Category: HOME LANDSCAPES

A collage of five scenes: underwater view, palm trees with skyscrapers, a manatee underwater, a coastal scene, and a natural spring.

Water Wednesday Recap: Florida-Friendly Landscaping for New Residents

by Yilin
April 24, 2026

As part of the Water Wednesday webinar series, Tom Wickman, Assistant Director of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program, shared practical guidance on how Florida residents can design and maintain landscapes that work with the state’s ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: FFL, Florida Friendly Landcaping, Gardening, Irrigation, Landscape, Water Wednesday
A collage of five scenes: underwater view, palm trees with skyscrapers, a manatee underwater, a coastal scene, and a natural spring.

Water Wednesday Recap: Where Your Water Comes From and How to Use It Wisely

by Yilin
April 3, 2026

In March, we hosted the second webinar in our 2026 Water Wednesday: A New Residents Guide to Florida’s Environment series. This session, Florida Water 101, focused on where Florida’s water comes from, how it is used, and what residents should ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Aquifer, Florida Water, Floridan Aquifer, Groundwater, Irrigation, New Residents, Reclaimed Water, Water Challenges, Water Conservation, Water Demand, Water Quality, Water Supply, Water Use Florida, Water Wednesday

Papaya banker plant system strengthens biological control of whiteflies

by Stella Canfield
March 24, 2026

A new study finds that papaya banker plants can strengthen control of the sweet potato whitefly, one of the most damaging pests in ornamental crop production. Published in the journal “Biological Control,” the research highlights a promising ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Banker Plants, Biological Control, Cindy McKenzie, Lance Osborne, Papaya, Pests, Poinsettias, Whiteflies, Whitefly
A collage of five scenes: underwater view, palm trees with skyscrapers, a manatee underwater, a coastal scene, and a natural spring.

New to Florida? Join Water Wednesday for Practical Guidance on Florida’s Environment

by Yilin
January 22, 2026

Florida is home to unique weather patterns, water resources, landscapes, and ecosystems. For many new residents, adjusting to these conditions can raise practical questions about everyday life, from lawn care and home maintenance to storm preparedness ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Management, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Climate, Environment, Landscaping, Nature, New Residents, Water, Water Wednesday, Wildlife
Carved pumpkin in a forest.

Halloween with a Horticultural Twist: Spider Mites and Poison Ivy

by Stella Canfield
October 31, 2024

Halloween is a time for ghosts, ghouls and goblins, but the real fright might be lurking right under your nose. From destructive pests to dangerous weeds, these formidable foes can transform your greenery into a gruesome graveyard.   Fangs ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS
Tags: Chris Marble, Entomology, Halloween, Herbicide, Horticulture, Lance Osborne, Landscape Weeds, Pests, Poison Ivy, Spider Mites, Weed Identification, Weeds
A collage of five scenes: underwater view, palm trees with skyscrapers, a manatee underwater, a coastal scene, and a natural spring.

Kayak Lunch & Learn at Rainbow River

by Yilin
September 20, 2024

Join us for an unforgettable journey on one of Florida's most pristine and beautiful rivers, Rainbow River. This is your chance to immerse yourself in nature while learning about our precious water resources and how to protect them. Event Highlights ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Invasive Species, Lawn, Natural Resources, Recreation, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Education, Extension, FFL, Kayak, Landscape, Lunch And Learn, Nutrient Loadings, Rainbow River, Septic Systems, Springs

Participate in Our Lawn Fertilizing Survey and Win Exciting Prizes

by Yilin
January 31, 2024

Calling all Hernando County Residents! The UF/IFAS Extension is conducting a research project to gain insights into homeowners' knowledge and opinions regarding lawn fertilizing practices and fertilizer ordinances in Hernando County. Your perspective ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, Natural Resources, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Fertilizer, Fertilizer Use, Lawn, Residential Landscape, Survey, Water
Close up microscope photo of thrips parvispinus

Scientists warn of invasive plant pest; say early detection, reporting key

by Tory Moore
March 29, 2023

An invasive thrips species has started to wreak havoc in Florida. The insect was first detected in Florida in 2020 but has since spread significantly across the state. What once was isolated to greenhouses now has begun to harm a wide range ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, HOME LANDSCAPES, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Agricultural Pests, Gardening, Invasive, Invasive Pests, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Ornamental Plant Industry, Ornamental Plants, Ornamentals, Pest, Pest Control, Pest Management, Pests, Thrips, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, UF/IFAS Tropical Research And Education Center
A close up image of pokeweed, a stalk with some green buds and pink flowers.

Be aware of these common toxic plants, experts say

by Tory Moore
February 1, 2023

Weeds and invasive plants can be a nuisance to a home or business landscape, and some of them are also toxic to people or animals. A new UF/IFAS publication details some of the most common poisonous plants found in Florida residential landscapes. Ingestion ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Awareness, Gardening, Landscape, Marble, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Poisonous Plants, Scouting, Toxic, Toxic Plants, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Weed Science

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