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
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
There has been a lot of publicity surrounding the Asian giant hornet in the United States, but as of today, the hornets (Vespa mandarinia) have only been found in Washington state. Of course, insects can… Read More
Social distancing has become an all-too important description of our healthy relationships with one another during the pandemic. Did you know plants can benefit from “distancing” too? In fact, for central Florida gardeners, “distancing” in… Read More
How do you plan your garden and landscape for the upcoming season? Do you need a place to refer to for monthly tips and to record garden successes (and failures)? The Your Polk Yard, a… Read More
Who hasn’t heard about the rediscovery of the rare blue calamintha bee in Florida, most likely thought to be extinct? It would surprise me if you hadn’t heard because this little blue ball of… Read More
Summer rains have begun. It is hot, muggy and buggy, and to top it all off, the chances of plant disease increases during our rainy season. While this may all seem overwhelming, there are ways… Read More
Bulbs can be grown in yards throughout Florida, but they are not the traditional tulips and daffodils you would find in northern climates. Plant your bulbs in sun to partial sun locations in spring, summer,… Read More
The arrival of summer temperatures and summer rainfall bring to mind another of our summer arrivals: mosquitoes. These pesky insects are a reality to residents of Florida, and questions associated with disease spread and the… Read More
Springtime color welcomes birds, butterflies, native bees and other pollinators! Did you know that urban pollinator gardens offer not just beauty, but also places of refuge, protection and nourishment for our airborne wildlife? These blooms,… Read More
