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Terrapin Season is Upon Us

Since 2007 Florida Sea Grant has worked with partners, and trained volunteers, to assess the status of the diamondback terrapin in the Florida panhandle.  This small emydid turtle is the only one that lives in brackish water and prefers salt marshes.  Very little is known about this turtle in this part of the country, and…

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Weekly “What is it?”: Little bunting

While common in northern Europe, little buntings are unheard of in Florida. This one spent a month in Pensacola. Photo courtesy of Monica McManus.Sometimes, if we are paying close attention, the most extraordinary things can happen in our own backyards. Monica, a friend and neighbor of mine, has always been an animal lover. She routinely…

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Blackberries for your Edible Landscape

Blackberries (Rubus spp.) will not quickly jump into your mind when you think of fruit production in Florida. In fact, when you do think of blackberries, you will most likely envision viny plants infiltrating your gardens and attacking you with their tiny spines. These are dewberries and are not known for large or consistent fruit.…

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Planning a Moonlight Garden

Ever take a walk through your yard by the light of the moon?  The subdued lunar light seems to bounce off everything white or reflective.  Nothing is hurried.  The air temperature is cool.  And untidy corners seem to disappear into the shadows.  It is very relaxing. The Multi-Sensory Night Garden Planting a moonlight garden, or “moon…

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Earth Day! Biopesticides, Organic, and Safer Choice

This month there are many events celebrating the big blue sphere we call home, Earth! I thought I would take the opportunity to discuss some chemical options and alternatives that are considered safer for the earth. There is both good and bad information out there, so we should start with some definitions to get on…

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Old Tea Roses Worthy of Consideration for Florida Panhandle Landscapes

Due to several unique challenges home gardeners and nursery owners are often baffled when trying to incorporate roses into landscapes. Consequently, they ignore roses altogether or limit themselves to cultivars in the knockout or drift series. While knockout roses and drift roses are commonly planted throughout the lower south, and deservedly so, many other roses…

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