The Neighborhood Gardener – September
Master Gardener volunteers,
The deadline is approaching; you only have one more week to register for the 34th State Master Gardener Conference at the early bird rate. Don't miss out on this opportunity to hear our keynote speaker from the Florida Wildlife Corridor or attend some of the 24 concurrent educational sessions.
Plants That Clean the Air
With summer ending and school back in session, people are spending more time indoors and thinking about how that is affecting them. While many people know that having a houseplant in their home or office can cheer up the space, they may not know that it can also help clean the air. Many popular houseplants are actually quite good at removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. More
Wendy's Wanderings
The Florida Master Gardener Volunteers that work with school gardens have a special place in my heart. It takes a huge amount of planning, planting, and heart to work with students and teachers in their school gardens, but payoffs are more than worth it. I understand just how much hard work and fun it can be helping young gardeners nurture a love of growing their own food. More
Plant of the Month: Calico Flower
(Editor's note: As of 2016, this plant is considered invasive and not recommended by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas.) Named for the mottled pattern on its blossoms, calico flower is native to Brazil. This vining plant climbs and covers chain link and wire structures well, transforming plain structures into a lovely green screen. It's ideal for butterfly gardens, serving as the larval host plant to two types of swallowtail butterflies. Gardeners should plant this vine in a sunny location with well-drained soil. More
September in Your Garden
September is a great time to divide and replant your perennials, such as daylilies and amaryllis, which have grown too large or need a little rejuvenation. Be sure to add organic matter to your new planting areas and keep weeds in check while the plants establish themselves.
For more month-by-month gardening tips, check out the Florida Gardening Calendar. Three different editions of the calendar provide specific tips for each of Florida's gardening regions—North, Central, and South.
Friend or Foe? Neither: Fall Webworm
While the fall webworm isn't really a garden friend, neither is it a true pest. The nests these caterpillars build on the ends of tree branches may be unsightly, but they won't last long in your landscape. Trying to rid your trees of these caterpillars can often cause more harm than leaving them be. More
Do You Have a Success Story?
We're looking for inspiring, Florida-Friendly success stories from your county. Submit yours today to Emily Eubanks.
What's Going On?
If your Master Gardener program or Extension office is having an event, be sure to share it with us.