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Vines of Mistaken Identity: Trumpet Vine

In the Vines of Mistaken Identify, we’re exploring the different types of vines commonly called “invasive” around Nassau County. Rather, in fact, these vines are not invasive and many of them are native too, which provides amazing benefits to our ecosystem and environment. Our current blog explores Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans). It’s Important Value There…

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White Blooms

Flatwoods Plum Prunus umbellata Unknown to most local residents, the Flatwoods Plum is a nice option for a small tree and is covered in white blooms each year in late February or early spring. Size Its mature size is about 15 to 20 feet tall by 15 to 20 feet wide. Since most housing lots…

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Soil Testing How-to

Soil is the foundation of the landscape.  Having a soil pH test done may be the best place to start when planting a new garden, new landscape, or when your landscape is showing signs of stress. If you live near the ocean and irrigate with a well, you may also need to test your irrigation…

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Pesticide Safety

February was National Pesticide Safety Education Month but is not too late to learn about it. By definition, a pesticide is actually anything used to kill or repel insects, fungi, mold, mildew, diseases, animals, or weedy plants. For obvious financial reasons, many homeowners choose to do some of these jobs themselves.   However, there are…

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The great horned owl and owlet are too cute!

The UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County is located in a rural area of the county.  We are fortunate to have green spaces with native plants and wildlife in the surrounding area.  Several weeks ago, we noticed a great horned owl and owlet took residence in a dead palm tree in the area.  Of course, we took plenty…

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Ways to Save: Tips for in and Around Your Home

Whether you rent or own your home, we all have bills to pay. Lots of bills, it seems. We can help. Our “Ways to Save” project provides a range of cost-saving tips on many of the common expenses you face every day, like utility bills and food costs. Through videos, classes, projects, blog posts and…

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Women’s history month: Madeline Mellinger

Madeline Mellinger had only about a year of experience working with growers in the Everglades Agricultural Area when they asked her to serve as their adviser on pest management. During that year she had established their trust through consistent and accurate advice dispensed in person over the course of seven-day, 1,200-mile workweeks. Mellinger was the growers’…

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All About Alligatorweed (Redux)

Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is a common invasive plant that has plagued our state for well over 100 years. Native to Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, this plant was accidentally introduced to the Florida gulf coast in 1894 from ship ballast water. Along with water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), it was one of the original invaders of Florida and today…

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Avoiding Common Landscape Mistakes

Everyone has the same goal for the yard.  We all want our place to look good, whether we take care of it ourselves or hire various companies to do it. Either way, here are some ideas on how to have a nice yard with fewer problems. Choose the right plant for the spot available.  The site…

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Soil Testing: Let’s Talk Dirt

A soil test can help you: Save time and money on lawn and garden maintenance Reduce nutrients leaching into groundwater Choose plants that are right for your landscape Comply with local fertilizer ordinances UF/IFAS Extension offers homeowners a new option for easy-to-use soil testing. If you’re a homeowner who wants to create a beautiful, Florida-friendly…

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