We have an incredibly showy tree making a dramatic splash in our demonstration garden right now. The fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a native to the eastern and southeastern part of the United States. Its genus name, Chionanthus, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
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
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
For years, I’ve recommended a plant—the rain lily (Zephyranthes spp.)—for people interested in building rain gardens. In truth, I’d never knowingly seen the plant in the field or a landscape, but many horticulture professionals I ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
I first became acquainted with the lovely Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis) when we were designing a landscape for the county’s green roof. A rather daunting project, the 33,000 square foot roof is the largest of its kind in Florida. Our ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
Just about a year ago, a dream team of history and plant nerds assembled around a common goal. The idea was to transform an open, weedy space adjacent to the University of West Florida (UWF) Archaeology Institute into a lush garden. The ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
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 ResourcesEclectic gardening will be the topic of the October 24 “Mondays in the Gardens” series. Florida Master Gardeners Jaci Zwierzchowski and Sandra Sherman will lead the one hour presentation beginning at 10 a.m. in the outdoor classroom under ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Watch our webinar recording of Butterfly Gardening in Central Florida here. The key to attracting butterflies to your yard is to plant species that butterflies can use for food and shelter. Larval host plants are specific to butterfly species; ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension