Native Azaleas in Bloom
Native azaleas are stunning this time of year. These deciduous shrubs (and sometimes small trees) often go unnoticed until they bloom in the spring. Three species native to Florida are the piedmont azalea (Rhododendron canescens), the Florida flame azalea...
Charapita Pepper, A Unique Flavor in the Garden
As spring has officially sprung, my mind has been turning to what delectable delights we may be able to grow this year in our Extension Demonstration Vegetable Garden. A few years ago, I was introduced to the very flavorful pepper, aji charapita (to be referred to as...
Calibrate Your Irrigation System for a Healthier Lawn
Calibrating or determining the rate of water your sprinkler system applies is an easy job. Here’s how to do it: Obtain 5 to 10 straight-sided empty cans such as tuna fish or soup cans. Place the containers randomly within the irrigated area so that they catch the...
Fire Ants Spreading Like Wildfire – Ways to Co-Exist with this Invasive Species
Written by: Donna Arnold, University of Florida/IFAS Extension - Gadsden County Have you ever noticed mounds of dirt popping up on your lawn, in your cattle pastures, and other places? You just might be experiencing an ant invasion. The Red Imported Fire Ant,...
The Cornus of Florida
A Problem of Anticipation The feeling is palpable, everyone is ready for spring. Can you hear them? The seeds beckoning in their packets, begging you to bury them in the soil. Every gardener struggles with this dilemma in early spring, but this year will surely be...
What to Do in the Garden in March and April
What to Do in the Garden in March and April Written by David W. Marshall, UF/IFAS Leon County Extension Agent Emeritus Except for a couple of freezes, it has been a relatively mild winter. But those freezes were cold enough and long enough to kill many...
Leopard Plant is Made for the Shade
Several years ago the Escambia County Master Gardener Volunteers added a Leopard plant, Farfugium japonicum to the office demonstration gardens. This was a new plant for me and I was immediately impressed with look and performance of this plant in a filtered shade...
Horsehair fungus–a mystery in the woods
Imagine walking through the woods, enjoying the fresh air and birdsong, when you notice a twig just dangling midair. On first glance, you might presume it is stuck in a vine or a large spider web. However, this material is thinner than a vine and there are no spiders...
Starting Early in the Garden!
Some of the many benefits of starting your own home garden are having fresher, more nutritious produce, the positive effects on physical and mental health, increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and a potential cost savings. Also there are many...
Garden to Table: The Southern Way Event March 26th 9-12pm
This is the third session in a 3-part series focused on growing and cooking food from your own garden. About this event Do you want to grow vegetables such as okra, peas and summer squash? Join us for a workshop focusing on how to best grow and care for your summer...