Florida 10A May Gardening: Transitioning to Tropical Weather

What to Do in the May Garden in 10A Florida

As May rolls in, it’s time for a transition in the garden to accommodate the upcoming summer heat and humid weather typical of Florida. During this transition month, we typically see our hottest temperatures. As well, it can be quite dry.  Here’s your guide to Florida 10A May Gardening! The current humidity levels might not … Read more

The Moringa Tree – Miracle Tree or Menace?

Moringa frond with leaves, Moringa flower, and young moringa pods

Meet the Moringa tree – hailed as the Miracle Tree for its many uses. Originating from the lush slopes of the Himalayas, Moringa oleifera thrives in tropical regions across the globe. From its leaves to its roots, every part of this tree serves a purpose, offering both sustenance and healing. The tender drumstick pods, akin … Read more

Easter Lilies – The Symbol of Spring

picture of an Easter lily in bloom

The Easter Lily, scientifically known as Lilium longiflorum, holds a special place as a traditional flower for Easter celebrations, gracing churches and homes with its beauty. Originating from the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan, this trumpet-shaped flower has a rich history deeply intertwined with the Easter season. History and Significance: The Journey of the Easter … Read more

Flourishing Floridians – The Beauty of Scorpion Tail – Heliotropium angiosperm

A photo of a scorpion tail plant in bloom

This week, we’re going to begin to explore the world of Florida’s native wildflowers, with a spotlight on the Scorpion Tail. But first, what exactly does “native plant” mean? What’s a Native Plant? The US Forest Service defines native plants as “the indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular … Read more

Container Gardening – Enjoying Greenery in Small Spaces

container garden in concrete yard

This week’s garden blog will explore the advantages and disadvantages of container gardening. Living in the 10A gardening zone, especially in Pinellas County, often means dealing with small yards, like mine. My backyard is really tiny and lacks privacy. I’ve been working hard to improve it since I moved in, planting podocarpus along the back … Read more

March Madness in my 10A Garden

a garden scene with the words March in the Garden

In gardening zone 10A, winter is behind us. El Niño made this an unusual winter with lots of gray skies and rain. Checking AccuWeather for my area, in January there were 10 mornings in the 40s, and February had 8. The coldest day was on January 21, when the morning dropped to a brisk 36°F. … Read more

Cat Grass: A Purr-fectly Safe Treat for Your Feline Friend

picture of a tuxedo cat and cat grass

Do you ever wonder why your cat nibbles on grass when they venture outdoors? It turns out, this behavior is quite common among our feline friends. To satisfy their natural instincts and provide a safe alternative, many pet owners turn to “cat grass.” In this article, we’ll delve into why cats eat grass, what cat … Read more

February Gardening: Prep for Spring and Hurricane Resilience

this is a picture stating what to do and what to plant in the February garden

February, a transitional month for many gardens, offers a unique window of opportunity to prepare for the upcoming spring. With fluctuating temperatures and the promise of warmer days, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and engage in some essential garden tasks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various activities that can make your … Read more

Top 10 Poisonous Houseplants in Florida Part 2

This week we will continue our discussion on the top 10 poisonous houseplants in Florida. Common Name: English Ivy ~ Botanical Name: Hedera helix ~ Family: Araliaceae English Ivy is a fast-growing woody perennial vine known for its climbing ability. It features palm-shaped leaves when young, turning lobeless and oval-shaped with narrow ends when mature. … Read more

Top 10 Poisonous Houseplants in Florida Part 1

This is an image of a poisonous plant (bloodless philodendron) with cross and skuxllbones and the phone number for the Florida Control Center

Meet Chester, the charming feline who strolled into our lives nearly a year ago and quickly became an irreplaceable part of our family. This playful and affectionate kitty has a penchant for mischief, particularly when it comes to our beloved plants. I’ve shared my home with cats and houseplants for years without encountering any issues. … Read more