Despite the cold snap that has dropped in on us this week, spring is arriving in northwest Florida. Pollen is coating cars, azaleas are in bloom, and bees are buzzing all over our blueberry bushes. During a recent trip to the trails ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources
If you’re looking to create visual interest in your Florida landscape without adding extra maintenance to your to-do list, muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a standout choice. This beloved Florida native is known for its delicate, ... READ MORE
Category: Crops, Home Landscapes
Looking to add year-round color, pollinator appeal, and resilience to your Florida landscape? Meet the beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis), a.k.a the dune sunflower, a cheerful Florida native known for its sunny yellow-orange blooms and effortless ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
We all know an old-timer who’s lived in the area forever. They can tell you about the flood of the century or the time the bay froze. Sometimes there’s a little tall tale thrown in, but for the most part you can trust them to know the ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water
In zone 9, native plant material is one of the most impactful choices one can make for the environment. Native plants are adapted to our climate and soils, making them more resilient, water-efficient, and less dependent on fertilizers or pesticides. ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
When we think of fall fruit, often we think about apples, pumpkins, and cranberries This year why not add persimmons to the list. Fall is when their ripening, orange fruits are very noticeable. Not only are they available in the produce section, ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Tropical Milkweed is now Invasive! Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) was once a go to larval host plant for monarch butterflies. As of June 2025 the plant status has changed. It is now listed as invasive in the entire state ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension
Florida's population is expanding by an estimated 600 people per day, fueling an ever-increasing demand for development. Development drives one of the greatest threats to Florida's wildlife: habitat loss. According to the US Fish and Wildlife ... READ MORE
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Milkweed is a flowering Florida native that supports pollinators, like the monarch butterfly. It is the only plant on which Monarch butterflies can reproduce. But, beyond their critical role in supporting monarch butterfly populations, milkweed ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture
I usually see these guys using their suction-cup like toepads to hang out on our glass patio doors at night. Despite being 6 or 8 feet above the ground, my cat (from indoors) always attempts numerous remarkable—yet futile—high jumps ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife