Recently in our Master Gardener intern class I presented information about the Southern Magnolia tree. During my research, I was intrigued by the history of this beautiful and captivating tree. Magnolias evolved on Earth as far back as 95 million years ago during the Cretaceous period making the Magnolia the first known flowering plant. At this time bees were not in existence, therefore Magnolias evolved to be pollinated by UF/IFAS prehistoric insects. Today we know them as b

There are many ways to design a lovely home landscape while keeping in mind Photo: Lois Scott the needs and challenges of your furry friends. Paths of Dead Grass... Dogs tend to cause wear on turfgrass in specific areas, often near or along fences, which provide them good visibility. They like to patrol their territory. That’s why you might see your dog walking the same path over and over again every day. Often, it’s around the perimeter of the yard. Create paths or

Photo: Barbara Holder As far back as I can remember, I have always dug in the dirt, played with rocks, water, and flowers. A year ago, when we moved into a new home, there was an area of erosion beside a concrete brick wall. My husband said, “We need to extend the wall.” I said no, it’s a waterfall! After a few months of research, including reading and watching videos, I was ready to dig in! Steps included: Determine how big a pond and/or waterfall that you desire. Measur

Florida’s extended growing season and abundant sunshine make the perfect opportunity for creating a culinary herb garden. Culinary herbs offer a low maintenance option with less pest and disease issues than many other plants. Culinary herbs usually require well-draining soil, a little sun, and not much else. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, in Florida you can enjoy fresh herbs at nearly any time of year. Rosemary Photo Credit: Andrea Light Florida has an ab

A problem of anticipation The feeling is palpable; everyone is ready for spring. Can you hear them? The seeds beckon in their packets, begging for you to bury them beneath the soil. Every gardener struggles with this dilemma in early spring, but this year will surely be different. Maybe, just maybe, I can get my garden planted. Eventually, as we wait with bated breath life will peek its tiny shoots through the soil. Inevitably, harsh reality will set in with the realiza

Perpetual Question Do any of the leaves change color down here in the fall? The most common answer is that there is none here in the land of evergreens. The prevalence of oaks (Quercus spp.) and pines (Pinus spp.) see to that. There is hope. Deciduous trees put on a show as the need for photosynthesis reduces. Chlorophyll production stops replaced with anthocyanins and carotenoids. As they take over, the beautiful display we all love begins. Several tree species thrive in

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. Though scientifically of the same name, bush varietals are a world apart. Bush blackberries fall into the rosacea or rose family. They are deciduo

Irrigation is quite a controversial topic in horticulture. Far too often, clients come into the office with struggling grass or detrimental fungal concerns in their gardens. The “go-to” conversation concerns the cultural practices being utilized in the landscape. Cultural controls include the homeowner’s landscaping and gardening practices. These can cover several topics, including proper fertilization, dealing with garden waste, and, of course, irrigation. While all these t