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

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