Florida Trees and the Bible
In the Christmas story as recorded in the book of Matthew, wise men presented gifts to baby Jesus. Two of these gifts were frankincense and myrrh. These are costly perfume oils derived from certain trees found in parts of the Middle East. According to Dr. Kim Coder,...
What’s in a Plant Name?
Before my career in Extension, I spent ten years selling plants. I worked at a 40-acre nursery that was filled with thousands of plants. The selection was enormous and it was an eye-opening experience, even for a horticulturalist, to see how many different types of...
Indoor Plant Care 101
As we approach winter, and temperatures start to drop, you might have brought some plants inside your home. Or maybe you were at the garden center and fell in love with a unique lush plant, but as you get home, you are now wondering how you take care of your newest...
Carolina Wolfberry
I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in November exploring a lovely, low-key stretch of northwest Florida. We hiked trails and took the boat tour at Wakulla Springs State Park, marveling at the numerous alligators and admiring birds and a slow-moving manatee. We also...
Japanese Maple – A Stunner for Some Panhandle Landscapes
When looking for a small tree that provides a visual impact in the landscape, nothing beats a Japanese maple. In North Florida, we have landscapes with some suitable conditions for growing a Japanese maple but these trees are not for every site. Japanese Maple plants...
Why Watering the Ground Before a Freeze Protects Your Plants
Many of us experienced our first freezing temperatures in the Panhandle last week. As we welcome winter, here are some helpful resources to prepare your plants when temperatures dip in the months ahead: Frost in the Panhandle? Practical Tips for Protecting Your Garden...
Christmas Plants can be Enjoyed Beyond the Holidays
Christmas cactus, poinsettia and amaryllis are some of the flowering holiday plants that can be kept for enjoyment after the holidays are gone. These plants require bright, indirect light. They should be placed close to a sunny window and turned once a week to prevent...
Spotting AI-Generated Plants Online
In recent months, I’ve noticed an increasing number of AI-generated plant photos being shared on social media. These posts feature plants that seem to have stepped out of a dream rather than a garden—orchids shaped like cats, elephant ears as tall as your house, and...
How to Care for a Gift Plant
It’s getting close to that time of year again! You may be the giver or receiver of a wonderful holiday plant soon. Dish gardens, potted flowering plants (such as azalea, begonia, poinsettia, or chrysanthemum), plants with attractive foliage, and even patio citrus make...
Mistletoe: A Holiday Tradition with Roots in our Trees
A kiss under the mistletoe…a timeless holiday tradition that we’ve all heard of. If you look around, you’ll be sure to find some growing on the branches of several different species of hardwood trees throughout the Panhandle. This same mistletoe is often harvested and...