Garden Club of St. Petersburg

More of this is needed.

Happy Flower Friday!

Happy ! Summer in Florida brings with it the beautiful, iconic blooms of our native hibiscus and mallows. But this year, something will be a little different – their taxonomic designations. Recent research has led to six of our Hibiscus species being split into two genera: Muenchhusia and Sabdariffa.

Read our latest post to learn why and find a guide to the updated nomenclature: https://www.flawildflowers.org/taxonomy-news-hibiscus/

Taxonomic changes — especially for well-known species — can be frustrating and hard to keep up with, but they reflect the work of dedicated scientists striving to better understand the evolutionary relationships of the flora and fauna around us.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Garden Ideas

28 Recycled And Repurposed Garden Ideas - Container Water Gardens From reused license plates to laundry baskets, let’s look at 28 interesting ways to recycle old items in the garden, patio and landscape.

Now is the time to prepare your trees!

🌴🌪️ Don’t wait for a storm warning—prepare your trees now! Proper pruning, routine maintenance, and early risk assessment can make your trees stronger and more wind-resistant. Removing dead or hazardous branches and avoiding harmful practices like topping helps protect your home and community.

For the safest results, work with an ISA Certified Arborist and watch for warning signs like cracks, leaning, or decay.
✅ Healthy trees = safer people and property

📩 Have questions? Contact Alyssa Vinson, Urban Forestry Extension Agent II & ISA Certified Arborist at [email protected]

Address not needed. You'll know my house!

What the world needs.

The summer garden seems to have an endless amount of work to be done; the grass needs mowing, the w**ds need to be pulled, and everything needs maintaining. But working in the garden during the summer can put gardeners at risk from the unforgiving Florida heat.

Don’t stay outside for too long, and remember to take breaks often to rest and cool off. Keep water nearby, and drink—even if you don’t feel thirsty.

If you can, work outside in the early morning before the heat of the day becomes oppressive. The evenings might be cool enough for gardening, but you may have to contend with mosquitoes.

Learn the signs of heat-related illness. There are two different types of heat sickness and both need attention: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. ~ UF/IFAS

Here are the facts regarding the "super termite" headlines.

You've probably seen the “super-termite” headlines. Our UF Entomology & Nematology Department experts have compiled 10+ years of research to help you debunk the myths surrounding these hybrid termites 🔗 tr.ee/GtncsYgWYo

Mulch is a vital part of a healthy landscape. It conserves vital soil moisture, suppresses w**d growth, regulates soil temperatures, and prevents erosion. ~UF/IFAS
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1428644379296303&set=a.231779365649483

Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis), is a great plant for pollinator gardens. It is a source of nectar and pollen. It is also the host plant for the Common Buckeye and White Peacock butterflies.

Please note that many nurseries sell the non-native Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex) which should be avoided because it spreads via underground rhizomes, does not respond well to herbicides, and has been classified a Category I invasive species that is displacing native species

For more information on this Florida native:
https://www.fnps.org/plant/ruellia-caroliniensis .tab=0

Photo Credit: Terry Jordan