As a horticulture agent, one question that always makes me uneasy is, “What is killing my tree?” It sounds simple, but the answer is rarely straightforward. Finding the cause often feels like solving a mystery—sometimes it takes horticultural ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Natural Resources
Disclaimer: This blog contains information about poisonous plants found in Florida and is intended for educational purposes only. Florida is home to many toxic species, and it is strongly advised that you do not touch, taste, or interact with ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests
Though I’m not a beekeeper, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge about honey bees over the past few years from the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, fellow Extension Agents, and Ms. Atkins, the President of the Beekeepers ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Wildlife
In celebration of World Wetlands Day, celebrated on February 2nd, we will continue our exploration of the world of bog gardening. In one of my previous blogs, Introducing the Bog, we learned that bogs are poorly drained areas, rich in accumulated ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Natural Resources, , Water
Hydroponics is a great way to save water, produce food, and be more environmentally friendly. With all the information on the internet about hydroponics, it can seem a little daunting. Learn three simple setups that can get you started growing ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Water
Growing up I have always been fascinated by aquatic environments. Whenever I was close to a creek or river, I lifted up rocks looking for salamanders or crayfish. I would drive my dad crazy as I take the fishing net to the lake shore and ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Natural Resources
Good pollination is an essential step in our food system. Pollinators are instrumental in ensuring that we have a good harvest of fruit and vegetables. However, as more development happens, habitat and food sources for pollinators decrease. ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Wildlife
Every ecosystem has a vital role in maintaining the health of our world. Forests and phytoplankton are our lungs and purify the air. Our lands and seas provide us food to put on our tables, while rivers, streams, and aquifers provide the lifeblood ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Horticulture, Natural Resources, SFYL Hot Topic, Water, Wildlife
What is this? I've been asked by several people what this plant (see photo to the right) is and if it is a weed? Identifying this plant as basketgrass is the easy part. It is common in forests or areas with shade. It forms dense growth in ... READ MORE
Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Natural Resources
As if it hasn’t been hot enough this muggy August, why not add a little fire to the heat! UF/IFAS partnered with Barry Coulliette (Alachua Conservation Trust) and Chuck Cowart (Double C Ranch) to conduct a controlled summer burn on 40 acres ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Forests, Livestock