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
Gardens have been associated with healing since ancient times, and people have long turned to gardens as places of refuge. During these current days of health, economic and other concerns, the need for healing and… Read More
Caladiums are tuber plants in the Araceae family, which are best known for their fabulous foliage. Even if you have what is construed to be a “brown thumb”, you will be pleasantly surprised at the… Read More
Perhaps while working in your yard you have come across an animal that looked very much like an earthworm… but not quite… have you considered it might be a snake? Next time, take another look…. 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
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has updated their recommendations for residents receiving suspicious seed packets by mail. Why is this a concern for Florida residents? The types of seed in the… Read More
