Q: Why do we have to use scientific names when common names are so much easier? I can’t pronounce or spell the names. A: You have raised an interesting question and one I am sure many others have scratched their heads about. Very few of ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Horticulture
A: Some possible choices of shrubs are Pittosporum, Yaupon Holly, Lantana, or Silverthorn (Elaeagnus pungens). Ask you local nursery about dwarf varieties which would be a good choice to grow in pots. There are several varieties of Lantana such ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Q: I would like ideas for plants to put along my retention pond area. I need plants that will help keep the soil in place but be able to stand occasional changes in the water line. Sometimes the water is very high and other times it is not. A: ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Q: I want to have a rain barrel to use for my rose garden. I am interested in saving water but I have heard that using water off the roof is a bad idea. What should I do? A: If you are like most of us, you are concerned about water usage ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
A: The most current, reliable local book is by University of Florida Professor, Dr. Ed Gilman. His book is called, “An Illustrated Guide to Pruning” Second Edition, 2002, 330 pgs., Delmar Publishers, Albany , NY ISBN 0-7668-2271-0. The newest ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: It could have easily been elderberry but after looking over the site and sending photographs to the University of Florida, we determined the plant to most likely be a water hemlock. Water hemlock, Cicuta maculata, is the most violently toxic ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
Q: My cat loves to chew on plants and a friend gave me a really pretty variegated Schefflera plant. My cat chews on any foliage plant – even plastic ones. Is Schefflera poisonous to my cat? A: I am using Cornell University site as my resource ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: There are numerous lists of native plants to grow in Northeast Florida. If you are thinking about adding natives to your landscape I would encourage you to consider adding plants in small increments to determine how they will fit. In addition, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
A: Please do not eat any of the mushrooms from your yard or those growing in wooded areas. It takes quite a bit of skill to identify edible mushrooms and I would not want any of you to end up poisoned because you made the wrong choice. The U.S. ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: The pest you are referring to is probably Clathrus columnatus, which is commonly called Squid stinkhorn mushroom or “Dead Man’s Fingers”. A stinkhorn grows within an enclosed structure or membrane that looks similar to an egg. ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease