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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Chilli thrips are major pests of strawberries. Instead of pesticides, UF researchers like Sriyanka Lahiri are studying "banker plants," like ornamental peppers and sweet alyssum, planted alongside strawberries to attract beneficial insect predators. Learn more at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/gc8zcXT

Associate professor Sriyanka Lahiri in a strawberry field at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

October is a good month to plant dianthus, a cool-season annual for your flowerbed. Its bright blooms will appear throughout winter and into spring, providing color to the landscape when other plants might be dormant. More about dianthus at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/WbDhUko

A naturalized plot full of bright pink dianthus flowers, very simple with five petals.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

You might think using rocks or artificial turf instead of groundcovers or organic mulch saves time or money, but these replacements don’t support wildlife and can significantly increase temperatures in the landscape. Our top 10 gardening mistakes at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/9G18sV8

Photo of a front yard that's mostly rocks and pavement, with a few plants in the gravel. There's a big red "X" on the photo.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or hoping to bring pollinators to your garden, native wildflowers won’t let you down. Species that bloom in fall include frostweed, slender blazing star and vanillaleaf. More wildflowers by season at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/pKW6SUe

An orange mothlike butterfly on a cluster of tiny white flowers, frostweed, botanical name Verbesina virginica. Photo by Mary Keim, some rights reserved (cc by-nc-sa 2.0).

Tall spikes of tiny purple flowers, slender blazing star, botanical name Liatris gracilis. Photo by Mary Keim, some rights reserved (cc by-nc-sa 2.0).

Tall stems topped with umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny purple flowers, vanillaleaf, botanical name Carphephorus odoratissimus. Photo by Mary Keim, some rights reserved (cc by-nc-sa 2.0).

Very close look at tiny lavender flowers of pinkscale blazing star, botanical name Liatris elegans. Flowerheads are dense spikes, with small white disk flowers surrounded by pinkish-lavender bracts. Photo by Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

A garden myth busted: Have you heard of the franken-bug, created by "mad" UF scientists, escaped and profiting only the auto-detailing industry? Lovebugs, which are actually flies, arrived in Florida via natural migration along the Gulf. More at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/XcBakRQ

Text reads: "Lovebugs are a UF experiment gone wrong" and then in large red text "FALSE" over a photo of a black car covered in smashed insects.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A garden myth busted: dish soap is not "harmless" to plants. For one, dish “soaps” are not true soaps; they are detergents and can easily destroy a plant leaf’s cuticle. More busted myths at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/7mxsRtC

Text reads "Gardening myth: dish soap is harmless to use as an aphid spray, and in big, red all-caps: FALSE." Plus a photo of a pink sponge with soap bubbles.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

A gardening myth busted: Spanish moss isn't parasitic; it's a harmless air plant (epiphyte). It clings to branches for support, but the roots do not pierce the bark or rob the tree of any nutrients. More myth-busters at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/UYJugZ3

Graphic reads "Gardening myths. Spanish moss kills trees: FALSE" and includes a photo of an oak tree draped in long gray moss.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The autumn equinox occurs this evening, making tomorrow the first day of fall. There's a good chance that your @UF_IFAS Extension office is offering workshops or webinars on fall gardening! Search the statewide event calendar by county, topic or date: buff.ly/AwMpkMx

A smiling burlap and straw scarecrow wearing a UF/IFAS shirt, in a field of flowers at the horticultural farm on the UF campus.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Not only is lettuce grown in your own garden fresh and crunchy, there's also less concern of food-borne illness. Lettuce cultivars recommended for Florida include ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ and ‘Salad Bowl’. Gardeners in Central and South Florida can start planting now: buff.ly/oejsqsw

Hands visible planting baby lettuce in a large garden pot.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Turk’s cap mallow is a Florida-Friendly shrub related to hibiscus. Typically red, its flowers always appear to be closed and on the verge of opening (they never do). Learn more about September's featured plant on UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/nBjBhQR

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

While turfgrass is often the go-to lawn option, there are many alternative plants that can still offer green coverage while providing greater benefits to wildlife. We have suggestions at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/b61myTe

Blue-eyed grass is a low-growing native with small lavender-blue flowers. Photo by Ryan Fessenden, UF/IFAS.

Sunshine mimosa is a native groundcover with fernlike foliage and pink puffs of flowers. Photo by Ryan Fessenden, UF/IFAS.

Frogfruit is a native groundcover with unique, matchstick-like flowers that attract a range of pollinators. Photo by Ryan Fessenden, UF/IFAS.

Twinflower is sprawling native with small trumpet-shaped purple flowers that attract butterflies. Photo by Ryan Fessenden, UF/IFAS.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

There are many resilient, Florida-Friendly plants, including non-native species, that are not only non-invasive, but contribute greatly to local ecosystems. Learn more about their benefits in this new article from UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/jSjhbdB

Screenshot of the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas, showing the shrub snowbush as not a problem species.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The Florida-Friendly Plants & Pollinators App makes it easy to search for plants suited to your landscape conditions. For example, use the soil pH filter to discover plants that perform well in acidic soils. Right plant, right place! Learn more: buff.ly/0ziPYUm

Photo of Virginia iris (Iris virginica) by Ryan Fessenden, with an icon indicating that it can grow in acidic soils.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

It's "Food is Medicine" day! This University of Florida initiative takes on chronic disease at its source: poor nutrition. By making healthy foods more accessible and part of health care, we can build healthier communities across Florida and beyond. Learn more at their website: buff.ly/JaiWOgB

A graphic with simple orange illustrations of vegetables and the text Food is Medicine.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Based on UF/IFAS research, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program promotes sustainable gardening methods that are beneficial to the environment and require less water and chemicals. Read about all nine principles of FFL at Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/BTugITp

The first principle of Florida-Friendly Landscaping is "Right Plant, Right Place," with a photo of purple, fringy flower, native Stokes' aster.

The fifth principle of FFL is "attract wildlife," with a photo of a male ruby-throated hummingbird perched on a cluster of red pentas flowers. The bird's brilliant red patch at the throat is visible.

The seventh principle is "recycle yard waste," with a photo of a large, hand-built, wooden compost bin, the sides painted with flowers and the words "No such thing as waste."

The ninth principle of FFL is "protect the waterfront," with a photo of a landscaped retention pond behind row of houses with screened in patios.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

On this day of remembrance, September's Neighborhood Gardener: making Florida-Friendly plant choices, alternatives to turfgrass, lettuce for the winter vegetable garden, the benefits of school gardens and more. Read this month's newsletter at our website: buff.ly/m0N2iCQ

Young green leafy lettuce growing in pine straw mulch, a hand-lettered stake labeled next to it.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Think you've got an invasive plant in your yard? Between common names and lookalikes, it can be hard to identify a mystery plant. Three steps to take before ripping up the garden, on UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/BRlfsDr

Screen shot of the website for UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas with the text Three R's for Responding to Invasives: Step one is do your research.

Photo of invasive Brazilian peppertree which has light green oval leaves and clusters of small, bright red berries. Text reads Step two is remove the plant.

Photo of native shrub Simpson's stopper, which has tiny white fringy flowers that attract pollinator. Text reads Step three is replace with native or Florida-Friendly plants.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Ticks are small, but they can have a big impact! UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County has steps on making your yard less attractive to ticks, including keeping lawns cut short, and trimming low-hanging branches to improve sunlight and airflow. More at their blog: buff.ly/Dr4yAZM

A too-close view of a round lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), with a distinctive white splotch on it otherwise brown body. UF/IFAS.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Thanks to all who champion the art of growing plants: the farmers, growers, green-industry pros, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff, researchers, volunteers and home gardeners. Your work is valuable. Happy Labor Day to all.

Photo of a family talking to a farmer selling produce at a farmer's market. Text reads, In observance of Labor Day, UF/IFAS state offices are closed.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Florida's heavy summer rains can wash fertilizer into waterways, leading to environmental issues such as algal blooms. An easy way to stay on top of your local regulations is with the Florida Fertilizer Ordinances mobile web app from @UF_IFAS: buff.ly/bC6eLWm

Screenshot of the web version's map of Florida with interface to type in your zip code or city for specific fertilizer ordinance information.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

We're back in school -- let's stay outside! There are so many resources for educators interested in engaging students with plants and gardening. County Extension agents can provide training, too! See a list of resources at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/CYa5oX4

A teacher with two young students looking at leafy green plants in a garden, with the words "Grow to learn."

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

This Florida-Friendly annual has it all. Available in a range of colors, celosia makes a bold statement in mass plantings and can be used in dried floral arrangements. Celosia can be planted in Central and South Florida this month. Learn more about celosia at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/hiFIJs6

Shockingly neon velvety plumes of celosia flowers: here in different colors, some yellow, some magenta, others hot pink, and even orange.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

One of the most effective ways to support monarch butterflies is to plant native milkweeds. These larval hosts create a safe haven on the monarch migration route and support other butterflies as well. Learn more about native milkweeds in Florida at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/xgOPPv6

A large orange and black monarch butterfly rests on swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), which has umbel-type clusters of tiny, dusty pink flowers. Photo by Anna Weyers, USFWS.

Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) has clusters of brilliant orange flowers and deep green, long thin leaves. Photo by Wendy Wilber, UF/IFAS.

Green antelopehorn (Asclepias viridis) also called the simpler name "green milkweed," has umbel-type cluster of small greenish-white flowers, with some rose or purple color in the center of each individual flower. Photo by Brenda Loveless, USFWS.

Aquatic milkweed (Asclepias perennis) has umbel-type clusters of tiny white flowers and is found growing in wet sandy areas. Photo: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Wildflowers serve as habitat and food for pollinators. Ironweed (pictured), silk grass, and bee balm are just a few that are in bloom from summer through fall. Wildflowers for all seasons at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/8R2Fx2y

Small, star-shaped clusters of purple tubular flowers that flare at the end.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

If you ask us, weeds are really just “plants out of place.” But what if some lawn weeds are actually right where they need to be? Discover some "weeds" that attract pollinators, increase lawn biodiversity and reduce maintenance needs at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/3QA469d

Spanish needles, aka Bidens alba, has daisy-like flowers with white petals and fuzzy yellow centers that attract a range of pollinators.

Lyreleaf sage has thin, tall stems arranged up and down with pale purple, trumpet-shaped tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators.

Florida betony, aka rattlesnake weed for its roots, is a native with flowers that form long clusters of pink and white blooms.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A pollinator-friendly groundcover with an odd name, frogfruit can be mixed in to a turfgrass lawn, or even serve as a turf alternative. Its small, matchstick-shaped flowers attract butterflies and bees. Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/4rLsPfj

Frogfruit only grows a few inches tall and spreads. It has small rounded leaves and smaller blossoms with enlarged purple center surrounded by tiny whitish-purple flowers. Photo by Angela Gregory, FFL.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

This week’s pollinator is the hummingbird! There are three species in Florida: black-chinned, rufous and ruby throated hummingbirds. These high-energy pollinators require nectar from hundreds of blossoms every day. Plants for your hummingbird garden at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/HAWbEJM

A hummingbird hovers mid-air over red pentas flowers. The bird is gray with metallic gold-green markings. Fantastic photo by amazing UF/IFAS photographer Cat Wofford.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

The day has arrived! Get out your clip board, chair and a cool drink; it’s time for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. 🐝 Today and tomorrow (Fri/Sat) you can contribute to pollinator research from the comfort of your yard or any public space. 🦋 Learn more at the census website: gsepc.org

While a small group of people stand in the background with clipboards and pens, a woman sits in a metal folding chair with a clipboard. Everyone is staring intently at a flowerbed of native plants in a public garden.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Butterflies are fun to watch, but did you know that keeping track of your butterfly sightings can help them? Find out how to contribute to research and aid in butterfly conservation at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/v3ypK1S

UF researcher Jaret Daniels makes notes on a giant swallowtail feeding on a milkweed plant at the UF campus in Gainesville.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

New way to go Florida-Friendly! The FFL Plants & Pollinator app combines the former FFL Plant Guide, Bee Gardens and Butterfly Gardens apps into a single resource for selecting plants that support pollinators, conserve water and protect Florida’s ecosystems. More at UF/IFAS News: buff.ly/krOUTDo

A black swallowtail butterfly with orange and blue spots at the bottom of its wings visits a firebush plant with small clusters of bright orange tubular flowers.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Do you feel a spark when you engage with nature and wish you could help? You can, with a smart phone or camara and internet access! Contribute as a “citizen scientist” by making observations and recording data for participating projects. Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/EjqQJVA

Person in rain boots and outdoor clothing peers closely at a wetland plant holding a smartphone.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

We are mourning the loss of James M. “Jim” Stephens, one of the founders of the Florida MGV program. His legacy of service, education and practical horticultural knowledge will continue to benefit Floridians for generations. Learn more about Jim Stephens at UF/IFAS Blogs: buff.ly/DGVqI6B

Sunset as seen through dune grass at Johnson Beach, Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola, Florida.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Sweat bees are this week’s pollinator. This diverse family of bees are important pollinators for plants including fruit trees and sunflowers. Some are metallic-colored, while others are black. Keep an eye out for one during the Great Southeast Pollinator Census this Friday and Saturday! gsepc.org

A small bee, its head and abdomen a metallic green, visits the bell-shaped flowers of a blueberry plant.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Hot off the press: gardening might also inspire people to support local farms. UF/IFAS researchers found that people who've grown their own food are more willing to purchase locally grown produce. Read the full story from UF/IFAS News: buff.ly/E1xjSxD

Gammons family shopping for produce at a farmers market and talking to the owner of Frog Song Organics at a booth full of potatoes, leafy green vegetables and herbs.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Happy National Honey Bee Day! Did you know that Florida's honey bees produce around 8 million pounds of honey every year? This sweet article from Ask IFAS explains what makes Florida a unique state in which to keep honey bees. buff.ly/gQiR2kB

A close look at honey bees on a wooden hive frame. One fuzzy bee seems to be posing for the camera.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

It's a pollinator party! In this month's Neighborhood Gardener, we share tips on spotting and identifying butterflies, participating in citizen science, and pollinator plants you can mix into your lawn. Read the August newsletter at our website: buff.ly/FTDKI7e

A beautiful orange and black monarch butterfly, resting on a many-petaled yellow zinnia.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Saturday is World Honey Bee Day! You can celebrate these important pollinators by buying honey from local beekeepers, practicing sustainable pest control (IPM) and of course, planting bee-friendly native plants! Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/LH2ZL7H

Beach sunflower is a yellow daisy like flower with a brown center - it is a low-growing plant that does well in Florida's sandy soil.

Sea grape has small spikes of tiny white flowers, only noticed by pollinators.

Saw palmetto has silvery green fan-shaped fronds and wiry spikes of tiny yellow-green flowers.

Black-eyed Susan is another daisy-like flower with golden yellow petals and brown centers. It can get leggy, so plant in the back of the flowerbed.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Allowing herbs (like this basil) to flower can attract pollinators to your garden. Since herbs tend to lose flavor once they've flowered, plant twice as much as you need and allow half to produce blooms. More herbs for pollinators at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/Az4ueMl

A golden-yellow bee with faint black markings visits the tiny white flowers clustered in a spike on a basil plant.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Get ready for the Southeast Pollinator Census! Despite its common name, the southeastern blueberry bee feeds on more than just blueberry flowers and can be found beyond the Southeast. Learn more about this versatile pollinator and more native bees at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/0R3PR5n

Titled Pollinator of the week, a photo of a small, mostly black bee gathering pollen on its hind legs from a cluster of bell-shaped blueberry flowers. Photo by Rachel Mallinger, UF/IFAS.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Beekeepers are essential to Florida agriculture. An important part of responsible beekeeping is registering your colony with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. UF/IFAS has informative videos about the regulations in English and Spanish: buff.ly/633Eoed

A man wearing a beekeeper's hat with netting around his face works on a beehive frame full of bees.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

One of the best ways to support pollinators is to use integrated pest management (IPM). The focus is on prevention, with methods that do the least harm to people and the environment, including beneficial insects like pollinators. Learn more about IPM at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/npnKQx9

A pair of hands, dirty with garden soil, using a plastic magnifying lens to inspect the underside of a big green leaf, collards perhaps.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Keystone plants are those deemed essential to a natural area's wildlife food supply. In Florida, plants like live oaks and sweet goldenrod support hundreds of caterpillar species, a crucial food source for birds and other animals. More keystone plants at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/LKmgYSo

In a field, large, old live oak trees (Quercus virginiana), their long, arching branches covered with fern and Spanish moss.

A spike of tiny bright yellow flowers being visited by a bright metallic green bee. The plant is goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and the insect is a sweat bee. Photo from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A branch of coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana), a shrubby tree. It has small green ovate leaves and white puffy flowers resembling cotton bolls. Photo courtesy of Scott Zona, some rights reserved.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Want to protect Florida pollinators like this Gulf fritillary butterfly? Join us in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census from August 21-22 and contribute to important conservation research. Learn more about the program and how to participate: gsepc.org

Graphic reads, Pollinator Palooza Month, with a photo of a dark orange butterfly. Its wings have small black markings and are trimmed in black.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Nature doesn't waste nutrients; follow her lead and “chop and drop." When cutting back healthy leaves and other plant materials, spread it over the soil surface, creating natural mulch that will break down and feed the garden. This UF/IFAS Hillsborough County blog post explains how: buff.ly/uIcwWqZ

Banana leaves and large woody stem segments, laying on the ground. Photo: Tia Saracino, UF/IFAS

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Say "sunflower," and people imagine a towering plant. But for a sunflower that can take the heat, look down and see beach sunflower. This low-growing perennial is perfect for hot, dry sites, including coastal areas. More at @UF_IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/R9C2579

A golden yellow flower with a brown center growing in a sandy field.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

This small, cinnamon-colored songbird is a year-round resident in the southeast. The Carolina wren forms lifelong bonds with its mate and the males are known for their loud, cheerful songs. Learn more about this tiny bird with a big personality at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/fPUXBBg

Tiny Carolina wrens are identified by a white stripe above the eyes that extends to the back of the head, cinnamon colored feathers and a curved bill. This one is sitting on a wooden fence. Photo by Steven A. Johnson, UF/IFAS.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

This week’s heat-tolerant edible plant can be grown throughout Florida. Chayote is a climbing vine that produces pear-shaped vegetables with a texture similar to zucchini. Gardeners often trellis them on an arbor. Learn more about growing chayote at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/1QDfnhE

Two light green, pear-shaped chayote fruits on a kitchen counter.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Whether climbing up a trellis, cascading from a hanging basket or carpeting the ground, vines are an excellent way to add another dimension to your garden. Florida-Friendly suggestions and vine-training tips at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/Q4M78VD

Native coral honeysuckle has clusters of pinkish-red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Native Carolina jessamine has a profusion of bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers in the spring.

Part of the morning glory family, native moonflower produces fragrant white flowers that open at night.

Star jasmine is a fast-growing vine with tiny white pinwheel-shaped flowers that are incredibly fragrant despite their size.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Formosan subterranean termites can infest structures and live trees, and are spreading across Florida. The invasive termites can hollow out a tree, leading to structural damage and potential collapse. This Ask IFAS publication describes the pest and management: buff.ly/aPYt9ag

A huge tree trunk fallen and cut to expose the termite nest-like structure in the dead center of the tree. Caption reads "Coptotermes carton inside of a tree in Broward Co., Florida. Credit: Thomas Chouvenc, UF/IFAS." Coptotermes is the Formosan termite species' scientific name.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program @floridamgvs.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Looking for information on hurricane preparedness? The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program has collected hurricane-season videos from across UF/IFAS on everything from tree care, to pet planning, to food safety -- even preparing beehives for strong winds! The YouTube playlist: buff.ly/KsdSuJ2

Screen shot of UF/IFAS webinar starting about salt-tolerant plants for Florida, on FFL's YouTube channel. Shows the title, a photo of a very brown leaf, and presenter details: Ryan Czaplewski, UF/IFAS Extension Collier County Commercial Horticulture Agent.

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