The Sunshine State is the Perfect Place for Sunflowers
Sunflowers, Helianthus spp., are a great choice for gardeners who are looking for some cheerful color in their landscape. Here in Florida, we have the main ingredient for success, lots of sunshine! Sunflowers are short-lived annuals. A good average time between...
Black-eyed Susans Bring Bold Color and Easy Care
Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, is a yellow wildflower commonly found throughout Florida. It is easily recognized by its golden yellow petals and dark brown center or its signature “black eye”. Not only is black-eyed Susan a beautiful addition to any landscape or...
Green Anoles
There’s plenty of animals you might call “cute”, but lizards usually aren’t among them. However, I’d take exception to that premise when discussing the green anole (Anolis carolinensis). With big blue eyes, brilliant green skin, and flirty males doing push-ups and...
Supertunia Vista® Bubblegum® – The Toughest Petunia Around
Normally, when one thinks of flowers that can take Florida’s summer heat, Petunia isn’t the first species that comes to mind, certainly not for me. For our northern neighbors, Petunias are one of the most popular summer bedding plants; their warm days and cool...
Managing Storm Water in Landscapes
The Panhandle has experienced a significant amount of rain lately. It seems like there isn’t a day that goes by in which even walking out the door seems impossible due to the downpour. While this is hard enough for the people living in the area, without a mitigation...
Video: Beach Sunflower is Not Just for the Beach
Beach sunflower is an attractive coastal plant that is well suited for many landscapes. The native plant can thrive in hot and dry spots where other plants may struggle. Learn more about Beach sunflower, Helianthus debilis, and how to use it in your landscape....
Zinnia Woes: What’s Causing Terminal Shoot Curling?
Zinnia Woes: What’s Causing Terminal Shoot Curling? On a quiet stroll to the greenhouse early Monday morning, something unusual caught my eye—our zinnia plants looked noticeably different. Their vibrant green shoots had begun to curl at the tips, a subtle but clear...
Break the Breeding Cycle to Minimize Mosquitoes
Summer showers are finally giving gardens relief, but in addition to happy flowers, mosquitoes are also benefitting from the rainfall. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but they can also transmit diseases and parasites to people, pets, and livestock so managing them...
Nuisance Gnats abound in Northwest Florida this spring
If you’ve been outside this spring, you’ve probably been bothered by gnats. These tiny flies relentlessly congregate near the face getting into the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Eye gnats come right up to the faces of people and animals because they feed on fluids...
Dung Beetles of the Florida Panhandle
Dung Beetles of the Florida Panhandle There aren’t many creatures that can stir up a mix of admiration – and possibly some mild disgust – like the dung beetle. But if you spend much time around pastures, the woods, or even in your own garden, you might be...