I heard about a dangerous rose disease. How would I know if my roses have gotten it? The worst rose disease is called Rose Rosette Disease, which is a virus that is spread by the eriophyid mite. Though we have plenty of those unusual 4- Rose specimens infected with rose rosette virus. Photo taken…
National Strawberry Month is celebrated during the month of May. It’s a good time to think about eating, growing, picking, serving and storing delicious and sweet strawberries. Strawberries are grown year round and Florida grows a lot of berries. https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/growing-strawberries/ It is great fun to go to a you-pick farm and pick your own basketful of berries, choose some at…
Written by Ashley McDonald, UF/IFAS NCBS Research Scientist Charlie Martin (NCBS) and Kym Holtzwart (SWWMD) netting a stunned Snook (above) on the electrofishing vessel operated by Ashley McDonald (NCBS). Project Summary The Suwannee River system was targeted this past winter by biologists in electrofishing boats to study a new addition to the local fish community, the…
A large Tree Nympha (Idea leucone) on a red flowering plant. April 2008 IFAS Extension Calendar Photo. Butterflies in the McGuire Butterfly Garden, flowers, plants. UF/IFAS Photo: Sally Lanigan.Gardener Question: I would like to have some butterflies in my yard, but I don’t know what plants they like. How do I know which plants to…
Do you have a favorite fruit? Without a doubt, blackberries would be one of mine. Their sharp, sometimes bittersweet flavors and unique textures offer a cool and refreshing counterpoint to the infamous heat of the Florida summer. However, for all of my delight surrounding the return of blackberries, I know relatively little else…
Many in the Florida panhandle are aware of the importance of seagrasses to estuarine ecology. They have heard this many times before and have heard how important it is to protect them. Some are aware that they are important as a nursery for many commercial important fin and shellfish. But fewer are aware of the…
It sounds like one of those Sci-Fi thrillers where there is a giant asteroid heading to Earth and we need a special team led by Bruce Willis to save the planet. But in this case it is not a large rock, but a large mass of seaweed. And the threat is not a huge impact…
Hello Avid readers! Thank you for coming back. We have a real treat for you this month as it is Women in History Month. Have you wondered when or how women have impacted integrated pest management (IPM)? Do you know how women have contributed to public health or structural pest management? Thousands of women have…
When people think of Florida or visiting the sights, what do they think of? For most people, it’s some combination of alligators, flamingos, manatees, and sea turtles with a sprinkling of Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, and the beaches. This episode explores the truth about iconic Florida. New Episode from Naturally Florida Naturally Florida (a podcast…
In the Vines of Mistaken Identify, we’re exploring the different types of vines commonly called “invasive” around Nassau County. Rather, in fact, these vines are not invasive and many of them are native too, which provides amazing benefits to our ecosystem and environment. Our current blog explores Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans). It’s Important Value There…
Flatwoods Plum Prunus umbellata Unknown to most local residents, the Flatwoods Plum is a nice option for a small tree and is covered in white blooms each year in late February or early spring. Size Its mature size is about 15 to 20 feet tall by 15 to 20 feet wide. Since most housing lots…
Soil is the foundation of the landscape. Having a soil pH test done may be the best place to start when planting a new garden, new landscape, or when your landscape is showing signs of stress. If you live near the ocean and irrigate with a well, you may also need to test your irrigation…