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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. …

Too Much of a Good Thing—Water Wisely

November 30, 2023
Death by water intake is a real thing. There are documented cases where people have died from drinking too much water, which is called water intoxication, either because of coercion or drug-induced excess thirst. Mama always said that too much of anything, even something good, is bad. And she was right. Drinking too much water…

Too Much of a Good Thing—Water Wisely

November 29, 2023
Death by water intake is a real thing. There are documented cases where people have died from drinking too much water, which is called water intoxication, either because of coercion or drug-induced excess thirst. Mama always said that too much of anything, even something good, is bad. And she was right. Drinking too much water…

Staying Well through the Holidays: Portions

November 28, 2023
Most holiday celebrations are centered around food and even though that is something that brings us all together we need to remember our basic nutrition knowledge when enjoying ourselves. This week we will talk about portion sizes. A portion size is the amount of food you choose to eat that could be more or less…

Leaf Lettuce: Planting and Care

November 28, 2023
There is nothing better than a cozy fire and a beverage of choice on a cold night. Humans have enjoyed it from the bonfires of Samhain, the campfires of our youth, to Burning Man. If you have channeled your inner Paul Bunyan and split a cord of wood, you must now make an important decision…

Leaf Lettuce: Planting and Care

November 27, 2023
Growing your own leaf lettuce can be a rewarding and tasty experience, but it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of providing the right conditions for a thriving crop. Here’s a concise guide to the optimal growing conditions and care for your leafy greens in the garden: Sunlight: Leaf lettuce thrives in cooler weather and…

Plants at Their Peak: Magical Muhly!

November 27, 2023
Up close view of the muhly grass inflorescence (flowers and seeds) that provide fall color.Plants at Their Peak: Magical Muhly!   As late autumn arrives, native Muhly grass ( Muhlenbergia capillaris ) takes center stage in Florida landscapes, showcasing its natural beauty and ecological significance. Muhly grass is a true spectacle during this season,…

Foolproof Palm Care: Washington Palm

November 22, 2023
Growing up to 90 ft. tall, the Washington Palm (Washingtonia robusta) is one of the tallest in the palm family. At this height, it can be visually over-powering in landscapes with single-story buildings, but makes a great addition to landscapes with taller buildings.Planting Site Washingtonias do best in full sun and prefer well-drained soils. In addition to…
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