Florida’s rainy season is just starting. That means being watchful of potential fungus and bacterial infections in the garden. Heavy rain amounts may cut down on your irrigation bill, but they also can cause a lot of issues, and wash away mulch and soil. A few rainy days in a row may combine with our…
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Growing Plumeria Obsession
Growing plumeria, also known as the Frangipani or Hawaiian Lei Flower, is easy throughout Central and South Florida. The fragrant, exotic tree favors hot, humid, tropical environments, and is easy to propagate from cuttings. Plumeria bursts forth with dozens of highly fragrant blooms from spring through fall before going dormant for the winter months. It…
The Victory Garden
Victory Gardens became popular in the 1940s during World War II. Millions of American families planted fruit and vegetable gardens in their backyards to feed America, and the impact was that more than 40 percent of all the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the United States were grown in these amazing independent gardens. It…
Aphids on Attack
My pink hibiscus is under assault from aphids! As I walked past the plant and took a quick glance at an unopened blossom, I saw tiny black spots. An aphid problem will spread and infect the whole plant, and others, if left unchecked. It can easily spread to other plants in the yard. You can…
Selby Botanical Gardens
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a relative newcomer to the public gardens scene. The Selby Gardens was founded in 1973 when Mrs. Selby left her home and surrounding gardens for the public to enjoy. We spotted the garden’s sign while looking for antique shops. I love to visit public gardens, and I am fascinated…
The Pineapple Garden
Growing a pineapple garden is a simply and inexpensive way to teach your kids about gardening. Pineapples love Florida’s sandy soils, and you can start your plant from the top of a store-bought pineapple.
Lubber Grasshoppers
They’re back! The Southeastern Lubber Grasshoppers are devouring Florida in 2021. This isn’t a total surprise. These grasshoppers rise up annually beginning in mid-March, almost from the ground, and devour the fresh foliage of Spring. Left unrestrained, lubber grasshoppers can seemingly eat the leaves of a shrub almost overnight. Identifying Lubber Grasshoppers The Southeastern Lubber…
Let’s get wet!
Florida’s afternoon rains are a welcome respite for gardens from the hot, humid temperature in the summer.
Hot Stuff
Florida’s hot summers are not friendly to all types of plants, but there are many tropical plants that thrive in the humid, hot weather. Florida is firmly situated in USDA growing zones 8-10.