Author Archive
Butterflies, Blossoms, Garden Experts: Amelia Island Garden Show
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Amelia Island Flowers: Bee on Blooming Hibiscus, Fernandina Beach in northeast Florida
Celebrate nature in bloom on Amelia Island this weekend outdoors at the Amelia Island Garden Show March 6-7, 2010. Arrive early — show opens at 9 am — and enjoy a fresh-brewed coffee or espresso along with pastries in the park from Fernandina’s Farmers Market, surrounded by flower blossoms and butterflies. Sounds like a wonderful way to spend some time this weekend, and admission is free.
Featuring on-site experts offering advice about “greening your home, yard, and garden,” the outdoor Amelia Island Garden Show (being held in Fernandina Beach’s Central Park) will showcase more than 50 vendors, growers, and nurseries from around Florida. Read More→
SALT & LIME: Florida Gardening Tips
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Beach morning glory, also known as railroad vine, adds color to the Florida landscape. (Photo W.B. Lawson)
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 on Amelia Island and in the surrounding areas of Nassau County, Florida.
—– GARDEN TALK —–
QUESTION: Will you give me some suggestions of salt tolerant plants? NC
JORDI: Some possible salt tolerant choices of shrubs are Pittosporum, Yaupon Holly, Lantana, or Silverthorn (Elaeagnus pungens). Ask your local nursery about dwarf varieties which would be a good choice to grow in pots. There are several varieties of Lantana such as ‘Golden mound’ which is yellow. Read More→
Ballooning Debt, Bills Rising Like Helium Balloons, Taxes
Posted by: | CommentsEDITOR’S NOTE: Contributing Columnist, Steve Nicklas, expresses his views and insights on various topics of local interest (Nassau County, Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, Florida) in Steve’s Marketplace column. _____________
—– STEVE’S MARKETPLACE —–
If it feels like your monthly electric and food and insurance bills are rising like a helium balloon on a windy day, stay tuned.
The tax man is likely to come knocking next. And this is hardly a friendly visit or a knock of opportunity for many of us.
With a ballooning federal debt and a free-spending government, there is a likelihood of a plethora of tax increases — on everything from “sin” products to capital gains to health care. And let’s not forget your income. Read More→
Amelia Island: Birder’s Paradise, Gateway East Florida Birding Trail
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Great Blue Heron, Amelia Island (photo, W.B. Lawson)
Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or a novice interested in a new hobby, the Amelia Island area is a wonderful place for exploring bird life. Florida is a “birder’s paradise.” With over 470 bird species, Florida reportedly has the third largest number of different species of all the US states.
Right here on Amelia Island, discover the “gateway” of the East Florida Birding Trail, part of a 2,000 mile trail that extends throughout the state. Amelia Island’s Fort Clinch State Park (904)277-7274 is the gateway to the birding trail on Florida’s east coast. (The beautiful heron pictured left was not a bit camera-shy, and hung around Seaside Park in Fernandina Beach for about 45 minutes one day, allowing a close-up.) Read More→
White Oak Plantation’s Animal Conservation Center, Northeast Florida
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Okapi, just one of the rare species at White Oak Plantation located near Amelia Island, Florida
The legendary White Oak Plantation houses a Conservation Center, a natural sanctuary where exotic animals roam in Nassau County, Florida along the Georgia border.
Amidst the pines, live oaks, crape myrtle and palmettos are species of endangered animals. White Oak Conservation Center is one of the world’s premiere wildlife breeding, research, and training facilities. With a global reputation, the center is dedicated to maintaining genetically healthy breeding of rare and near extinct animals, with species survival plans. The White Oak Conservation Center “conserves and sustains some of the earth’s rarest wild animals Read More→
Tasty Homegrown Heirloom Tomatoes & Native Florida Plants
Posted by: | CommentsEDITOR’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 on Amelia Island and in the surrounding areas of Nassau County, Florida. __________
GARDEN TALK
Roma Tomatoes on the Vine (Northeast Florida)
QUESTION: Will you give me a list of heirloom tomatoes to grow in Florida? PH
JORDI: A growing number of garden enthusiasts are becoming interested in producing tomatoes. There are several reasons for the increased appeal in gardening which involve food safety issues, reduced cost, and better flavor.
According to Taylor’s Guide to Heirloom Vegetables, a tomato must meet three criteria to be considered an heirloom variety: Read More→
