Category Archives: Plants

Miniature Plants with Sizeable Character

Posted on March 17, 2017 by John

Some of the world’s smallest flowering plants grow in aquatic environments.  And a number of these tiny aquatic plants grow natively right here in Florida!  Aquatic plants of all kinds display an amazing array of adaptations for growing in water.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Panhandle Habitats, Plants, Pond Management | Comments Off on Miniature Plants with Sizeable Character

NISAW 2017: Micro-Invasives can Cause Big Problems – Bacterial Pathogens

Posted on February 27, 2017 by John

If we look at the big picture when it comes to invasive species, some of the smallest organisms on the planet should pop right into focus. A microscopic bacterium named Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the cause of Citrus Greening (HLB), has … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Horticultural, Invasive Species, Invasives, Plants | Comments Off on NISAW 2017: Micro-Invasives can Cause Big Problems – Bacterial Pathogens

Winter is For Tree Planting

Posted on January 20, 2017 by John

Florida has celebrated Arbor Day since 1886 and has one of the first Arbor Day celebrations in the nation, on the third Friday in January.  Trees establish a root system quickly when they aren’t expending as much energy on leaf … Continue reading →

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Consider a Native Evergreen This Christmas

Posted on December 5, 2016 by John

Throughout history the evergreen tree has been a symbol of life. “Not only green when summer’s here, but also when it’s cold and dreary” as the Christmas carol “O Tannenbaum” says.  While supporting the cut Christmas tree industry does create … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Environmental Education, Gardening, Plants, Urban Wildlife, Wildlife | Tagged | Leave a comment

Gardening for Pollinator Conservation Workshop – October 13th, Quincy FL

Posted on October 7, 2016 by John

A “Gardening for Pollinator Conservation” Workshop will take place Thursday, October 13, at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. Pollinators are important in conserving native plants, ensuring a plentiful food supply, encouraging biodiversity and helping … Continue reading →

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Florida’s Aquatic Carnivorous Plants – Yes, Aquatic!

Posted on June 3, 2016 by John

I don’t know about you, but living in “La Florida” – “the land of flowers” (the Spanish translation of Florida – named in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León) makes it difficult to have a short list of … Continue reading →

Posted in Curiosities, Living Shoreline, Plants, Pond Management | Leave a comment

Discover the Beauty and Role of Native Aquatic Plants – in Your Own Pond

Posted on April 8, 2016 by John

This is the time of year when gardens burst forth with lush green growth and colorful flowers.  With a little planning and management, your backyard pond can also put on the same show each year and fight unwanted pond weeds … Continue reading →

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NISAW 2016 – Air Potato Leaf Beetle, a Biological Control for Air Potato

Posted on February 26, 2016 by John

Air potato (Dioscores bulbifera) is a perennial, herbaceous self-twining vine that can grow over 60 feet in length, enabling it to climb over and smother many native plants. The Florida Exotic Plant Pest Council (FLEPPC) lists air potato as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Habitat Conservation, Invasive Species, Invasives, Land Management, Plants, Timber | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

NISAW 2016 – Climbing Ferns

Posted on February 24, 2016 by John

  Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum) and Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) are presently the only non-native invasive ferns in Florida. Both ferns reproduce and spread readily by wind-blown spores. Animals, equipment, and even people that move through an area with … Continue reading →

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NISAW 2016 – Beach Vitex in the Florida Panhandle

Posted on February 23, 2016 by John

In 2013 we began writing about a potential invasive plant in the Florida panhandle called Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundifolia). The first record we knew of was reported from Pensacola Beach and was posted on EDDmaps.org. According to this website only … Continue reading →

Posted in Invasive Species, Invasives, Lend a Hand, Plants, Sustainable Living | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments