EDITOR'S NOTE: A University of Florida faculty member and Nassau County Extension Horticultural Agent,  Rebecca Jordi addresses some of the questions she receives about landscaping and gardening in northeast Florida, in GARDEN TALK.  The Extension also offers helpful clinics throughout the year, providing assistance to local gardeners in the Amelia Island and surrounding areas of Nassau County, Florida. __________

Florida Alligator

JORDI: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be able to help you with removal of nuisance alligators.

Alligators are generally not aggressive unless they have been hand fed by humans. Please tell your children and neighbors not to toss food to the alligators and remind them these are wild animals and should not be treated as domesticated pets.

Small alligators (3 feet and under) are usually naturally afraid of humans and will not be a threat to humans or pets. However, if the alligator is over 4 feet it would be best to contact the FFWCC at 1-866-392-4286 regarding removal the creature.

Do not attempt to capture the alligator yourself, as this must be done by a licensed, professional trapper. Regardless of its size, if it becomes aggressive or does not retreat when a human approaches then the FFWCC should be called immediately.

This is an excellent opportunity to teach your children about the importance of protecting wildlife while also respecting their natural habitats. Remind children who they should go to in case an accident occurs in the pond or who would be available to help if assistance is needed.

Children should never be left alone around a body of water; however, it is prudent to be prepared for the potential mishap. Water and wildlife are always attractive to children and a few hours of instruction in advance could prevent a lifetime of heartache.

Attached is the website for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding nuisance alligators. http://myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Alligator_nuisance.htm

Gardenia

JORDI: Gardenias can tolerate a wide range of light conditions but flower better when exposed to some direct sunlight.

Gardenias also prefer a slightly acid soil between the ranges of 5.0 – 6.5. When we tested your soil the reading was 7.5-7.8 which is alkaline. When looking at a pH scale it is important to note the higher the pH reading of the soil, the more alkaline the soil.

Since you planned to transplant the gardenias and start all over again we can give you a few suggestions on ways to lower the pH on a temporary basis.

It is important to alter the whole bed and not just the hole in which you plant the gardenia. Consider mixing together composted material, peat and sand completely going down 8-12 inches in the soil. Be sure the bed is aerated to allow air to reach the roots. Change your mulch to a pine product such as pine straw, pine nuggets or pine bark. Keep the mulch away from the trunk of any tree or shrub and be sure it is only about 2-3 inches deep.

The shrubs will need to be hand watered daily for several weeks, then every other day for several weeks until they are watered only once every few weeks. This is important for the establishment of roots which will determine their future strength and health. Water them at the root area only keeping water away from the leaves.

Fertilize this September using an acid loving fertilizer for azaleas, camellias and gardenias which can be found at any garden center. Use the same type of fertilizer every March and September annually after establishment.

Prune only dead branches now but light pruning can be done after flowering has finished. Avoid pruning after September or next year's blooms will be diminished. The new transplants may drop more leaves when you move them but do not let that scare you – be patient.

Next year you will probably have the most beautiful gardenias in the neighborhood. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.

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