admin, Author at Extra Mile Pest Control and Lawn Solution

October 25, 2023

Embracing Biodiversity: Exploring the Invasive Mexican Petunia and the Florida Native Tropical Sage

In the vibrant tapestry of Florida’s flora, two plants stand out – the invasive Mexican Petunia and the native Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea). While one has found its way into gardens and landscapes, the other has deep roots in Florida’s native ecosystem. In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguing world of these…

October 24, 2023

Swamp Sunflowers are Here!

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.…

October 24, 2023

Florida’s Fall Festivity: Swamp Sunflower

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…

October 23, 2023

Does Florida have a mushroom season? And other fungi facts from a UF expert

The temperatures have started to take a turn for the cooler throughout much of Florida, but does that mean conditions are no longer ripe for mushrooms and other fungi to grow? Not so fast, says Matthew Smith, a University of Florida fungi expert. “Florida has two ‘seasons’ of different fungi, at least,” said Smith, a professor…

October 23, 2023

A Spooky Garden

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…

October 20, 2023

Weekly “What is it?”: Field Research

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…

October 20, 2023

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

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…

October 19, 2023

Halloween Treats: Making Them Nutritious and Safe

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…

October 18, 2023

What Is That Lawn Ornament? Don’t Turn Into a Basket Case. Embrace Basketgrass!

Welcome to our Lawn Ornament blog series, where we explore one of the plethora of micro-plants that can help create a biodiverse, predominantly green, yet also delightfully colorful lawn that requires much less maintenance than a traditional grass lawn. Many homeowners find it difficult and costly to maintain a “traditional” lawn, one largely dominated by a single…

October 18, 2023

Embracing Lawn Ornaments: A Starter Guide

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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