Many people like a pop of color to draw attention to a focal point in their landscape and what better way to do than then with a colorful potted container of plants. This spooky season, take it up a notch and make flowers part of your seasonal décor. Plants are like art, they can be a specimen, focal point, and a conversation starter. Take some of our tips for combining plants in a fun and spooky way and then transition them easily into fall... and beyond! Start by selecting

Hurricane season is upon us, and while you are probably aware of the preparations you need to make inside the home, what about those in the landscape? Prior to the start of each hurricane season, we encourage homeowners to grab a pen and paper, phone or camera, and some landscape flags and head out into the yard to do a pre-storm assessment. Survey your property now and look for things that may be an issue with wind and water— the main causes of damage in a storm. Look for it

As we bid farewell to the hurricane season and the wetter months, November brings a refreshing change to Polk County. UF/IFAS Photo Josh Wickham UF/IFAS Photographer You might have noticed the air getting a bit crisper and the skies clearer. That’s right—November marks the beginning of Florida’s dry season, a period that lasts until April. But what does this mean for our local environment, wildlife, and even our gardens? Let’s dive in! THE DRY SEASON: WHAT IS IT? In Florida

As the twilight of the spooky season creeps upon us, the air fills with whispers and rustles - not from wandering spirits but from our mysterious nocturnal neighbors embarking on their nightly flights. Yes, we’re talking about the bats, those silent acrobats of the night sky, dancing their eerie ballet as darkness falls. While they have often been associated with tales of the supernatural, bats are truly fascinating creatures that hold secrets and wonders in their wings. Let