While junipers can be a nice feature in the landscape, many that would be commonly used up north just do not do well in our Southwest Florida climate in regard to pest and environment pressures. The native juniper, the red cedar is a ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Lawns planted with turfgrass can require a lot of maintenance. Bahia grass is a drought-tolerant turfgrass with minimal pest and disease problems and a low nitrogen requirement. St. Augustinegrass has a high demand for water and fertilizer and ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Some plants have a number of uses across a broad spectrum – Bahia grass as an example where it is used both in pastures and as a landscape turf. Another crossover plant in the same vein is the turf alternative called perennial peanuts. ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn
Our office is often asked what type of groundcovers are best to plant or is there even a turfgrass alternative. While several come to mind, one popular choice is called sunshine mimosa. Sunshine mimosa is a great native groundcover and ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn
Growing up in Tennessee, my backyard was a large expanse of woods right off a concrete patio. In areas that received sunshine, one of my favorite plants was a groundcover called thrift, Phlox subulata. Each spring, pink flowers brightened ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping
I you have seen a dwarf chenille plant; you can easily understand why the word “chenille” is French for caterpillar. This colorful groundcover plant is covered with up to two-inch-long red to pink fluffy caterpillar-like flowers arrayed ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
Another plant up for your consideration for this coming summer is called the fan flower or Scaevola aemula. Not to be confused with the Beach Naupaka or Scaevola taccada – a local invasive plant found in many local coastal areas - the ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Two universal truths about lawns – there is no perfect grass, they all have their advantages and disadvantages, and lawns go from order to disorder over a period of time unless you step in and make corrections while they are small. St. ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn
The native Powderpuff mimosa, Mimosa strigillosa, has potential as a turf companion in the North Florida landscape. Learn about the growth of this plant to determine if you want to add it as a groundcover or companion plant in your yard. UF ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn
While some flowers may be considered old-fashioned, they are still around for a reason – they look good! And as new generations are introduced to old favorites – many of which have new looks – the adoption and appreciation continues. ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes