Fallen Oak Leaves Make a Great Mulch
It is a great time of year to refresh your landscape beds with mulch. A good source for (free) mulch is fallen oak leaves, which are in abundance this time of year. Oak leaves are… Read More
What does frost and freeze damage look like?
There were quite a few cold nights during January and February this year and many of our landscape plants suffered frost and/or freeze damage. But what does that look like and what should you do… Read More
Late Winter Blooms in the Garden!
Our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Demonstration Garden in Bartow is currently full of winter seasonal flowers! Take a look at some of the Florida-Friendly plants currently in bloom online or at the gardens. We now have a… Read More
Florida Friendly Demonstration Garden at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Have you visited the Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Demonstration Gardens at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County in Bartow? These gardens feature the nine principles of FFL and received a state award in 2019. The gardens are open… Read More
Support local UF programs this Giving Day, Feb. 18
Highlights Support Polk County Agri-Fest by visiting https://givingday.ufl.edu/campaigns/polk-county-extension#/ Residents throughout Florida can support the University of Florida by donating on Gator Giving Day, Feb. 18 Gifts support local UF/IFAS Extension offices, research centers, teaching, and… Read More
Spring Plant Sale
The Spring Plant Sale will be in Lakeland on April 23 and 24 from 7:30 am-noon for reservation only. Reserve your tickets here. Tickets are for a 30 minute shopping time blocks. If you are… Read More
Planning your Spring Vegetable Garden
Even though it is still the winter season in central Florida, it is time to think about what vegetables you will plant, grow, and harvest this spring. Spring gardening in central Florida starts when the… Read More
Webinar Series: Florida Arbor Day Celebration
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County will host a series of webinars about urban forestry and urban trees in celebration of Florida Arbor Day, the week of January 11, 2021. They will focus on trees and tree… Read More
Monarchs get all the love: How to increase butterfly diversity in your yard
When it comes to butterfly gardening, monarch butterflies seem to get all the love. Monarchs are the butterfly “homecoming queens”! They are drama queens, too, as they lead fascinating lives of intrigue, participating each year… Read More
Saving up for the holidays
Throughout the year, I collect pinecones, acorns, grasses, and seedpods in my yard and on hikes (where permitted). However, in the fall I really step up my activity. Mother nature is drying some of them… Read More