Florida Gardening: Winter Lawn Watering, Oleander Moths

Posted in: Garden Talk
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Are caterpillars munching your Oleander?  If heavily infested, consider pruning.  But beware...do not burn Oleander!  The branches will give off a poison gas which can be deadly to humans and pets.  Is watering St. Augustine grass once a week really enough?   READ GARDENING TIPS FROM NASSAU COUNTY HORTICULTURAL AGENT, REBECCA JORDI...

NORTH FLORIDA: Rain Lilies, Crazy Ants, Gardening Tips

Posted in: Garden Talk
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Rain lilies can be planted year round in north Florida and thrive in conditions not favorable for true garden lilies. They produce lush clumps of foliage in the fall when the weather is cool.  This group of charming bulbs, also known as pink fairy lilies, Zephyr lilies, and rain lilies is native to North America. In the wild, flowers bloom after a rain."  READ MORE ABOUT RAIN LILIES. LEARN ABOUT CRAZY ANTS...

GARDEN FRESH: Cool Season Herbs For Northeast Florida

Posted in: Garden Talk
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Wondering what herbs you can grow here in northeast Florida during the cooler months? Cilantro, coriander, dill, fennel, sorrel, thyme, sweet marjoram, oregano, St. Johns Wort, soap wort, lavender, and viola are some good choices of cool season herbs. Growing herbs is one of the easiest and most rewarding garden hobbies.  READ MORE FROM GARDENING EXPERT...

Pesky Fire Ants? Florida Tree Registry for Champion Trees

Posted in: Garden Talk
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Fire ants are one of Florida's most aggressive landscape pests. Gardeners experience these biting and stinging insects almost daily. The easiest control method is to use baits.  R
EAD MORE GARDENING TIPS FROM NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA HORTICULTURAL AGENT, REBECCA JORDI...


Northeast Florida Wildflowers, Mushroom Fairy Rings

Posted in: Garden Talk
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The state wildflower of Florida is called coreopsis. These plants grow best in full sun with moist, well drained soil. Like most wildflowers, these do not respond well to too much water. Learn about wildflowers on September 16, 2009 by attending a free program...


Dying St. Augustine Grass? Lightening Rods For Trees

Posted in: Garden Talk
Because of all the rain we have been receiving (in northeast Florida), it would be best if we all placed our irrigation systems on manual. I have not needed to run my irrigation system in almost two months. I realize we are allowed to run our irrigation twice a week, but it does not mean we must or should...

Lace Cap Hydrangeas, Sun Loving Wildflowers

Posted in: Garden Talk
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Hydrangea plants will do extremely well here in northeast Florida, but plant them in areas where they will be protected from direct, summer afternoon sun. Morning sun will suit them well....Looking to replace dead grass with something hardy for a sunny location?  If you have full sun then consider using perennial peanut, Asiatic jasmine, Powderpuff vine or Beach sunflower.  For those living near coastal areas, Beach sunflower is an excellent choice.  READ MORE gardening tips from HORTICULTURAL AGENT, REBECCA JORDI...

How To Plant a Florida Bird & Butterfly Garden

Posted in: Garden Talk

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There are a few important steps in attracting wildlife to a garden. The first step is to reduce the amount of lawn grass in your yard. The second step is to have a constant, clean water source such as a bird bath or fountain. Next, consider layering your plants so you have some ground cover, then perennials followed by shrubs and finishing with trees.  Birds and butterflies need places to hide from predators and often seek shelter under leaves and tree limbs. Think about providing plants with leaves for the caterpillars to eat such as milkweed, parsley, dill and/or citrus. Have plenty of flowers for nectar and pollen. Wildflowers, such as thistle, might also be incorporated which attract finches and other small birds.  READ MORE FROM NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA HORTICULTURAL AGENT, REBECCA JORDI...