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Gardening: Make the most of December

I hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving with family or friends. The recent cloudy and rainy weather has put this northern transplant in a holiday mood. While after 32 years here, I still find warm...

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Gardening: Ridding yourself of Florida pusley

What is that weed that reminds us northerners of snow on our lawns? If I have had one person ask me, I have had a dozen. The weed is Florida pusley (Richardia scabra) and is a native to Florida. This...

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Gardening: A you ready for a cool January?

January is here and we will still experience cold temperatures since it is the second coolest month of the year. The average temperatures are in the 65 degree range with highs in the 70s or low 80s and...

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Gardening: How the cold affects your lawn

The winter cold was very late in arriving this year. As a northern transplant, I love the cold weather because it always puts me in the holiday spirit. I had to find other ways of doing that this year....

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Gardening: Careful not to over water your lawn

This is the time of year that you can damage your landscape by watering too much. Water comprises 80 to 90 percent of the fresh weight of grass and it also plays a fundamental role in the plant...

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Gardening: Timing is everything

This is the time of year that you can damage your landscape by watering too much. Water comprises 80 to 90 percent of the fresh weight of grass and it also plays a fundamental role in the plant...

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Gardening: Conltrolling your insect population

Our weather allows for insect activity year round. For those of you who prefer to try the natural way of controlling pests in your yard there is integrated pest management. When using integrated pest...

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Gardening: A widespread palm disease affecting trees all over Marco

Ganoderma Butt Rot is a widespread palm disease affecting trees all over Marco Island and the southeastern United States. This disease has been found on about 40 or 50 species but it is thought that...

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Gardening: Bulbous plants bring joy year after year

I recently purchased a pot of daffodils at the grocery store. Daffodils are my favorite flower because it was a sure sign of spring in Connecticut when they began popping up in the fields and yards....

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Gardening: Flowering shrubs and trees help make Marco a colorful place to be

There are many flowering shrubs and trees either in bloom or just beginning to bloom right now around Marco Island. Several people have asked me about the pretty pink trees blooming in the medians.

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Gardening: Azaleas putting on a show

The azaleas have been in bloom since February and will be in bloom through April. Some will bloom as early as Christmas here in South Florida. They are beautiful plants with masses of spring flowers in...

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Gardening: The consequences of soil compaction

Soil compaction can bring with it serious consequences when trying to grow anything green. In fact it can be almost impossible to establish or maintain plants in compacted soil because it interferes...

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Gardening: Tropical ornamental shrubs a must have

Tropical ornamental shrubs are an important element in the home landscapes of South Florida. Some have brightly colored leaves or flower much of the year. Almost all are evergreen, meaning they keep...

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Gardening: Island's pineapple past can lead to a sweet future

Although the climate of Florida is not perfectly suited to large scale commercial production of pineapple, there was at one time a large pineapple farm on Horrs Island, now known as Key Marco. This was...

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Gardening: Here comes the summer

May is here which means that summer is just around the corner. May temperatures average highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s. We will have some rain but not as much as June will bring. Watch your lawn...

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Gardening: It's spring and we need rain

It's spring and we need rain. This much needed water would help to refresh our drought stricken lawns and gardens. It would also activate the fertilizer applied this spring which will add strength to...

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Gardening: The century plant

The century plant (Agave americana) is an agave that is native to Mexico but is now found worldwide. The large gray-green leaves are up to six feet long with prickly spines along the edges and a large...

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Gardening: S-s-snakes alive: The beneficial side to what slithers

Snakes and alligators are two of the most feared species we live with on the edge of the Everglades. According to National Geographic News, Florida has unfortunately developed an established population...

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Gardening: A lush, green lawn is a beautiful thing

Proper mowing of your lawn can kill weeds and chinch bugs, cure disease, save water and provide fertilizer. However, improper mowing can be harmful.Mowing is stressful to grass because it is meant to...

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Gardening: The pH of your soil can affect plant growth, health

The pH of your soil can affect plant growth and health. If you have an area in your yard that doesn't seem to respond to your fertilizing efforts, check your soil pH. Soil pH is the measure of acidity...

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