HEADER_OaklandNaturePreserve

FIELD TRIP: Oakland Nature Preserve

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
October 15, 2026

Written by MGV Cathy Keller October 14, 2026 was a gorgeous fall day for 6 MGVs, 1 MGV Apprentice and 3 guests  to enjoy our field trip. The Oakland Nature Preserve (ONP) Director, Nicole O’Brien was our knowledgeable guide. The young ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation Area, Contrioled Burns, Florida Native Plants, Lake Apopka, Nicole O’Brien, Oakland Nature Preserve, Restoration Area
HEADER_SpanishMoss

Spanish Moss: Curse or Blessing?

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
October 15, 2026

Written by MGV Paula Bleakley After a recent week of wind and rain, I found myself pushing the wheelbarrow around the yard, picking up Spanish Moss—a frequent chore when you live on a lake surrounded by cypress and oak trees. It’s not ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife
Tags: Graybeard, Old Man’s Beard, Spanish Moss, Tillandsia Usneoides
Rain Garden

Can Florida Gardens Help Prevent Flooding?

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
October 9, 2026

As Florida experiences stronger storms, heavier rainfall, and more frequent flooding events, homeowners are looking for practical ways to protect their properties. One surprising solution may already be right outside the door: the garden. ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Flooding, Rain Garden, Sustainability
The Olive Grove

FIELD TRIP: The Olive Grove, Brooksville, Florida

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 19, 2026

Written by MGV Cathy Keller September 16, 2026, was a break from the oppressive, drippy Central Florida heat. In contrast, it was sunny, breezy, and low humidity, so the outdoor visit was a delight! Husband and wife Cambren and Dede Davis ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Fruits & Vegetables, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Bonsai, Mushrooms, Olive Grove, Olive Oil, Olive Tree Bonsai, Olives
A mole cricket in the grass.

Florida Lawn Insect Control

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 15, 2026

Written by MGV Clayton Yuen Florida’s Five Most Destructive Lawn Insect Pests: What Homeowners Need to Know A lush green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, but beneath the surface, insect pests may be quietly causing extensive ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Armyworms, Chinch Bugs, Florida Lawns, Lawn Insect Pests, Mole Crickets, Sod Webworms, White Grubs
Passiflora suberosa

It May Be a Little Pushy – But It Only Wants to Help

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 12, 2026

Written by MGV Linda Knight   While visiting the Discovery Gardens Rose Garden, I noticed a Corky-Stemmed Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) had pushed its tiny, pale yellow-green flower to the top of the perfectly trimmed Dwarf Yaupon ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Home Management, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Corky-Stemmed Passiflower, Florida Host Plant, Gulf Frittilary Butterfly, Julia Butterfly, Passiflora Suberosa, Zebra Longwing Butterfly

A Bluebird on Your Shoulder

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 11, 2026

Written by MGV Paula Bleakley The phrase “bluebird on your shoulder” symbolizes happiness or good fortune. Who doesn’t smile when they see a picture of a chubby little bluebird in its pretty orange vest? But having one in your own backyard ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, AGRICULTURE, Clubs & Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Home Management, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Attracting Bluebirds, Bird Baths, Eastern Bluebirds, Nest Building
MGV Carol Hoffman

Carol’s Commando Collection Kit

by Maria Quirico
August 26, 2026

Greenhouse Lead Carol's Commando Collection Kit  Propagators of the World Unite! ( or just read on)At this week’s Summertime Meetup, MGV Carol Hoffman, Greenhouse Lead, regaled the assembled MGVs with some personal history and tricks of ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Greenhouse Lead, MGV Carol Hoffman, Plant Propagation
Brown Patch Lawn Disease

Florida Lawn Disease Control

by Maria Quirico
August 25, 2026

It is alarming to suddenly find brown/yellow patches in your lawn. Due to Florida’s hot Summer temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rains, you probably have a disease issue. Here are tools to identify fungal symptoms and make an educated ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Florida Lawn Diseases, Fungal Control, Fungal Disease, Fungicide, Identification, St. Augustine

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