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The Silk Floss Tree

August 17, 2022
Photo: Hannah Wooten The Silk Floss Tree commands attention in every season. From a stunning floral display, to the trunk laden with menacing spines, to the palmate foliage, it is no wonder this rainforest tree has found a place in managed landscapes around the world! Silk Floss, Floss Silk, palo borracho aka drunken stick, toborochi are…

First Fridays with Florida First Detector

August 16, 2022
What is Florida First Detector? Florida First Detector is a multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas. We offer in-person and virtual classes. The Florida First Detector website also provides scripted presentations for educators and on-demand CEU opportunities for licensed professionals. Our…

Florida Farm Pests: Terrestrial Slugs and Snails

August 15, 2022
When people think of plant pests, the first thing that comes to mind are arthropods, specifically insects. Unfortunately, there are more than just arthropods that are considered plant pests. One of these examples are terrestrial slugs and snails. Asian Tramp Snail (bradybaena similaris), an exotic snail pest in Florida. Credit: Luis O. Rodriguez, UF/IFAS, Polk…

New tool helps strengthen local food systems

August 15, 2022
Effective food systems– which include the people, processes and places involved with moving food from local farm to plates – provide equity, sustainability, profitability and resiliency to communities. UF/IFAS researchers conducted a study to define key elements of community food system models and how to overcome the obstacles they face. Researchers used their findings to…

Cane Toads: A Toxic Threat to Family Pets

August 15, 2022
About this cane toad webinar Invasive species, like cane toads, are species that (a) are nonnative to a specified geographic area, (b) were introduced by humans (intentionally or unintentionally), and (c) does or can cause environmental or economic harm or harm to humans. Cane toads, also known as bufo toads, can: cause illness or death if…

Getting your money’s worth in flowers this year – Ixora in the landscape

August 14, 2022
Ixora – a superhighway of blooms!What plant does just about every landscape in Charlotte County have that provides colorful flowers, tropical foliage and variety of size that makes this shrub so popular?  This shrub is the ixora of course!  However, with our predominately alkaline soils, growing acid-loving plants like ixora can be difficult.  With proper…

Farmer’s Market Tips

August 14, 2022
Market Joy Oh the joys of a local Farmer’s Market. I’ve been a farmer’s market attendee since I can remember.  I spent many Saturday mornings strolling down a blocked off street, going from vendor to vendor spending the $10 or so my mom gave me. My go-to purchases as a kid usually raisin bread, goat…

Find Your Frugal: Save on school lunches

August 14, 2022
About this series Rising costs have brought on rising concerns. The ripple effects of the years-long COVID pandemic continue to surface in economies worldwide, from grocery shelves to gas pumps. In an ongoing effort to help people – from producers to consumers – weather the storm, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences…

Can You Find a Coral Snake?

August 13, 2022
Most of you – okay… ALL of you who read this column like the outdoors.  Some like it for its peace and beauty, some for recreation opportunities, some like it for both.  One activity I have found many enjoy is seeking creatures from a list.  A sort of “bingo” approach to observing nature.   For…

UF researchers find genes responsible for several flavor compounds in strawberries

August 13, 2022
In their quest to improve strawberry flavor, University of Florida scientists have found the genes behind several aromatic chemicals that enhance the fruit’s taste. These findings will help UF/IFAS researchers Vance Whitaker and Seonghee Lee as they study the sources of the unique aroma in strawberries. As with many fruits, the genes that control aroma and flavor are connected.…

Build Your Own Rain Barrel

August 12, 2022
A rain barrel is an easy way to save water from a rainfall event to water your garden later.  You may choose to buy one ready made, or you can make it yourself. Finding a Barrel The first step of making a rain barrel is finding the barrel.  Some food processing plants will  sell them…

Houseplants for Health and Wellbeing

August 12, 2022
It is well known that plants and gardening can promote wellbeing. Most of you reading this are likely gardeners or plant enthusiasts who have first hand experience with the myriad benefits caring for our green friends can impart. Caring for plants can improve our wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The presence of…
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