Parts of Brazil experience similar hot weather conditions to Florida’s and thus ranchers there face similar problems with effects of heat stress on cattle. Dr. Cassio Cassal Brauner, an animal science professor in Brazil, currently spending a year in Ona working with Dr. Philipe Moriel as an exchange visitor, research scholar, was our guest presenter…
Proper planting ensures a good start to a healthy landscape. The following guidelines for installing plants apply for sandy, well-drained soils. Annuals and Perennials Annuals and perennials are typically small (4”) to one gallon sized pots and last at least one season. Examine plants prior to purchasing. Check for signs of disease or insects.…
Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis This upright biennial is interesting because it’s flowers open at night rather than during the day like most flowers. The common name originates due to the flower opening style, opening in the evening and closing the following morning when hit by the…
A Silk Floss tree blooming in North Venice this week.The autumn blooms of a flowering tree have been capturing the attention of many in Sarasota County. Amidst a backdrop of landscapes transitioning into shades of brown with the current drought, these trees stand out, adorned with an abundance of white and pink flowers. But what exactly…
Deep in the heart of the University of Florida’s campus rests one of its oldest buildings. Built as a mule barn, converted into a print shop and then transformed into offices, this UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences building has seen ages of people come and go over its 100 years. But what if one…
Welcome back to this two-part blog series, where we are demystifying the remarkable world of bats! So far, we have covered the batty basics of the order Chiroptera, to which bats belong. If you have not yet read part one of this series, check it out here.
Florida’s Fabulous Flying Mammals
In Florida, we have…
Photo credit: Nenad Milosevic from Unsplash.
Bats: Shrouded in Mystery and Fear
As human beings, we have had a close relationship with the natural world since the beginning of our species’ journey on this planet. Throughout the centuries, as cultures around the world developed, the animals and plants in our environments were…
Deep in the heart of the University of Florida’s campus rests one of its oldest buildings. Built as a mule barn, converted into a print shop and then transformed into offices, this UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences building has seen ages of people come and go over its 100 years. But what if one…
It’s officially Holiday Season!! The holidays are a time for food, family, friends, and celebrations. For some the holidays are their favorite time of year, but for others not so much. No matter where you fall on this scale let’s make this holiday season your best yet by helping you focus on staying well. Check back…
Ponds can be a serene and beautiful addition to any landscape, providing a habitat for wildlife and a peaceful spot for relaxation. However, like any other part of your property, ponds can encounter their fair share of problems. Three of the most common issues pond owners face are algae blooms, erosion, and invasive plants. Let’s…
Fall Wildflowers at Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve By Walter Bryant, MGV Any time of the year is a good time to visit the Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve but, in the fall, the native wildflowers blooming in the sandhills are especially beautiful. The preserve is a long peninsula where the Julington and Durbin Creeks merge. The center of…
Aromatic plants add delight and wonder to any landscape. Whether brushing a rosemary twig gently as you pass by or being enticed by the delicate waft of jasmine, smell is one of the most poignant of our senses. Smell can draw us back to a particular memory, elicit emotions, and create vivid reactions. Incorporating aromatic…