North Florida has a relatively mild climate, but most of the state does occasionally experience below freezing temperatures. The lowest temperature on record in Florida occurred in Tallahassee on February 13, 1899 when the temperature dropped to – 2° F (two degrees below zero). Fortunately, temperatures haven’t fallen that low since. Recently, on January 29,…Read more
The evidence in the home landscape, and in any panhandle Florida environment which includes trees, is unmistakable. The recent storm systems, with their potentially damaging wind gusts, have left limbs, and the occasional tree, on the ground. From the homeowner’s perspective, the limbs are usually a cosmetic irritant which must be removed to reestablish the…Read more
Every pesticide, whether organic or synthetic, sold in the United States comes with a pesticide label. That label is a legal document detailing the expectations for the safe, proper and legal use of the pesticide by the applicator. The purchaser and/or applicator is assuming certain responsibilities when deciding to use a pesticide. Using such a…Read more
Many gardeners use some type of chemical to control weeds, insects and diseases. The companies marketing these chemicals have spent millions to hundreds of millions of dollars funding extensive tests to determine the optimum application methods for their products. Unfortunately, many gardeners operate under the premise of “instructions are for others.” There are complaints that…Read more
Anyone who has been responsible for children knows the reality of juvenile appetites. Their hunger is constant, their preferences often picky and rarely is there any obvious uniformity in tastes between siblings or playmates. It may be as simple as the condiments on a sandwich or the selection of an entree, but there is never…Read more
With the holidays in the rear-view mirror, the list of tasks has returned to the norm. While recovering from the parties and gift giving expenses, the home landscape now appears on the long list of New Year’s resolutions for most homeowners. The shorter daylight hours and the cooler thermometer readings have slowed, but not stopped…Read more
Once a landscape plan is established, what is the next step? Most gardeners will say, “Right plant for the right place.” But is this simply choosing a plant whose genetics match up with the soil type, light levels, temperature range, and soil pH? If this is all, then a vital step has been overlooked in…Read more
People who collect items do so for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the purpose is an unlimited curiosity about the subject which is collected. Stamp and coin collectors often fall into this category. Others collect to satisfy an insatiable want to physically possess the subject of their obsession. In extreme cases this is labeled hoarding…Read more
Just like most other aspects of life, a successful garden begins with a plan. If you want a successful and functional landscape, before you ever visit a nursery or buy the first plant, you need a well thought out design. Mistakes in the landscape can be avoided by following a simple set of steps used…Read more
The month of September is known as the gateway for a variety of events. Historically, it was the beginning of the public school year, but recent trends have made the starting date of classes dependent on a variety of factors. The beginning of college football is this month, with all its spectacle and gridiron rivalry…Read more
