by Amanda Rose Newton Throughout history, plants have played an integral role in just about every celebration and this is especially the case for the winter holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, or the Solstice, there are … [Read more...] about Plant Traditions for the Holiday Season: Spreading Green Cheer
garden blog
Poinsettia Perfection: The Secrets Behind Christmas’s Favorite Plant
by Amanda Rose Newton Poinsettias are the quintessential Christmas Plant. On average, poinsettias rake in 250 million dollars for growers annually in the 6 weeks leading up to Christmas alone! Not bad for a seasonal plant! Worldwide, … [Read more...] about Poinsettia Perfection: The Secrets Behind Christmas’s Favorite Plant
Keeping the Holiday Magic Alive: How to Care for Fresh Cut Christmas Trees
by Amanda Rose Newton Nothing compares to the heavenly scent of a fresh cut Fraser fir during the Holiday season. For many, this scent is up there with fresh baked cookies and a roaring fire for triggering fond memories of Christmas past. … [Read more...] about Keeping the Holiday Magic Alive: How to Care for Fresh Cut Christmas Trees
Citrus at Christmas: Reflecting on Traditions of Holidays Past
by Amanda Rose Newton One of the perks of living in the sunshine state is the luxury of year-round access to tropical fruit. Right now, the culinary world is having a moment with jackfruit, soursop, and starfruit making once-hard-to-come-by fruit … [Read more...] about Citrus at Christmas: Reflecting on Traditions of Holidays Past
Shrubs Incognito: The Best Small Shrubs to Use as Trees
by Amanda Rose Newton Trees vs. Shrubs - What's the Difference? Trees and shrubs are commonly grouped together as the larger plants in the landscape. Generally, the assumption is that trees are the larger of the two, but this can be deceptive. … [Read more...] about Shrubs Incognito: The Best Small Shrubs to Use as Trees
Buried by Berries? The Best Ways to Store, Save, and Use Raspberries and Blackberries
by Amanda Rose Newton Fortunately, with many native varieties present in our state, blackberries are a hard-to-go-wrong-with plant no matter how black your thumb is! December is the ideal month to plant new blackberry bushes but for many, the … [Read more...] about Buried by Berries? The Best Ways to Store, Save, and Use Raspberries and Blackberries
Food Preservation Part 2: Savoring Herbs All Year
by Amanda Rose Newton Here in Florida, we are fortunate to be able to grow most herbs year-round. To get the most out of your herb plants, regularly clip fresh sprigs instead of letting them bloom and go to seed to help prolong their use. … [Read more...] about Food Preservation Part 2: Savoring Herbs All Year
Preserving the Harvest: Getting the Most from Your Fall Produce, Part 1
by Amanda Rose Newton Gardeners-- not just football fans-- know that fall is game time! That is when our gardens are getting ready to produce everything from squash to peppers to tomatoes. For many of us, 2020 served as a great motivator to … [Read more...] about Preserving the Harvest: Getting the Most from Your Fall Produce, Part 1
Environmentally Minded Planting
by Amanda Rose Newton You may have noticed our blog has been focusing quite a bit on all things organic and sustainable this fall. With our proximity to the lagoon, the influx of rain, and unique biodiversity right in our own backyards, it’s hard … [Read more...] about Environmentally Minded Planting
Good Gourd! Growing Ornamental Squash in Florida
by Amanda Rose Newton Nothing says fall quite like a decorative gourd! These fruits (yes, fruits) are members of the Curcurbitaceae family, which also includes zucchini, cucumbers, and summer squash. While most are used primarily for … [Read more...] about Good Gourd! Growing Ornamental Squash in Florida