A mulched bed in a home landscape with two recognition signs: a colorful fabric sign reading Florida-Friendly Landscape, and a green metal-looking sign reading Certified Wildlife Habitat.

A round painted sign in a flower bed reading "Pollinator Friendly Garden." With a colorful illustration of orange and black monarch butterflies.

Happy Earth Day! 🌎️ Creating a sustainable and wildlife-friendly garden is one way to protect your environment. Yard recognition programs from Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and other organizations can help guide you. Learn more about these programs at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/udAuIja

Robin is a smiling woman sitting behind a desk at the UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County office, ready to answer gardening questions. On the desk in front of her is a name plaque reading "Master Gardener." Photo courtesy of the Brevard County Master Gardener Volunteer program.

It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week! Florida Master Gardener Volunteers are a treasure to their communities, sharing plant knowledge and working on local projects. Curious? Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension for information on your county's Master Gardener Volunteer Program: buff.ly/O0u1kz0

A profusion of simple cosmos flowers with bubblegum pink petals and yellow centers; there are a few white cosmos among the pink ones. Photo by Forest and Kim Starr.

Tough and pretty, cosmos flowers attract bees and butterflies, making them perfect for a pollinator garden. And the sturdy, simple blossoms work wonderfully in cut arrangements. Learn more about April's featured plant at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/kBYzOwm (Photo by Forest and Kim Starr)

The rarely seen, almost-extinct ghost orchid is small and white with two long tendrils at the bottom of the flower. Clinging to the side of trees, this plant is leafless and nearly invisible when not in bloom.

It's National Orchid Day, and Florida has many native orchids to celebrate, including the endangered ghost orchid. Less than 900 of these plants exist in the wild. Researchers at UF are racing to find ways to save this famous epiphyte; learn more at UF/IFAS News: buff.ly/ShNd8wu

Drought-tolerant beach sunflower (botanical name Helianthus debilis) has bright yellow daisy-like petals and a fuzzy brown center. It grows low to the ground and is also salt tolerant.

Native flowering shrub firebush (botanical name Hamila patens) is both drought and moderately salt tolerant. Its small, bright reddish-orange tubular flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Native ornamental muhly grass (botanical name Muhlenbergia capillaris) is drought tolerant and in the fall produces cloud-like sprays of tiny pink flowers.

Coontie (botanical name Zamia integrifolia) is Florida's only native cycad, an ancient species of plant predating many of today's. This drought-tolerant shrub resembles a fern but with stiff, glossy, featherlike leaves. It's also moderately salt tolerant and the food source for larvae of the rare Atala butterfly.

In light of Florida's ongoing drought, you might be rethinking your landscape. Fortunately, there are many Florida-Friendly plants that tolerate these conditions. Learn more about drought and drought-tolerant plants at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/HSl8ySl (All photos by Ryan Fessenden)

Attached to a tree's trunk, a bromeliad that's gray-green with wide curving leaves that end in a point. The native potbelly airplant is called such due to it rounded, larger base. Photo by J. H. Frank.

The native bromeliad called fuzzywuzzy airplant is small with wildly splayed out gray-green tendril-like leaves. This one resembles a small creature standing on the tree branch waving its many arms. Photo by J. H. Frank.

The native giant airplant can grow six to twelve feet tall and live up to twenty years. Resembling the top of a pineapple with a long central stalk rising out of the middle, this airplant is growing off the side of a tree branch. Photo by Barbra Larson.

The native bromeliad called leatherleaf airplant has green-gray stiff, curling bladelike leaves. In this photo two of these plants are clinging to a small tree trunk. Photo by Barbra Larson.

Florida has 16 species of native bromeliads, many called “air plants” because they don't need soil and can absorb water and nutrients from the air. Sadly, many are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and illegal collection. Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/VssCM0N

For one-on-one cases, it’s best to contact your county Extension office.

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Close look at a walking iris flower, with purple-edged petals and white variegations in almost a leopard pattern, turning amber and white towards the flower's center.

This month in the Neighborhood Gardener, we discuss drought and Florida-Friendly plant choices. Plus a feature on Florida's native bromeliads and more. Read the April issue at our website: buff.ly/miBEVDk

Red mulberry fruits resemble longer more slender blackberries. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Harvey, some rights reserved (CC BY 2.0).

Red mulberries should be ripe and ready for picking in spring. This native deciduous tree is found in moist soils from South Florida to western Texas and can reach over 40 feet tall. Learn more red mulberry and other mulberry trees at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/lDRA1WC

When the Garden Wakes Up, So Do the Insects: A Spring Story About Pests, Predators, and Paying Attention - What's Happening Around Florida On a warm spring morning in Southwest Florida, the garden doesn’t just grow—it hums. If you pause long enough, you’ll notice it. A leaf that wasn’t chewed yesterday now carries a series of holes cause...

Spring brings a predictable wave of insect activity across Florida. Ashley Ellis with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County takes a look at living in rhythm with the seasons and using integrated pest management (IPM): blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/2026/...

A very close look at reddish-pink begonia flowers with a cluster of small but bright yellow stamens in the center of each.

April flowers look wonderful in hanging baskets, flowerpots and garden beds. Now's a good time to plant wax begonias in North and Central Florida. Learn more about the different kinds of begonias at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/qVhWeLE

A photo collage of cold-damaged plants, with leafless small trees, brown leafless vines, withered plant stems and shrubs that look burnt.

The days are quickly warming, but Florida gardeners might still be seeing the signs of our surprisingly cold winter -- landscape plants that are damaged from frosts and freezing temperatures. What to do? UF/IFAS Extension Agent Natasha Rocha in Palm Beach County has advice: buff.ly/kwfFP37

Aphids are round to pear-shaped and generally about 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch long (2-4mm). Aphid damage appears as twisted, curling leaves on tender new growth.

These relatives of spiders are very small, almost microscopic, so you're more likely to see their damage or webbing. Look for patches of small, light-colored specks on the tops of leaves.

Thrips are small, generally less than 1/8th of an inch long. Their bodies are elongated like a grain of rice and can be yellow, brown, or black. You can check for thrips by shaking injured parts of the plants over a white piece of paper. Photo by Lance Osbourne, UF/IFAS

Aphids, mites and thrips are common spring garden pests. They multiply rapidly, meaning that you’ll rarely find just one. We have tips on identifying and managing these pests before they take over your garden at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/aSZOSLo

Plant Florida-Friendly plants, like this beautyberry shrub with clusters of bright purple fruits on the stem.

Use microirrigation or even better, hand water to conserve water, with a photo of a light green metal watering can in front of white flowers.

Using mulch around your landscape plants reduces evaporation and keeps soil cooler. Photo of gloved hands placing pine bark mulch around a coontie cycad plant.

Rain barrels capture water that would otherwise run off. Photo of a commercially produced rain barrel, but you can make your own - contact your county Extension office.

April is Florida Water Conservation Month! Here are a few tips: planting Florida-Friendly and mulching reduces water needs. Microirrigation and rain shut-off devices can make watering more efficient. And rain barrels capture "free" water. More in these FFL videos: buff.ly/x0hgp2a

They both have red berries, but native holly has shiny dark green simple leaves with sharp edges, while invasive Brazilian pepper has light green compound leaves with smooth edges. Photo of Brazilian pepper by Mary Keim, some rights reserved (cc by-nc 2.0)

They look practically identical above ground, but pull them up and native Boston fern has NO tubers on its roots, while invasive tuberous sword fern has bulbous tubers on its roots. Photo of Boston fern by Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (cc by 2.0)

These plants both have red berries, but native wild coffee has soft, light green simple leaves, while invasive nandina has stiff, dark green compound leaves. Both photos by Scott Zona, some rights reserved (cc by-nc 2.0)

Don't let these invasive lookalikes April-Fool you! Visually the differences may be subtle, but invasive plants make a big, bad difference in the ecosystem. Learn more about invasive plants at the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas: buff.ly/sYyTmeL

List of Florida-Friendly fruits and vegetables to plant in April.

April is an excellent month to plant beans, southern peas, roselle and more. For text and printable versions of this infographic, visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/xBwXlTe

Tiny flowers with bright yellow tufted centers and fringe-like white petals.

Tomorrow, March 28, is Weeds Appreciation Day, the perfect time to wax poetic about common lawn plants (aka weeds) and their ecological benefits. From creeping wood sorrel to oakleaf fleabane (below), these little plants are key contributors to urban wildlife! Learn more: buff.ly/f46Mk9d

Carolina jessamine (botanical name Gelsemium sempervirens) has sunny yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that are fragrant and attract pollinators and wildlife. Plant it in full sun in a variety of soil conditions, but it will do best in rich soil. Frost resistant, it's ideal for zones 7a to 9b. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

Skyblue clustervine (botanical name Jacquemontia pentanthos) is native to South Florida. Part of the morning glory family, its lavender-blue flowers open in the morning. It's both drought and salt tolerant and attracts pollinating moths. Its native habitat is coastal hammocks and dunes and is sometimes called Key West morning glory. This graphic says zones 9b to 11, but it will do best in 10a to 11. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

Maypop, also called passion flower (botanical name Passiflora incarnata) is easy to spot with its fringy purple flowers and deeply lobed leaves. This native vine is fast growing and may need to be controlled. It is the host plant to several butterflies. Its green, egg-shaped fruit are edible but not that tasty. It's drought tolerant and grows in zones 7a to 11. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

Coral honeysuckle (botanical name Lonicera sempervirens) has clusters of tubular red flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The later fruit attracts birds. It grows throughout Florida and handles both shade and full sun. It's evergreen in all but northernmost Florida, where it might drop a few leaves in winter. Photo by, you guessed it, Ryan Fessenden.

This week's featured natives: vines. This is the last part of an undergraduate project on public opinion of native plants. We know you love Florida natives, so if you haven't yet done so, this is your last chance to complete the survey: buff.ly/u2ci58n

Flowers of native leafless vanilla (botanical name Vanilla dilloniana) are trumpet shaped and edged in a rich purple. This plant is growing at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in South Florida.

Florida-grown vanilla? Yes! While Florida's native vanilla orchids (like V. dilloniana, pictured) are endangered and protected, UF/IFAS researchers are on the verge of developing a domestic vanilla industry. Learn more at Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/27lPJKS

National Ag Day exists to help people understand how food and fiber are produced, value agriculture’s role in the economy, appreciate agriculture’s role in safe, abundant, affordable products, and consider career opportunities in agriculture, food, fiber, and renewable resources.

Based on sales, Florida ranks number one in the United States for production of landscape palms, broadleaf evergreens and aquatic plants. Photo of young green nursery plants in black plastic pots.

Based on sales, Florida ranks number two in the United States for production of ornamental grasses, deciduous shrubs, deciduous flowering trees and peppers. Photo of feathery pink muhly grass.

Based on sales, Florida ranks third in the United States for production of mushrooms, cucumbers and herbs. Photo of man inspecting cucumber vines.

It's #NationalAgDay, a time to reflect on the great contributions of Florida agriculture. Florida grows many of the plants that are sold in the state and beyond! Learn more about our agricultural feats at the UF/IFAS Fast Facts website: buff.ly/qaf8B7M

A pit dug down into the Florida soil six to seven feet deep to expose the layers, including the topsoil which is sandy and light gray.

A look at Florida’s official (and famously sandy) state soil: Myakka. There are differences across the state, but our soils can be a challenge for gardening! It helps to know the properties in your area before planting. Working in your Florida soil at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/HTConYJ

Small brown and white Spaniel type dog walking on large flat pavers set into a rock path edged with greenery.

Happy first day of spring, gardeners! If you're celebrating the season by getting out in the yard and you're also a pet parent, we have tips on making your landscape safe and enjoyable for both you and your furry friends. Learn about "petscaping" at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/tmeaSaO

A massive live oak (botanical name Quercus virginia) on the UF campus, its canopy twice as wide as the tree is tall and the tree is very tall. It's draped in Spanish moss. This Florida native tree is evergreen, thrives in full sun and a range of soil conditions, and it attracts wildlife. Plant this slow-growing, long-lived tree in zones 7a to 10b. Photo by Jennifer Sykes, UF/IFAS.

South Florida native tree gumbo limbo (botanical name Bursera simaruba) has smooth, peeling bark and an open graceful canopy with small green leaves. It can get up to 60 feet tall and grows fast. It's both wind resistant and drought tolerant. Gumbo limbo attracts pollinators and wildlife. Plant this tree in zones 10a to 11. Photo by Edward Gilman.

Florida native tree seagrape (botanical name Coccoloba uvifera) is ideal for coastal landscapes, as it's both drought and salt tolerant. Its leaves are round, wide and bright green with red veins. It produces clusters of fruit resembling grapes; while not true grapes they are edible and attract wildlife and pollinators. This tree is protected by state law. Plant this sun-loving, fast-growing tree in zones 9a to 11. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

Native cypress trees (botanical genus Taxodium) are flood tolerant and grow in a range of soil conditions. The green, needle-like leaves give a lacy effect and turn brown in fall before dropping. Cypress trees attract wildlife and thrive in full sun. Plant these trees in zones 5a to 11. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

This week's featured Florida natives: trees. This is part of an undergraduate project on public opinion of native plants. We know you love Florida natives, so why not contribute to this important research? Survey: buff.ly/9J7sZAL

The male cones of red cedar trees produce huge plumes of allergenic pollen in the spring in Florida. Photo: USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area, Bugwood.org.

If you feel that your seasonal allergy symptoms are getting worse, you're not wrong. Pollen seasons have intensified, and as global temperatures increase, last longer. Read about pollen in Florida and reducing your exposure at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/xXgohex
(📷 Red cedar cones, USDA)

Florida's greenhouse, nursery and floriculture producers create $2.41 billion in sales revenue. (Number from 2022) with photo of ornamental anthurium plants in a greenhouse.

Florida's greenhouse, nursery and floriculture producers contribute 17,499 jobs (2022). With photo of a greenhouse filled with three different varieties of flowers.

It’s National Ag Week, time to celebrate the contributions and impact of Florida agriculture! We're especially grateful for our farmers producing ornamental and edible plants. Learn more about Florida's agriculture and food system at the UF/IFAS Fast Facts website: buff.ly/ZVQIOjk #FloridaAg

An open, airy shrub with large green leaves resembling those of an oak tree's. There are cone-shaped clusters of white, simple four-petaled flowers.

Looking for a blooming native plant that thrives in the shade? Look no further than oakleaf hydrangea. Each spring and summer, oakleaf hydrangea puts up huge cone-shaped clusters of white flowers. Learn more about March's featured plant at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/109Xx5N

Beautyberry (botanical name Callicarpa americana) is a native shrub that produces clusters of tiny purple jewel-like fruits along its branches in the fall, attracting pollinators and other wildlife like birds. It does best in shade, is drought tolerant and can be easily shaped with pruning. Plant in zones 7a to 10b.

Locustberry (botanical name Byrsonima lucida) is a South Florida native shrub with clusters of small flowers that turn from white to pink to crimson, attracting butterflies, plus berries that attract birds. It is adapted to different, well-drained soils and is very drought tolerant. It is an endangered plant in Florida.

Native buttonbush (botanical name Cephalanthus occidentalis) is an open airy shrub that gets tall in full sun. Its unusual flowers are globe-shaped and white, with long stamens protruding all around like pins in a pin cushion. It attracts pollinators, is somewhat fragrant, and flood tolerant making it a good choice for rain and bog gardens. Plant in zones 4a to 10b.

Native firebush (botanical name Hamelia patens) is a popular flowering shrub for butterfly gardens. It also attracts other pollinators and hummingbirds with its clusters of small, reddish-orange, tubular flowers that appear from spring into fall (not year-round). It can grow in partial shade or full sun. Plant this fast-growing shrub in zones 9a to 11.

This week's featured Florida natives: shrubs. This is part of an undergraduate project on public opinion of native plants. We know you love Florida natives, so why not contribute to this important research? Survey: buff.ly/9J7sZAL
(Photos by Ryan Fessenden)

In a plant-filled home landscape, a small spaniel-type dog walks on pine bark nugget mulch, big enough to not get caught in fur or paws.

Spring is around the corner and in Florida, it doesn't last long -- get out there while it's nice! In the March Neighborhood Gardener, we look at allergies and pollen, our unique Florida soil, "petscaping" and more. Read it at the UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteer website: buff.ly/neDj2j5

Flower with petals that appear ragged on the edges, bright yellow turning deep maroon close to the center, which is also yellow. A tiny ladybug and another flying insect are both resting on the petals. UF/IFAS photo by Thomas Wright.

Coreopsis is in bloom! This sunny native is Florida’s state wildflower. You can spot coreopsis in spring and summer; it appears on roadsides, and in fields and gardens across the state. Learn more about coreopsis at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/6tcsHRq