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 2, 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 25, 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
Panorama of sunrise at Lake Alice.

How-To Video Series to Create Your Own Sustainable Landscaping

by Yilin
February 3, 2026

Wondering how your landscape can protect the environment? The Water Wednesday Team has partnered with the UF/IFAS Communications and developed 11 videos to show you how your landscape can be both esthetically pleasing and environmental friendly. Click ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, Natural Resources, Water
Tags: FFL, Florida Friendly, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Hands-on Video, How-to Video, Landscape Practices, Sustainable Landscape, Water Conservation, Water Protection, Water Wednesday
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
November 20, 2025

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

Banker plants effective for managing thrips on roses

by Tory Moore
October 7, 2025

Chilli thrips are a nuisance to rose growers, as their feeding causes foliar and flower damage. For the first time, UF/IFAS researchers investigated the utility of a banker plant system for managing chilli thrips on roses. Recently published ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Banker Plants, Biological Control, Chilli Thrips, Department Of Entomology And Nematology, Entomology, Entomology And Nematology, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Predatory Mites, Thrips, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida 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
October 1, 2025

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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