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Fall Lawn Care & October Plant Clinic

October 26, 2023
If your lawn has a history of winter annual weeds such as henbit, wild geranium, annual bluegrass, chickweed and lawn burweed, you can apply a preemergence herbicide to prevent these weeds from emerging. Apply it during October when nighttime temperatures drop to 55° – 60°F for several consecutive nights. This will be just before the…

BEWARE THAT WHOLE FAMILY…of Poisonous Plants!

October 25, 2023
Poisonous Plants in and Around Your Florida Home.  Disclaimer. The following information is intended for use in Duval County.  Florida is a diverse state with different growing conditions. If you garden outside of Northeast Florida, check with your local UF/IFAS Extensions agent for assistance. As the nights draw in, we turn out thoughts to the Holidays…

Swamp Sunflowers are Here!

October 24, 2023
Every September the Swamp Sunflowers finally begin opening their flower buds and by mid-October they are in full bloom! I use the word “finally” because it is a long journey from seedling to bloom for this flora species! Swamp sunflowers, Helianthus angustifolius, is a native herbaceous perennial that will die back every winter, and re-sprout in the spring.…

Florida’s Fall Festivity: Swamp Sunflower

October 24, 2023
When October arrives in Florida, it may not bring the same fiery tree foliage that northern states boast, but the Sunshine State has its own unique way of celebrating fall. One of the standout performers of this season is Helianthus angustifolius, commonly known as the swamp sunflower or narrowleaf sunflower. This vibrant native plant paints natural…

A Spooky Garden

October 23, 2023
Happy Fall! Happy Fall, everyone! Fall is my favorite time of year. As the summer temperatures begin to wane, I feel invigorated. As the end of the month nears, trees’ leaves change to their usual colors of reds, yellows, oranges, and purples. Throughout our community we will see decorations abound, pumpkins aglow, and the sweet…

Weekly “What is it?”: Field Research

October 20, 2023
Master Naturalist students in the field, looking for aquatic invertebrates Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS ExtensionField work is the heart and soul of any good research project in botany or wildlife ecology. When kids—heck, even most adults—picture a “scientist,” usually one of two images comes to mind. First will be the chemist in a full…

UF/IFAS study: This bird’s eye view confirms bird diversity dropping in urban areas, scientists say there is hope

October 20, 2023
The importance of greenspaces within urban areas provides essential habitats for the migrating Eastern Meadowlarks above and the Magnolia Warbler below.Human activities cause changes to wildlife biodiversity co-existing on urban and agricultural lands. For birds, little is known about the factors or extent these human activities impose on their biodiversity as they co-exist in…

Halloween Treats: Making Them Nutritious and Safe

October 19, 2023
Hello, Spooky Season Enthusiasts! October is here, and you know what that means: pumpkins, costumes, and lots of treats! But wait, should treats only mean sugar-laden candies and chocolates? This Halloween, let’s aim for treats that aren’t tricks on our health. Why Should We Care?   Halloween may come just once a year, but its…

Embracing Lawn Ornaments: A Starter Guide

October 18, 2023
Many homeowners find it difficult and costly to maintain a “traditional” lawn, one largely dominated by a single turfgrass cultivar. Embracing a biodiverse landscape can help ease the frustration and save money, with the added bonus of providing ecological benefits. This “Lawn Ornament” series will provide a road map to that goal. Along the way,…
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