UF IFAS Extension Master Gardeners Nursery Hernando County

06/22/2026

Looking for something a little different for your garden? Florida Skullcap (Scutellaria floridana), is a native wildflower that offers beautiful blooms, pollinator benefits, and a unique look that stands out from the ordinary.

This charming native thrives in sunny to partly sunny locations and is well adapted to Florida’s climate. Its soft lavender-blue blooms provide a splash of color while attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden, making it a wonderful addition to any wildlife-friendly yard.

Whether you’re creating a pollinator garden or simply looking for something unique, Florida Skullcap is a native worth considering.

Consider adding Florida Skullcap to your garden and enjoy the visitors it brings.

06/19/2026

If you answered…
False you are correct. In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to:
• Burnt roots
• Soil imbalances
• Nutrient runoff into bodies of water (Especially in sandy soils that do not hold nutrients well.)
• Weak, leggy growth on the plant
• Greater pest / disease susceptibility
• Reduced yields of vegetables, fruits, flowers (Too much nitrogen promotes the overgrowth of foliage.)

What to do instead:
• Start with a soil test (This will tell you what your soil is lacking.) Contact you Extension Office and they will let you know what the process is.
• When using fertilizer, follow recommended application rates (Remember the ‘4 Rs’ – right rate, right source, right placement, and right timing.)
• Focus on building soil with organic matter (Compost does not just add nutrients—it helps soil hold water and supports beneficial microbes.)
• Read these articles for more information on soil health https://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/landscaping/fertilizers-and-pesticides/ and https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pascoco/2024/04/04/soil-health/

Soil is a complex system composed of non-living materials (minerals, air, water) and a massive biological (living) community (bacteria, fungi, worms, and insects) all coming together as a living ecosystem helping us have the best garden possible. It’s alive!

The healthier the soil, the healthier the plants. Treat it well.

06/17/2026

Sometimes you just need that kind of a day...

06/15/2026

Tiny flowers, big impact! One of Florida’s hardest-working native plants is also one of the smallest. 🦋🐝

Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) may have small blooms, but don’t let their size fool you. These tiny flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, while the plant itself serves as a host for Common Buckeye, White Peacock, and Phaon Crescent butterflies.

This low-growing native spreads to form a lush green carpet and blooms for much of the year in Florida. It’s a beautiful addition to pollinator gardens and native landscapes.

Stop by the nursery to see our frogfruit in bloom and discover why it’s become a favorite among native plant enthusiasts!

To read more about Frogfruit, Phyla nodiflora, click on the following link from UF: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/05/16/frogfruit/

06/12/2026

Got Sandy Soil? We’ve got you covered!

Most of Florida’s soil is on the sandy side, with differences depending on where we live in Florida.

Gardening in sandy soil means it drains quickly and lacks a lot of nutrients. Add the sun to the mix and we have a formula for tough gardening conditions. The good news? Plenty of Native and Florida-friendly plants thrive in these conditions. So, instead of fighting it, we can 'plant' for it!

Here are just a few examples of popular tough-as-nails, sand-loving, beauties:
Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis): A bright, drought-tolerant coastal ground-cover that attracts pollinators and thrives in full sun and sand.

False Rosemary (Conradina canescens): An aromatic, low-maintenance shrub in the mint family that thrives in well-drained, nutrient-poor sand

Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans): A highly fragrant, hardy shrub that attracts local wildlife. While it naturally grows in sandy soils with shell fragments and organic matter, it is highly adaptable and can grow in everything from calcareous to slightly clayey soils.

Railroad Vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae): Grows best in dry, sandy soil and requires zero soil amendments. Give it plenty of room, it loves to spread.

Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris): Grows vigorously in poor, sandy soil. Prefers well-draining soils (including sand) but is extremely tolerant of poor, infertile conditions.

Sand is a type of soil and it should not stop you from having a beautiful garden. Don't let it bring you down.

For more options of sand loving plants visit https://www.flawildflowers.org/dry-landscapes/ and https://www.fnps.org/plant .tab=0

06/10/2026

06/08/2026

🌼 What if your lawn could be covered in flowers instead of grass? 🌼

Continuing our series on turf grass alternatives, we’re shining the spotlight on Perennial Peanut, (Arachis glabrata).

If you’re looking for a beautiful, Florida-friendly ground cover, Perennial Peanut is a fantastic choice. This drought-tolerant perennial creates a lush carpet of green foliage and bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the warmer months, adding color and charm to the landscape.

Beyond its beauty, Perennial Peanut provides an excellent nectar source for bees and other pollinators, helping support local wildlife while enhancing your yard. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and thrives in Florida’s sunny conditions, making it a popular alternative to traditional turf grass.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your lawn area, create a pollinator-friendly landscape, or simply add a unique ground cover to your garden, Perennial Peanut is a versatile and rewarding option.

Curious if Perennial Peanut is right for your yard? Stop by the nursery and see our established planting for yourself—we’d love to show you why we’re such fans of this flowering ground cover!

06/05/2026

Your lawn doesn't have to be wall-to-wall grass to be a great garden.

Appropriate traditional turf grass alternatives can create a beautiful, functional garden that's better suited to Florida's environment.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends exploring different ground covers options to include in, or replace, your turf grass. Doing so can help you:

• 🌿🍃🌿🍃🌿Reduced Water Consumption
• 🌿🍃🌿🍃🌿Less Pollution & Chemical Use
• 🌿🍃🌿🍃🌿Support for Ecosystems
• 🌿🍃🌿🍃🌿Lower Maintenance (e.g., less mowing)
• 🌿🍃🌿🍃🌿Better in Problem Area (e.g., shady spots, dry slopes, high-traffic areas, soil erosion)

Less mowing. Less watering. More butterflies. Sounds like a pretty good trade.

Do your have a favorite ground cover?

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/2024/03/21/exploring-alternatives-to-turfgrass-for-your-landscape/

06/03/2026

How hot is it?