{"id":4861,"date":"2024-11-07T13:40:47","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T18:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/?page_id=4861"},"modified":"2025-05-28T15:59:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T19:59:37","slug":"the-neighborhood-gardener-november-2024","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/resources\/newsletters\/the-neighborhood-gardener-november-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"The Neighborhood Gardener November 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Neighborhood Gardener November 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Veteran’s Day is Monday, November 11. We thank those who served and hope all have a happy Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife-Friendly Winter Gardens<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Even with our mild winters, some plants experience a dormant period where they appear dried and brown. There is a tendency to cut back these plants, but the branches, stems, leaves, and seed pods provide habitat and food during the winter for many wildlife species. This plant material supports pollinators and beneficial insects by creating spaces for refuge. Before \u201ctidying up\u201d your garden this winter, consider the benefits in allowing natural processes to take course. We have suggestions on creating a wildlife-friendly winter garden.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Snowbird Swaps<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Many \u201csnowbird\u201d gardeners new to the Sunshine State attempt to grow their favorite northern plants\u2014such as hostas, lilacs, tulips, dahlias, and peonies\u2014in their Florida landscape. Much to the frustration of these gardeners, such plants don\u2019t fare well in our hot summers and mild winters. For example, hostas must reach temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum number of hours in the winter, and tulips require a period of cool dormancy. Lilacs, dahlias, and peonies are ill-suited for our summers\u2019 high temperatures and humidity. To avoid these challenges, here are some attractive, hardy plant alternatives destined to be more successful in Florida.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Invasives Update from IFAS Assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Hedge bindweed. Photo: Alex Katovich, Bugwood.org<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Non-native, invasive plant species pose a significant threat to Florida’s natural areas. The UF\/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas team uses research-based tools to predict the invasion risk of both nonnative plants already in Florida and species proposed for introduction. New plants are identified every year. The assessment team communicates when plants are now considered as high risk of invasion, meaning they are not yet considered established in Florida, but are predicted to become invasive. Gardening Solutions shares some of the plants recently listed as a concern.<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wendy’s Wanderings<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Wendy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cUse it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.\u201d This proverb often comes to mind during garden projects, especially when I\u2019m tempted to dash off to the big orange or blue store for the \u201cperfect\u201d tool or material. If I snap the handle off a shovel or my fountain pump breaks (again), yes, I might head to the store. But more often than not, I embrace the challenge to \u201cmake do\u201d with what I already have. Read on for more of Wendy’s favorite ways to creatively “make do.”<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Plant of the Month: Native Grasses<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Muhly grass<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The sound of grass rustling in the breeze can put anyone at ease. Florida\u2019s native ornamental grasses not only work well in our climate, they\u2019re also an excellent option for filling up large areas with vegetation. Most species require little maintenance, and some tolerate flooding or provide ecosystem services such as erosion control. Gardening Solutions shares a selection of grasses native to Florida that can add both charm and volume to your landscape.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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November in Your Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Erinnyis ello<\/em> caterpillar feeding on wild poinsettia. Photo: Stephanie Sanchez, Bugwood.org<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Growing poinsettias outside? Watch for hornworms. This pest can quickly defoliate a plant. Handpick or treat only the infested area. Bulbs to plant this month include amaryllis and crinum. Divide and replant overgrown perennials now so that they establish before the coolest weather arrives. The landscape needs less supplemental watering in the fall and winter, so turn off automatic systems and water only if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more month-by-month gardening tips, check out the Florida Gardening Calendar<\/a>. Three different editions of the calendar provide specific tips for each of Florida\u2019s gardening regions\u2014North,<\/a> Central,<\/a> and South.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s Going On?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If your Master Gardener Volunteer program or Extension office is having an event, be sure to share it with us.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n