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The Neighborhood Gardener – May

Happy gardening!

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"Your Southern Garden" Launches

Walter ReevesBeginning this spring, Southern gardeners will have a new tool to help them in the garden. "Your Southern Garden, With Walter Reeves" is a new educational television show that helps gardeners of all levels learn new tips, get fresh ideas and visit interesting sites.

Premieres Saturday, May 9:

  • 12:30 pm on WUFT (Gainesville/Ocala)
  • 11:30 am on WUSF (Tampa)

More...

Slow it Down! Reducing Stormwater Runoff

By: Wilma J. Holley, FYN Program Educator, Pinellas County Extension

Why Reduce Runoff?

We often think that stormwater runoff goes down the drain and isn't our concern anymore. Actually, runoff and the pollution it often carries can cause many problems. The UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program promotes nine principles for Florida-Friendly Landscaping, and the eighth is--you guessed it--"reduce stormwater runoff." More...

Plant of the Month: Knock Out® Roses

Knock Out roseGardeners love these colorful shrub roses because they bloom profusely with minimal care. Drought tolerant, self cleaning, and resistant to black spot and powdery mildew, Knock Out® roses are ideal for gardeners who aren't interested in the upkeep required to grow hybrid tea roses. More...

May in Your Garden

Plants that can take summer heat include salvia, torenia, wax begonia, and ornamental pepper. Harmful insects become more active as the weather warms. Watch for thrips, scale, and mites on ornamental plants.    

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. More...

Friend or Foe? Foe: Cuban Tree Frog

Cuban tree frogNative to the Caribbean, the Cuban tree frog is considered an invasive species in Florida. It's a predator of our native tree frog as well as other species of native frogs, lizards, and invertebrates. Many homeowners in Florida report that Cuban tree frogs appear to have replaced native tree frogs as the dominant frog around their homes.  More...

Santa Rosa Recognized for "Kiderpillar School"

Little girl in butterfly wingsThe Santa Rosa County Master Gardener volunteers received the 2008 Master Gardener Award of Excellence for Service to 4-H and Other Youth for "Kiderpillar School," a butterfly education and conservation program. More...

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Helps Celebrate Earth Day

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping state office, along with the UF/IFAS Leon County Extension Office, participated in Earth Day on April 22 in Tallahassee. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) hosted this event to promote "green" education to teachers and students. Approximately 1,000 students participated in this Earth Day Celebration, which took place outside the Florida State Capital. Governor Charlie Crist and DEP Secretary Michael Sole were among the attendees who showed their support for science education's important role in environmental protection.

Featured Shows on Gardening in a Minute

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