Yucca–A Tough and Versatile Native Plant
When you think of self-defense in the natural world, it’s normal to lean towards the animal kingdom. Between their intimidating teeth, claws, horns, and venom, animals can hold their own in a physical battle for dominance or survival. But plants are no slouch in this...
Quercus Geminata, the Sand Live Oak
Talking about a live oak might bring to mind pictures of grand, old, stately trees, limbs dripping with Spanish moss. The Southern live oak is a staple of the coastal south, but it prefers to live inland from our beaches. It leaves the salt-sprayed beach sand to its...
Deck the Halls: Repurposing Yard-Waste for Holiday Decor
With the holiday season fast approaching, many folks are reaching for store-bought decorations. But what if your yard could supply some of the festiveness this season? You can turn your landscape trimmings into creative DIY ideas, turning what some might consider...
A Tale of Two Hoses
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was a nice day in the garden, but when you go to disconnect the hose, it is somehow stuck to the spigot, connector, or other hose. You go and get the pliers, but the hose just doesn’t budge. If this has happened...
Feeling Blue (Ginger) This Fall
Fall is in the air. Halloween decorations, candy corn, mums… houses and landscapes are decked out in shades of yellow, orange, and red. However, one of the Panhandle’s absolute easiest perennials bucks the trend of autumnal hues, sports flowers of deep, brilliant...
Blazing Star
Walking through a northwest Florida wildflower prairie in autumn, the star of the show is Liatris. Known as dense gayfeather or blazing star, this tall (up to 7’!) stunner of a plant is covered up with clusters of small purple flowers. The flowers are are composed of...
Cold Protection for North Florida
Another North Florida winter is here! With that comes a new plants from leafy greens to snapdragons. It also means the inevitable freeze is on the way. It is prudent for all gardeners to review what needs to be done to protect your non-freeze hardy plants. Hardiness...
Why Raised Beds?
When making plans for a fall or spring garden it is important to consider which methods of planting and raising your crops will work best for you. Traditional ground plots can be very effective but like with anything there can be negatives. Issues with space and soil...
Thinking of Starting a Cut Flower Business? Don’t miss out on Cut Flower 101!
Do you enjoy cutting flowers from your garden to enjoy indoors? Have you ever considered turning that passion into a small business opportunity or earning a little cash to help to support your flower habit? If you answered yes to these questions, then you should plan...
The Dirt on Compost: Hot and Worm Composting at Home
The Dirt on Compost: Hot and Worm Composting at Home Every week, many of us dump spoiled food or leftovers into the trash and haul yard waste to the curb, not realizing that all of that organic material could be turned into something incredibly useful....