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The Magic of Mulch in the Landscape

December 8, 2023
Fungi Facts Fungi are known as plants that lack chlorophyll and true plant parts rather they are decomposers that can contain mycelium and mycorrhizae. As a member of the animal kingdom, fungi consist of yeast, toadstools, mold, mildew, truffles, and MUSHROOMS. Mushrooms are fleshy spore-bearing fungus categorized as edible and non-edible organisms. There are an…

The Magic of Mulch in the Landscape

December 7, 2023
Utilizing mulch in your yard is a cost-effective tool that is so often overlooked. It’s surprising to see how many landscapes lack the benefits of mulch.  Proper mulching is crucial for any Florida-Friendly landscape. By adding mulch, you can save water, suppress weeds, enrich soil, and enhance the overall appearance of your yard. Don’t miss…

Seafood for the Holidays!

December 7, 2023
A New Tradition Holiday dinners often involve ham and turkey. After six weeks, you might think turkey is for the birds! In Florida, many families serve a coastal catch or two by adding fresh seafood to their meals during this festive season. Seafood is a delicious way to enhance a favorite dish and it delivers…

Citrus for Homeowners

December 6, 2023
Florida citrus is a hot commodity not just for Floridians but for the overall United States. However, the most gratifying feeling is being able to pick your own fruit fresh from your yard. UF/IFAS has been working diligently to provide farmers and homeowners with citrus varieties that can tolerate the destructive Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing or…

How About Some Purple to Compliment Your Turkey Dinner

December 6, 2023
Purple is the color of royalty and “Purple Majesty” and “Purple Splendor” are two newly released varieties of sweet potato bred by Drs. Craig Yencho and Kenneth Pecota at North Carolina State University.  This same program is responsible for “Covington” which is the typical orange-flesh variety that you find on most grocery store shelves.  “Covington”…

Grow Grapes? Wine Not? Muscadine grapes in Florida.

December 5, 2023
The grape of the south, the Muscadine The grape of the south is the muscadine. It is one of the few grape varieties that perform well in the hot climate of the southeastern United States. The native variety of muscadine is called ‘Scuppernong’. Here in Florida it grows well in our poor soil conditions. It…

Plants at Their Peak: Bountiful Beautyberry!

December 4, 2023
As autumn unfolds its vibrant tapestry of colors, one striking native shrub stands out, adding brilliant royal purple into the landscape as it feeds migratory birds. Meet the American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, celebrated for its stunning berries and the myriad benefits it bestows upon both wildlife…

December 2023 First Friday with Florida First Detector

December 4, 2023
Recap of December 2023 First Friday with Florida First Detector In this month’s webinar, we focused on Hymenoptera, an order of insects that includes wasps, bees, ants, hornets and more. Hymenoptera is an extremely diverse order of insects. Some feed on plants and others are predatory or parasitic. Many Hymenoptera are beneficial insects and provide…

Weekly “What is it?”: Parrot Pitcher Plant

December 1, 2023
      The tiny rosette of parrot pitcher plants is visible only by kneeling close to the ground and moving short grasses and groundcovers away! Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension       A colorful cluster of delicate parrot pitcher plants. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension To the untrained eye, one might…

Amaryllis for the Holidays and Beyond

November 30, 2023
Amaryllis for the Holidays and Beyond     It’s about time to start decking those halls! I love using natural materials and plants as holiday décor, and one plant known for merry and bright is the amaryllis. The amaryllis we buy for our homes and landscapes are hybrids and the genus name is  Hippeastrum. …
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