Pink Trumpet Tree litters the grounds with flowers as it peaks.As Valentine’s Day approaches, Southern Florida prepares for a breathtaking spectacle of pink: the blooming of Handroanthus impetiginosus, commonly known as the Pink Trumpet Tree or a Pink Tabebuia. Despite being nonnative, this stunning tree has integrated itself into being a staple of our urban landscape,…
In the southeastern United States, the fall armyworm is a pest that is found…in the winter (as well as other parts of the year, lucky us). Right now, yards around central Florida may be experiencing the fall armyworm.
The fall armyworm is a moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) that causes plant damage during the larval phase. Armyworm eggs…
In the southeastern United States, the fall armyworm is a pest that is found…in the winter (as well as other parts of the year, lucky us). Right now, yards around central Florida may be experiencing the fall armyworm.
The fall armyworm is a moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) that causes plant damage during the larval phase. Armyworm eggs…
Valentine’s Day! A day full of love, hugs, and… chocolates? Well, this year we’re giving a twist to the Valentine’s menu. Instead of the regular heart-shaped candies, how about we fill our plates with foods that are actually good for our hearts? Sounds interesting? Let’s do this!
Salmon: The Heart’s BFF!
Have you ever heard…
Introduction
I try to eat fish several times during the week. Many organizations have recommended eating seafood twice a week. For example, the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults eat eight ounces of fish or seafood per week. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/DGA_2020-2025_StartSimple_withMyPlate_English_color.pdf Seafood includes fish and shellfish, such as salmon, clams, oysters, tuna, snapper, shrimp, crab, and…
I frequently get questions asking, “Why is this turfgrass turning brown?” The quick answer is that it depends, although that alone is not helpful. There are two reasons why turfgrass begins to yellow or get chlorotic, and in some cases continues to a straw or brown appearance. Reason One The first reason is due to…
Recap of February 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector
In this month’s webinar, we talked about plant pathogens. A pathogen is any organism that causes disease. Some pathogens that can impact plants include fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and more. When we are checking our plants for issues, we look for both signs and symptoms.…
When you hear the term “Going Med”, what do you think it means? This term is in reference to following the Mediterranean Diet, which has shown an impact on the prevention and management of several chronic diseases. It’s a way of eating that comes from the foods available and consumed by those living in the…
Plant Market 2024!
Several events take place in Osceola Heritage Park throughout the year including the free UF/IFAS Extension Services annual Spring 2024 Planet Market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, located at 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744
The UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteers in Osceola County would like…
Introduction: Lichens are organisms that often go unnoticed, yet they play a significant role in the ecosystem, including fruit orchards. These symbiotic unions between fungi and algae, or cyanobacteria, form crust-like structures on tree bark, providing important ecological services. While lichens are generally harmless, their presence on fruit trees can raise concerns among tree growers.…
Have you ever felt frustrated by seeing weeds growing in your lawn? Every spring, you apply so many gallons of herbicides; the weeds go away briefly, and suddenly, they return. Winter weeds, such as Florida Snow (Florida Pusley), decorate your yard with white flowers. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better…
A handful of the “lawn ornaments” that will be featured in this blog series. Top row (left to right): sunshine mimosa, perennial peanut, frogfruit, and fleabane. Bottom row (left to right): pennywort, Lobelia, Florida snow, and blue-eyed grass. Welcome to our Lawn Ornament blog series, where we explore the plethora of micro-plants that can help create a biodiverse,…
