Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program

The native southeastern blueberry bee is fuzzy, black and yellow, but smaller than a bumblebee. Their favorite food is blueberry nectar and this bee is visiting the small, bell-shaped flowers of a blueberry plant. Photo by Dr. Rachel Mallinger, UF/IFAS.

The native American bumble bee is large, fuzzy, yellow and black. They are generalists when it comes to flowers they feed from; they're so effective at pollinating that they’re raised commercially and sold to greenhouses to pollinate crops like tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. Photo by Dr. Rachel Mallinger, UF/IFAS.

Native sweat bees are more slender than most bees, and typically a metallic or dull black, but a few species are metallic green or even blue. This one is slightly metallic black and holding a droplet of water to drink. Photo by Lynette Schimming, UF/IFAS.

Florida is home to over 300 species of native bees. Let’s "bee" of service to these important pollinators by planting wildflowers and native flowering shrubs and trees. We feature three of the most common Florida native bees at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/TYrdkFj

An orange and black monarch butterfly rests on a yellow flower.

With so many plants blooming, spring is prime butterfly-watching time. Interested in planting your own butterfly garden? Provide both host plants for larvae and nectar sources for butterflies. Learn more about gardening for butterflies at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/iGZsUCW

Native perennial swamp milkweed (botanical name Asclepias incarnata) has clusters of tiny pink flowers that grow upright. They attract pollinators, like the orange and black monarch butterfly in this photo, need full sun, and are self seeding and flood tolerant. Plant in USDA zones 3a to 9b.

Native perennial Stokes' aster (botanical name Stokesia laevis) is a low-growing with tender green leaves and daisy-like flowers that are typically a light purple with fringed petals. It attract pollinators, grows quickly and is evergreen and drought tolerant. Plant in zones 5a to 9b.

Native perennial blue porterweed (botanical name Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) has mint-like leaves and small purple flowers that grow on straight stems. It attracts pollinators, blooms all year, grows quickly and is drought tolerant. Plant in zones 9a to 11.

Native perennial sea lavender (botanical name Heliotropium gnaphalodes) is a shrub with small, elongated fuzzy leaves and small clusters of tiny white flowers. It's used in beach plantings to prevent dune erosion and is endangered. It's evergreen, drought- and salt-tolerant, requires full sun and sandy soil, and attracts pollinators. Plant in zones 9b to 12.

This week's featured Florida natives: perennials. 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/ZSSqGho
(Same survey as previous posts; photos by Ryan Fessenden)

A long list of Florida-Friendly bedding plants for March.

Spring is in the air! March is a great month for planting flowers. There are dozens to choose from, no matter which region you live in. For text and printable versions of this infographic, visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/Ry5aIOH

Create a defensible border: photo shows a building's exterior wall with pebbles as mulch extending about two feet away from the building and then a landscape border with ornamental grasses, pine mulch and a drip irrigation tube visible.

Create firebreaks with pathways or lawn: photo show a wide concrete sidewalk, with native plantings on each side.

Plant fire-resistant species: photo show a yucca plant, with thin, long pointed leaves that are light green and edged in yellow.

Prune lower branches off trees: photo shows a holly tree with one upright trunk and an upper canopy with no low hanging branches.

Florida’s current drought conditions increase the risk of wildfires. "Firewise" landscaping is designed to reduce the vulnerability of your home should a wildfire come near. Learn more about firewise landscaping at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/ajq7ufN

Illustration of a list of Florida-Friendly fruits and vegetables to plant in March.

Spring is around the bend, and many gardeners are ready. March is a good time to plant beans, Southern peas and more. For the printable and text versions of this infographic, visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/DLbj6ZR

The native saw palmetto (botanical name Serenoa repens) attracts pollinators and wildlife, is tolerant of both salt, drought and flooding and grow best in full sun. Plant in zones 8a-11. This is a clumping, multi-trunked palm typically 5 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 10 feet wide. Its fan-shaped fronds are usually green.

Native cabbage palms (botanical name Sabal palmetto) attract pollinators and wildlife, tolerant of drought and salt, easily pruned to shape, and grow best in full sun. Plant in zones 8b-11. They have curved, fan-shaped palm leaves and grow up to 40 feet tall. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

Native dwarf palmetto (botanical name Sabal minor) is tolerant of flood and drought, grows best in shade, and like many native plants, attracts pollinators and wildlife. Plant in zones 8a-10b. The trunk grows underground and mature plants don’t grow to more than 3 to 6 feet tall.

The native needle palm (botanical name Rhapidophyllum hystrix) attracts wildlife, grows best in shade, is flood tolerant and easily shaped by pruning. Plant in zones 8a-11. A short plant with dark green fan-shaped fronds and long, sharp black spines that grow along its trunk, giving the needle palm its common name.

This week’s featured Florida natives: palms. 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/3ORniKx
(Same survey as previous posts).

Roselle is a shrub related to okra and hibiscus. The part of the plant most popular is the fleshy, bright red cup-like structure found at the bottom of each flower called a calyx. It's tart-sweet and popular in teas and specialty foods.

Seminole pumpkins are generally rounded and dull orange, with the familiar bright orange flesh and numerous seeds inside.

There are three types of Southern peas: crowder, cream and black-eyed and they have even more common names. But all of the plants look the same growing - tender, bushy plants with green leaves. Photo of home garden plot of young Southern pea plants by Ralph Mitchell, UF/IFAS.

Everglades tomatoes are red, tiny and grow wild in the swampy parts of South Florida. Photo by Ralph Mitchell, UF/IFAS.

Heirloom vegetables come from seeds passed down for generations, often selected for their flavor and the local planting conditions. Learn more about heirloom vegetables for Florida at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/jymU1TV

Master Gardener Volunteer Lois McNamara carefully cuts a dried-out seed head from a wildflower plant to collect seeds. UF/IFAS photo.

Collecting and saving seeds is a way to preserve traits of the plants you love, carry on cultural traditions and connect with your community by passing along seeds to family, friends and neighbors. Learn more about seed saving at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/ZnNzvzk

Invasive Mexican petunia (botanical name Ruellia simplex with several syn.) is a pretty purple flower, trumpet-shaped and growing tall on stiff stems. There are sterile varieties available but easily confused, be sure to check the label!

Invasive golden pothos (botanical name Epipremnum aureum) was once a popular houseplant but has escaped outdoors. It's a vine with green heart-shaped leaves. It has many look-alikes, so again, read the label. Photo by Forest and Kim Starr, used with permission.

Invasive blue sky vine has many common names (botanical name Thunbergia grandiflora) and the flowers can be blue-lavender or white. It's a fast-growing vine that can take over forests, so beware its attractive funnel-shaped orchid-like flowers.

Invasive Madagascar rubbervine (botanical name Cryptostegia madagascariensis, phew!) is very popular for its glossy green leaves and purple funnel-shaped flowers, but the white, milky sap of this vine is toxic. Photo by Scott Zona, some rights reserved, do not use without permission.

It's National Invasive Species Awareness Week and a good time to become familiar with some plants commonly found in retail stores that are either invasive or have a high invasion risk. For more, consult the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas: buff.ly/hzZoHHX

Bright orange card with dark blue text stating Thank you! The campaign logo reads Gator Nation, Stand up and holler, Giving Day. There's also a cute cartoon alligator dressed like Mr. Two Bits in a yellow dress shirt and an orange and blue tie.

We appreciate everyone who donated to the Master Gardener Legacy Fund yesterday during #GivingDay. This fund provides financial support to Master Gardener Volunteer programs throughout Florida. Missed yesterday? Details on how to donate: buff.ly/ZZuiFCV #AllForTheGators

Native lopsided indiangrass (botanical name Sorghastrum secundum) has small tufts of thin green blades and in late summer, tall flower spikes. Each tiny flower is wrapped in bracts that are covered in soft, bronze to brown hairs. It grows best in full sun and is a host plant for several butterflies. It's best for zones 8a to 9b. Photo by Ashley Jackson.

Native Muhly grass (botanical name Muhlenbergia capillaris) blooms in fall with feathery sprays of tiny flowers that are pink and sometimes white. It is tolerant of salt, drought and flooding. It grows throughout most of Florida, zones 8a to 11. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

Native river oats (botanical name Chasmanthium latifolium) are fast growing with attractive oat-shaped seed heads that dangle from its arching stems of bamboo-like foliage. It grows best in zones 5a to 9b in shade and can handle different soil conditions. River oats grow wild along stream banks, so it should be planted in a spot that stays consistently moist. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

The native dwarf fakahatchee grass (botanical name Tripsacum floridanum) is tufted blades of wide green grass. It's evergreen, grows in full sun, is drought tolerant and attracts wildlife. It grows in zones 8a to 10b. UF/IFAS photo.

This week’s featured Florida natives: grasses. 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/3ORniKx
(Same survey as previous posts; no need to fill out twice).

Group photo of our Master Gardener Volunteers in a colorful frame that states "Stand Up and Holler," along with a cartoon alligator dressed in a yellow shirt and a tie striped in orange and blue, to resemble the University of Florida's iconic Mr. Two Bits.

Several Master Gardener Volunteers with clipboards in a garden. This photo is also in a colorful frame that states "Stand Up and Holler," along with a cartoon alligator dressed in a yellow shirt and a tie striped in orange and blue, to resemble the University of Florida's iconic Mr. Two Bits.

It’s #GivingDay! Help the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program by giving today—your generous donations will bolster our Master Gardener Legacy Fund, supporting our volunteers and their projects across Florida. Make a difference today by donating here: buff.ly/Dd2Mg27 #AllForTheGators

Few dishes say "Southern cooking" more than collards. Packed with vitamins and minerals, collard greens are easy to grow and an excellent source of dietary fiber. Learn more about February's featured plant at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/WBXm1os

'Le Pactole' a fragrant tea rose, with pinkish-cream petals and significant thorns. Photo by Matthew J. Orwat.

We love roses -- humans have been growing them for millennia. Defined as roses bred before 1867, "antique" roses are usually easier to maintain compared to modern varieties. Many of these old-garden roses can be grown in Florida. Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/H9WxnuP

A map of Florida, color-coded to show the range of drought severity, ranging from very small areas of abnormally dry and most of the state in extreme to severe drought. You can find details at the drought monitor website, a link to which is at our article linked in the post.

You might have heard that Florida is experiencing a drought. The chance of wildfire increases, landscapes go dormant and groundwater levels decline. Most counties have implemented water restrictions and burn bans. How drought affects you, at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/WPZhxfr

Antique tea rose variety Louis Philippe, with pink petals in tight clusters.

February's issue of the Neighborhood Gardener is full of love: for things both old (antique roses and heirloom vegetables) and new, like Wendy's fresh twist of the five love languages...for gardeners. You can read it all at our website: buff.ly/fDp3Ro4

Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) is a low-growing groundcover with tiny flowers that attract pollinators. The flower is dark purple and resembles a button surrounded by even tinier white and pink blossoms. It's evergreen, grows in a variety of soil conditions, and blooms year-round. It grow in zones 8a-11. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

Golden creeper (Ernodea littoralis) is an evergreen native groundcover with tiny orange tubular flowers that appear year-round. It's drought and salt tolerant and loves full sun. It's best for zones 9a-11. Photo by Ryan Fessenden.

Powerpuff (Mimosa strigillosa) is also called sunshine mimosa. This native groundcover has tiny fernlike foliage and pink puffs for flowers. It attracts pollinators, grows best in full sun, and is tolerant of both drought and a variety of soil conditions. It grows in zones 8a-11.

Photo of a sunny-yellow black-eyed Susan flower with text: Your opinion matters! Please consider helping with this undergraduate research project at the University of Florida, looking at the public's opinion on native plants. A link to the anonymous survey can be found in the post text.

This week’s featured Florida natives: groundcovers. This series is part of an undergraduate project on public opinion about native plants. We know you love Florida natives, so why not contribute to this important research? Complete this anonymous survey: buff.ly/1JmHgxw

A heron wades through a Florida marsh.

Are you new to Florida? Water Wednesday is a monthly UF/IFAS webinar series covering topics such as our unique weather, stormwater systems, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and wildlife. Learn more and register: buff.ly/NDFrO5U

Hands spooning dried herbs into a teabag.

On a dark wooden surface, a hand-printed seed packet with space to write seed type, variety, and a date.

An outdoor plant nursery with many plants and a wooden sign reading "Florida Natives."

A yellow plastic rain gauge. If you plan to give one as a Valentine gift, this writer suggests pairing it with something a little more romantic, like flowers or a heartfelt card.

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, we've got gift ideas for the sustainably-minded sweetheart. Share the love with plants that support wildlife, gifting seeds from your garden or making homegrown teas. Visit Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for more on outdoor sustainability: buff.ly/iljtSXp

These rose-like camellia flowers have bi-colored petals, deep pink and white. The centers have a tight cluster of many yellow short stamens.

With soft, velvety petals, camellias are quite the winter showstopper. During the cooler months in Florida, you can find them blooming in shades of pink, red and white, some with splashes of color. Read more about camellias at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/XwdcOzM

Your opinion matters! Please consider helping with an undergraduate research project at the University of Florida looking at the public's opinion on native plants. An anonymous survey is linked in the post text if you would like to help contribute to this important research.

Black-eyed Susan has bright golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers with brown centers. It is a native annual that attracts pollinators and wildlife, needs full sun, grows in versatile soil conditions and is drought tolerant. It grows in zones 2a-10b. Its Latin name is Rudbeckia hirta.

Leavenworth's coreopsis has small, yellow daisy-like flowers with a brown center. This native flower attracts pollinators, needs full sun, grows in versatile soil conditions, and bloom throughout the year. It grows in zones 8a-11. Its botanical name is Coreopsis leavenworthii.

Scarlet sage has upright stalks of red tubular flowers. It is a native annual flower that attracts pollinators and wildlife, is drought tolerant, needs full sun and is self seeding. It grows in 8a-11. Its botanical name is Salvia coccinea. Photo by Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

We're running a special series on Florida native plants! Our intern's university project aims to learn the public’s opinion on native plants via an anonymous survey. We know you all love Florida natives, so why not contribute to this important research? Find the survey link here: buff.ly/hVj4BX3

Long list of Florida-Friendly flowers you can plant in February (with proper care).

Despite the cold weather, there are still flowers you can plant. Just be sure to cover for freezes and frost. With proper care, you'll be rewarded in spring. For text and printable versions of this infographic, visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/PjalPTb

A colorful version of our annual report is green and features a photo of a purple aster flower. All of this is available at the link in the post.

Did you know that Florida Master Gardener Volunteers served more than 270,000 citizens in 2025? Our annual report features the impact our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers had on their community last year. Text and printable versions of this infographic at our website: buff.ly/2NbGp44

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

Don’t give up your New Year’s gardening resolutions yet! Throw on a jacket, because there are tons of Florida-Friendly edible plants that can go in the ground this month. For text and printable versions of this infographic, visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/FnJ9w2G

Members of the club, men and women in a wide range of ages, smiling and posed in a nursery greenhouse.

The Isles Garden Club of Pembroke Pines, founded by MGV Catalina Franco-Cicero, teaches Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and provides so much more. Read their inspiring story from the club's UF/IFAS mentor, agent Lorna Bravo with Broward County: buff.ly/zrRHllZ

A man and woman gardening in their fenced-in vegetable garden plot.

Tips and tricks for saving money by growing your own groceries:
1) Grow what you already eat
2) Grow Florida-Friendly crops
3) Start from seed
4) Save the surplus
Learn more about saving money by growing your own vegetables at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/2mDRbh1

A basket full of colorful vegetables.

The UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide has been updated! Stay informed on the latest recommendations on when to plant and harvest. Other information in the guide includes yield, seed depth, transplant ability and spacing. (Data tables will be at the bottom): buff.ly/qIEwcVi

Gray, shelf-like oyster mushrooms growing on the outside of a grow kit bag sitting on a kitchen counter.

Did you know you can grow your own mushrooms at home? Shiitake and oyster mushrooms are some of the best options for first-time growers. Learn more about growing your own mushrooms at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/kGVWUEO
(Photo: Oyster mushrooms, Carolyn Saft UF/IFAS)

Small terra cotta pots lined up on a windowsill each with a different young, green herb growing, like mint, basil, rosemary and thyme.

Growing herbs indoors makes these fresh kitchen ingredients easily accessible and safe from winter temperatures. There are even starter kits and hydroponic systems available. Learn more about growing herbs at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/mZm1Aud