Thank you, Cathy. This week, we will tackle the new beds. I enjoyed meeting John last week and we had fun, with Helen and Becky both coming to help also.

Thank you, Inagree, and I do plan to return a few native plants to my yard…SGI is a major migratory bird stopover, I try to plant for our former food chain.

This is really a great article! I really enjoyed reading this and the words bring all of us closer. We are a neat bunch making up the Franklin County Master Gardeners and all Master Gardeners!

You wrote a very funny story for a very sad plant issue. I wish you had let the readers know just how invasive and horrible Mexican Petunia is. It is taking over Florida, and is (as you mentioned), very difficult to exterminate. It is a Category I FLEPPC invasive here and should be illegal to grow. I hope things get better for you and your yard. St. George Island is where my wife and I went on our honeymoon. I've never forgotten it. It's a very special place indeed! You're a lucky man!!

Thank you for the information. I learned in our Franklin County MGV class that my wife had planted three specimen Hamelia patens in our south facing yard on St. George Island. I am going back today to weed and put landscape cloth around them so they can thrive. Also liked seeing examples of your MGV blogs, thanks.

Our article was written with the northern panhandle yard in mind where firebush is close to its northern limit. In central Florida, you can maintain your shrub at full size year round. We cut them back in late spring here because our winter temperatures freeze them. It sounds like you have the dwarf firebush and that will stay in the 8-10' range. They can be cut back during the winter months if the size out grows your area. For more information, you can contact your local county horticulture agent. Thanks for the comment and good luck with your plant. They really are amazing plants for attracting wildlife.

I have two hamelia patens in my yard and they're about 8' tall. This is in central Florida so that may make a difference. It is without a doubt the most popular plant in the landscape for birds and pollinators. Bees and wasps go nuts on them all day long. Quite a show to behold! Are you saying it's ok to cut them down to 6" above ground, or cut 6" off the top of each stem or branch? Thanks for the article!

Nice job, Michele! Thanks!

Thank-you for the beautiful mural. All your work at the Extension Office is greatly appreciated!!

Hello Louis, The great part about our "Coastal Recipe of the Month" BLOG is how we have linked you right to Fresh from Florida website that provides some really delicious recipes like the ones you are searching for. Simply click right in our BLOG on the Fresh from Florida logo and it will take you to their site where you can do a direct search for a variety of great recipes. I took the liberty to look for "smoked fish dip" and it yielded quite a variety for you to choose from at https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/?post_type=recipe&s=smoked+fish+dip. As for red snapper recipe: https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/?post_type=recipe&s=Red+snapper+recipe Go to our BLOG and click on the Fresh from Florida logo and you will see for yourself how the pictures alone will make your mouth water. Thank you, Wakulla County Extension

I am looking for a smoked fish dip recipe and a Red Snapper recipe. do you have any suggestions?

They can take on a variety of looks but yours sounds the same. Feel free to email our Master Gardener Volunteers at wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu for any further verification with some pictures of what you have. They will do their best to share their knowledge of what it could be. Thank you, Wakulla County Extension

Mine look like carrot shavings or tiny orange squid. They don’t look like an upside down carrot as pictured. Could mine be the same?

Nice job, Michele! Thanks!

It is good to know that Spanish moss is not toxic in any way. It has been re-purposed and known to be used as stuffing of mattresses back in the day.

Great article. We own a snake control - snake removal business in Johns Creek, GA and I preach all the time to people to allow us to leave non-venomous snakes in their yard - especially Rat Snakes and Kingsnakes. First of all, Rat Snakes are Mother Nature's Pest Control which means they keep the rodent population in check naturally. Secondly, Kingsnakes eat venomous Copperhead snakes which are prolific in our area. So there are many benefits to leaving certain snakes in your yard. They can be beneficial.

Is it safe to use Spanish moss for squirrel bedding

Just saw my first one here in Orlando as well.

What a great recipe, Linda! Thanks! JoAnn

I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website. I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own blog now Jual Steam Boiler/ketel Uap

You are correct. Thank you, Marc. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email to wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu

Here is advice from the extension service in Prince George County, Maryland: Wild grape vines are native and good for wildlife, but they are rampant growers! ('Invasive' usually means a foreign invading plant these days.) So they can be a real problem in home landscapes. The easiest way to handle them is to cut them down at the base and IMMEDIATELY treat the freshly cut stump with an herbicide with glyphosate or triclopyr. Do not let the herbicide get on the trunks of your trees (or anything but the vine). You can use a shield of cardboard or plastic to keep the spray off your desirable plants. You don't have to remove the vine from the tree. It will decompose in place, but it is heavy, so you may want to remove it at least as high as you can easily reach. This is a plant with a big root system with lots of energy reserves. It will probably start sending up new shoots quickly or next spring. Spray them immediately with the herbicide. (Do not get any spray on the trees or other desirable plants) The leaves absorb more of the herbicide, so they are actually helpful in getting the herbicide to the root system. Both the herbicides are systemic, which means they will be absorbed into the system of the plant and translocated down to the root system. Spraying shoots in the fall is especially effective. It may take a while to exhaust the energy reserves and get enough herbicide down to the roots, but just be persistent. It will happen. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email to wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu

Mary – Here is one preemergent herbicide for purple nutsedge – one with the active ingredient S-matolachlor or trade name Pennant Magnum. Here is a link to the full University of Florida publication that includes both pre- and post-emergent herbicides: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP56900.pdf If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email to wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu

Lee – ‘Dismiss’ is a post-emergent herbicide that you use on growing sedges. Two pre-emergent herbicides that have some suppressive effect are Tower and Free Hand. I am also including a link to a detailed publication by the University of Florida that includes more information about pre- and post-emergent control of nut sedges. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP56900.pdf Our Master Gardeners have used the ‘Dismiss’ brand with sulfentrazone with decent results. It does need to be re-applied 3-4 times for good results. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email to wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu

Joshua – The pre-emergent herbicide you use depends on the types of weeds you wish to control. Broadleaf weeds like dandelions are different from the purple and yellow nut sedges, and therefore you will use two different pre-emergent herbicides. I am attaching a publication by the University of Florida about nut sedges, and towards the end of the document is information about pre- and post-emergent herbicides. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP56900.pdf You will want to apply a pre-emergent herbicide before the weeds begin to germinate and appear in your lawn. For the cool season broadleaf weeds like dandelion, betony, henbit, etc. It is best to apply this in late October or early November and then do a second application in late December or early January. For warm season broadleaf weeds and sedges, you will want to apply the herbicide in late February or early March. Be sure to read the label to make sure the herbicide you apply will be safe to use on your particular lawn type. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email to wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu

Diane – Smilax is a difficult vine to control because of the underground tubers that can grow very large. I found an article from the University of Georgia that might be of interest to you. Here is the link:: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C867-2&title=Controlling%20Greenbrier An herbicide with the active ingredient being either glyphosate or triclopyr works best. You will probably have to be vigilant and do several applications. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email to wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu

Thank you, Jennifer. We hope so too. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email to wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu

While lubbers are in this nymph stage (small, black with yellow stripe) is the best time to get rid of these as the adults are much more difficult to eradicate. Options include pesticides that have one or more of the following ingredients; carbaryl, bifenthrin, cyphalothrin, permethrin or esfenvalerate. Other options include diatomaceous earth which can be dusted over the insects as they are active. Diatomaceous earth is harmless to the lawn and deadly to the grasshoppers. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email to wakullamg@ifas.ufl.edu

Hello Ted, A copy is waiting for you here at the Wakulla County Extension Office at 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, FL 32327 We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I have held one aside for you with your name on it. Just ask for it when you come in. Thank you, Patricia Standeford Program Assistant

Hello Ted, You are welcome to come visit us here at the UF/IFAS Wakulla County Extension Office at 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, FL 32327. We are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We have plenty to give to you and your friends. Patricia Standeford Program Assistant UF IFAS/Wakulla County Extension 850-926-3931 pstandeford@ufl.edu

Please let me know how to get a copy of East to Grow Wildflowers Magazine.

That's not a box turtle in the photo. It's one of the aquatic sliders. Box turtles are are more terrestrial and often colorful.https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/herpetology/florida-amphibians-reptiles/turtles/

Les, just saw your site. Thanks for your efforts. I've become obsessed with the destructive impact of the muscadine vine across the state of FLORIDA. Its pulling down all of the grand old Oak trees and as one who was born and raised in Florida it is disheartening. I've just reached out to IFAS and UF sources, but do not expect any real support. Please walk any Wakulla trail or drive any FL Hwy and see the impact of the destructive nature of this vine. Makes kudzu look like a .... What can be done before it is too late and how can I participate?

What per-emergent herbicide do you recommend for purple nutsedge?

Mr. Harrison ,I live in N-E Arkansas and have Yellow Nut Sedges. When is the best time to spray premergence,plan on using Dismis herbicide. Lee Mayhan Jonesboro,AR.

What broadleaf herbicide is recommended for similax?

We have just found out through the extension office in Manatee County that our beautiful red bays and avocado tree will most likely be gone within months. Thank you for this article and information and I will remain hopeful that there is a solution in the future.

Asking for any help for protecting my lawn/garden from the lubber grasshopper.

We have them here in middleburg fl which is in clay county. They were deemed extinct in 2011 but we still have them here lol... Like to find out how to bring them back lol....

Nice article Les. These weeds are my most difficult challenge! I just keep mowing and pulling them up.

Hi Stephanie! Yes, we are planning on having another Living on My Own workshop in Wakulla County. We have not yet decided a date, but please stay tuned to this blog and our Facebook page for more information. We will definitely share the date when it is decided. Thank you, Samantha Kennedy Family & Consumer Sciences Agent UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County

Any chance you will offer this again soon in Wakulla County?

Just noticed first one in neighborhood, east side of Orlando

First sighting of one slithering up a window at a restaurant in Gainesville, FL. Rainy evening, approximately 7 pm. Didn’t realize what is was, until researched.

What is a good Florida lawn pre-emergent to use?

This article is for public information purposes. You will need to refer to your local DCF for all questions or concerns.

This article is for public information purposes. You will need to refer to your local DCF for all questions or concerns.

Not sure about the microwave, but a dip in boiling water (holding the moss with tongs) was the traditional way of "de-bugging".

Thank you. We will be having another Plant Sale in the Spring 2019. We will be blogging about the times and dates after the new year. Glad to have fresh readers join the "blogosphere" and enjoy our stories. Stay tuned as we continue to post new articles\ to come. Have a happy holiday season and a happy new year. The Wakulla County Extension

That is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate information? Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post! https://angeliqcream.com/

Darryl Keeton, Ponce De Leon, Fl. didn't sign his application. How can he sign in?

I didn't know about the program and it is closed for Bay county. Is there is any way I can still apply? I am a single mother with 3 children living in Panama City, FLorida. I am not currently receiving any SNAP benefits.

Considering using Spanish Moss for decorative packaging of product. Could I microwave small batches in microwave to avoid critters? Thanks, Kendall

After reading your column about seed spread, I feel doomed! The Chamberbitter is everywhere! I pull and pull and pull to no avail. It comes back with a vengeance! Is there anything I can do to kill this stuff for good? Help!

Cathy, It is difficult to be sure of the species when common names are used. What we call it Florida might be (but not always) something different than the name used in Indiana. That said, your information indicates the unfortunate man had an encounter with spiny pigweed. This agronomic pest, also known as spiny amaranth, has abundant and very sharp thorns. Your continuing pokeweed problem is likely seed which are germinating from previous plants. One plant can produce hundreds of seed which are capable of lying dormant in the soil waiting for favorable sprouting conditions. Your persistence will be required to control this weed. Les G.L. Harrison County Extension Director, Ag & Natural Resources Wakulla County Extension 84 Cedar Avenue Crawfordville, FL 32327 850-926-3931

A TV station reported this week of a man that got skin damage by disposing of a weed he called hogweed or pigweed. the leaves brushed his face when he was cutting it out. could this be pokeweed? I have been fighting pokeweed in our yard for the past 2 years. I first noticed it growing behind the shed. I was fascinated by the largeness of the stem and then the flowers. When I looked it up and found it was a poisonous pant I cut it down and sprayed it well to kill the root. Since then I see plants pop up all over the place. I live in Indianapolis, IN.

Thanks for posting information on the Milkweed Assassin Bug. Confirms my insect encounter while taking photos at the lake reserve near the beach at Abby Hanna Park in Jacksonville, Florida! Two of the critters were jousting atop a Spotted Water Hemlock bloom which made for an interesting photo topic. A variety of butterflies found among the abundant Water Hemlock plant blooms along the lake shore were the primary target to test a new camera body and and older telephoto lens. All in all a successful day for photographing insects of which I know little. A good article put to use by someone who has little knowledge of insect and plant life.

Have you consider there are two different vine sex male and female, sounds like you might have male vines?

Nice article. Thank you much for the great information and good knowledge. This is really helpful.

GCf8VC I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank God I found it on Google. You ave made my day! Thanks again

My wild Fox grape has plenty of blooms but never develop into grapes. Which grape will pollinate the fox grape. I live in Gainesville, Florida.

How interesting. I try not to squash the Lubbers. Unless they are on a plant I want to eat too.

Hello Ms. Gail, sorry for the delayed response. Deer moss is a lichen species, a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae. Under the right environmental conditions they grow, albeit slowly. When the growing conditions are not favorable deer moss degrades and becomes less visible, usually residing under leaf litter and other forest debris. Also, fire from a controlled burn (or any other source) will kill lichens. Let us know if you have further questions!

I used to find a lot of deer moss on the empty lots around me. With the building that erupted in 2007/08, not so much but still around. I went out looking for some and couldn’t find any. That’s not totally unusual, but sometimes it’s there and other times not. I don’t see a season for their growth. Can I get some information on this other than what you already have here? Thank you

A swimming pool fence is most important for kids safety. It saves and restrict the access of small children. Vinyl fencing products offers all type of fences including pool fences.

Sorry for the delayed reply Ms. Nancy. While it is too late to join Master Gardeners Class in 2018 we will welcome new comers in 2019. Here is a link to our web page pertaining to Master Gardener Class. http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/wakulla/master-gardeners/master-gardener-program-information/ Let us know if you have any further questions.

Prof Shlizerman worked with biologist colleagues, including Steven Reppert at the University of Massachusetts, to record directly from neurons in the butterflies' antennae and eyes.

When planting watermelon you can either plant seeds or transplants; just be careful with transplants as watermelons have sensitive roots.

Looking for information on the Master Gardner class.

That's a great initiative by Jefferson County Extension office. People with low income find it very difficult to prepare their tax. This will definitely help people regarding their tax preparation.

We also tested several pepper cultivars, but the results were inconclusive. We'll post future tests online as we continue our research. Thank you for reading!

GOOD information. Would be nice to know what other vegetables were tested...

I have some of the Adam's needle growing naturally on a lot we've just purchased. I've also heard it referred to as bear grass and have wondered why. What is the plant just behind the yucca in your photo, I'm thinking rosemary or conradina. I would like to add plants that work well with the Adam's needle. Many thanks

You can certainly try, as they are a very hardy plant! They typically require 8-10 hours of full sun, but they can survive with up to 20% shade. Let us know if you have any other questions: (850)926-3931.

I can't grow them b/c they need full sun. Right?

Interesting! I have been raking up my leaves for years but this is a much better idea! I guess throwing my leaves away was fertilizing the garbage dump! Is it better to have a stable soil base before I throw some leaf mulch like this on top, or would it be better to chunk it up so it can be absorbed quicker?

Good evening Les: I have not heard from you in a while. Just wanted to say hello. Please text or email you contact information with your email and I will send you a pic of Ms. Ellie. Can you believe she just turned six, has her own horse, Jon Deere battery powered gator, and loves to help Daddy check on the cows with the four wheeler. And she loves to model dresses, especially princess dresses. Thank you, Bill Gable.

Thanks. I will go to the website and email address you gave me. I had just read an article in the Gulf Breeze News about a coral snake in someone's front yard. I think the police, who responded to the homeowner's call, could have done something other than hack the snake to death. I had a coral snake in my yard several years ago, and I was fascinated: I waited it out and finally it moved on. I would have have acted differently if my over-eager dog wanting to catch it was out there with me! I just wanted to see if there is some guide for responders to snake calls.

Sigrid, I would recommend you add your email to the "Panhandle Outdoors" newsletter/blog. One of our Escambia agents, Rick O'Connor, writes frequently about snakes, their benefits, identification and handling encounters with them in a yard. You can also contact him directly at roc1@ufl.edu for specific questions. There's lots of information available on this topic; however reducing a long-held fear is often more difficult than teaching folks to properly identify them. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_dealing_with_snakes_in_floridas_residential_areas

I didnot sign up for a blog. I signed up for help in getting information about wildlife in housing developments. I already read the article about armadillos and wanted more specific information. And information not just aobut armadillos but also about snakes.

So you recommend killing armadillos? What's the most humane way to do that? And by the way, when a coral snake comes in your yard, it is NOT a time to panic, as one homeowner did in Gulf Breeze last week. The responding policeman used a hoe to beat and hack the poor snake to death. What do you recommend for coral snakes (who are not that aggressive) and truly aggressive snakes like rattlers? Are there any applicable pamphlets I could get so we could make sure the police and fire departments get to learn the best way to handle those situations with hysterical homeonwers?

Is killing them the only solution once they are caught?

There are two herbicides that can be used to control horse nettles: the best choice is GrazonNext, and the other option is Remedy. Both products have a zero day grazing restriction, so they can be sprayed with the horses in the pasture. If the horse nettles are not everywhere you can spot treat the weeds and greatly reduce bot the cost and exposure to the herbicides. The GrazonNext is the preferred product, because it not only kills the weds, but also will control seedlings that emerge for several months after application.

Horsenettle has become very invasive in one of our hay pastures where we grow Pennington Cheyenne Bermuda grass for horses. How can we get this under control without using herbicides unsafe for horses?

I am a consulting engineer and project developer. I am very interested in the prospects of Carinata as a bio-fuel. Any informtion available would be most welcome. Regards Devanand Hingoo

Thank you. I have been planning to use 10% of enhanced agricultural vinegar but was waiting for cooler weather as per a story on the web. In the Spring I will try the notorious Roundup, if necessary, Yes, I will keep trying!

Sally thank you for your interest. We have several articles on cogongrass on our ag site and in our archives. See the links below for more information. COGON GRASS ARTICLE: ID and Control of Cogongrass Cogongrass web site Cogongrass is best controlled with mixtures of glyphosate and imazapyr. This is typically done in pine forests, right of way areas or pastures. Home gardeners need to be careful when using such products since these herbicides will kill broadleaf perennials, shrubs and annuals. The only method I'd recommennd would be careful spot treatment with glyphosate by brushing on the product. Do not get any on the desirable plant material and follow all label directions. Do not incorporate imazapyr into the mix since it will keep the area bare for 6 months. The other alternative is to kill everything and start over once the cogongrass is 100% eradicated.

Hello Joyce, Unfortunately, there is not a selective herbicide for the vine that will not harm the shrub as well. What I have had success with in the past is to wick or paint glyphosate (also sold as roundup, under many other names as well) on to the leaves of the vine, while being careful to not get even one drop on the desirable shrub. This may need to be repeated 2-3 times. It worked well for me. Always follow label directions when mixing and wear appropriate clothing according to the label directions. It is more effective in warmer weather.

I have this vine in a few of my shrubs. I try to pull it out, but don't get the roots as they are deep within the shrub. Is there a herbecide I can use on the vine that won't harm the shrub? If not, how do I get rid of it?

I wish you would include a discussion of Cogongrass which is listed as one of the (if not #1) most noxious weeds in the world. I have it and it appeared after Hurricane Ivan. I have tried everything I have read about it to remove it, without success. I am desperate as it is now in my flower garden. Will appreciate any suggestions!

If you can find it; Carya aquatica, Water Hickory, would be your best choice. Read more by following this link for a publication on Water Hickory.

My home is at the top of Escambia Bay, very poor soil. There's a small creek that runs through my property into the bay. I think in the past we may have had hickory trees growing down near the water, but I don't know what kind. Which of the three would you suggest for my site? Appreciate your help!

thanks for info re mimosa. yuk!!! they are so hard to control. sue

Cantaloupes are planted March - April in our area. They are fun to grow and were very successful in our garden. Visit our free publication site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021 to get a copy of The Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide. It has all the information you need about planting vegetables in our area.

So, it's too late to plant Cantaloupes now?

As always, Mr. Harrison provides us all with good solid information that benefits us with with what it takes for successful gardening! Thanks for sharing.