabbage in your backyard garden when it is one of the most affordable green vegetables you could pick up at the grocery store? Well, cabbage is perhaps the easiest fall vegetable to grow in our area. ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes,
You may recognize the delicate, vibrant flowers of the Florida violet (Viola sororia), but did you know that this flower is native to Florida? This annual can add a pop of color to most any garden. Still, it is important to keep the plant’s ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
We’re excited to announce the 2025 Garden Festival & Plant Sale! Our theme will be "Harmony in Bloom: Celebrating the Diversity of Plants and People," where we’ll explore the rich tapestry of plant life and the vibrant ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Florida has it's very own maple tree! The Florida maple (Acer barbatum), also known as "Florida Red Maple" or "Swamp Maple," gets its name from the color of its leaves. In the autumn, these leaves turn to hues of yellow, orange, and red. This ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension