Keystone plants are those deemed essential to a natural area's wildlife food supply. In Florida, plants like live oaks and sweet goldenrod support hundreds of caterpillar species, a crucial food source for birds and other animals. More keystone plants at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/LKmgYSo

Want to protect Florida pollinators like this Gulf fritillary butterfly? Join us in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census from August 21-22 and contribute to important conservation research. Learn more about the program and how to participate: gsepc.org

Nature doesn't waste nutrients; follow her lead and “chop and drop." When cutting back healthy leaves and other plant materials, spread it over the soil surface, creating natural mulch that will break down and feed the garden. This UF/IFAS Hillsborough County blog post explains how: buff.ly/uIcwWqZ

Say "sunflower," and people imagine a towering plant. But for a sunflower that can take the heat, look down and see beach sunflower. This low-growing perennial is perfect for hot, dry sites, including coastal areas. More at @UF_IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/R9C2579

This small, cinnamon-colored songbird is a year-round resident in the southeast. The Carolina wren forms lifelong bonds with its mate and the males are known for their loud, cheerful songs. Learn more about this tiny bird with a big personality at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/fPUXBBg

This week’s heat-tolerant edible plant can be grown throughout Florida. Chayote is a climbing vine that produces pear-shaped vegetables with a texture similar to zucchini. Gardeners often trellis them on an arbor. Learn more about growing chayote at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/1QDfnhE

Whether climbing up a trellis, cascading from a hanging basket or carpeting the ground, vines are an excellent way to add another dimension to your garden. Florida-Friendly suggestions and vine-training tips at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/Q4M78VD

Formosan subterranean termites can infest structures and live trees, and are spreading across Florida. The invasive termites can hollow out a tree, leading to structural damage and potential collapse. This Ask IFAS publication describes the pest and management: buff.ly/aPYt9ag

Looking for information on hurricane preparedness? The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program has collected hurricane-season videos from across UF/IFAS on everything from tree care, to pet planning, to food safety -- even preparing beehives for strong winds! The YouTube playlist: buff.ly/KsdSuJ2

Famous for its juicy and flavorful fruits, this week’s heat-tolerant edible plant is the mango tree. Best suited for South Florida, the "king of fruit" is available in a host of cultivars that vary in flavor and appearance. Learn more about mango at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/IXeg0El

Cypress is one of the most important tree species in Florida’s history. It was used widely by the state's indigenous peoples, notably for canoes. Learn more about native trees that play an integral part in Florida’s natural and cultural history at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/HZgVln5

Celebrate 250 years of the USA with fireworks -- in the form of flowers! The firecracker shrub has tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and resemble tiny firecrackers. Learn more about Russelia equisetiformis at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/skXI4zf

Prized for its unique, fruity tang, datil pepper also packs a heat compared to habanero. It's closely associated with St. Augustine where it was first grown, but datil peppers can be grown throughout Florida. Learn more about July's featured plant at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/8R8Orbs

This week's heat-tolerant edible plant is boniato. Also called tropical sweet potato, boniato tubers are drier and less sweet, with a nutty taste. Learn more about planting boniato at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/bRSAPtb

Hot peppers, fiery flowers and trees to escape the heat. Yup, it's July in Florida. 🔥 Stay in the AC and read about St. Augustine's famous datil peppers, some very important native trees and more in this month's Neighborhood Gardener on our website: buff.ly/UZXqTEz

July is the perfect time to solarize your garden, since solarization requires strong sun and heat. If you'd like to control pests, disease or weeds, this process of covering a garden bed with clear plastic can help manage these problems. Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/AiJJbgr

The heat and humidity of Florida summers are prime conditions for chanterelle mushrooms. While chanterelles are edible, misidentification of fungi can lead to serious health problems. Wild mushrooms should be eaten only with extreme caution. More about chanterelles at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/ESmpgLj

We're featuring heat-tolerant fruits and veggies every Monday this month! Tropical "spinaches" can take the heat and are full of nutrients. Learn more about these tropical greens at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/qPcQ92f

In observance of the July 4th holiday, state UF/IFAS offices are closed today. Enjoy the holiday safely! This UF/IFAS blog post has recipes for refreshing hydration using Fresh from Florida fruits like watermelon and mango: buff.ly/kRvKIFX

Watermelon is a perfectly refreshing fruit for celebrating this weekend. Florida produces 907 million pounds of watermelon annually and the season is at its peak, just in time for the holiday! Learn more about watermelon at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/cLrCi8C

Kids might be out of school, but that doesn’t mean their minds stop growing. From budding naturalists to bug lovers to outdoor explorers, UF/IFAS offers books and other resources that encourage children to get in touch with nature. More on keeping kids curious all summer: buff.ly/vE91d8E

Our hot and rainy summers make Florida a mosquito paradise. It's best to eliminate standing water in the landscape, but what about bird baths and rain barrels? UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions has tips on keeping mosquitoes out of your beloved water features: buff.ly/PUywb7N

Gardening this summer? Put safety first! Get out early before temperatures get too high. Drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Most importantly, know the signs of heat illness. It could save a life. Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/qyxu9oB

Palms are practically synonymous with the Sunshine State, but not all can handle the cold that North Florida experiences. Luckily, there are cold-hardy palms, including our state tree, the sabal palm. Learn more about a few of these palms on UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/3mKMO5x

Caring for your palms includes scouting for disease. If you are not sure what the issue is, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office for a diagnosis. Learn more about palm diseases at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/l6nhxIu

Honey bees aren't the only insects pollinating our plants. It's National Pollinator Week, and we're celebrating the wide range of pollinators in the landscape. See what else is working the flowers in this post from UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: buff.ly/nU1jtD2 (Photo: David Hill)

Let's celebrate the fathers and father figures who inspire their loved ones to spend time outdoors, whether it's planting a garden, taking care of the yard, or just getting out in nature.

Seeds of hope emerged on this day. In observance of Juneteenth, our state offices are closed.

Royal palm lives up to its majestic name. This South Florida native towers over the landscape, making quite the impression (where space allows). Learn more about June's featured plant at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/yFulLNh (Photo by @scottzona.bsky.social)

Robot lawnmowers have been available, but are they effective on Florida turfgrass? New research from UF/IFAS shows that yes, autonomous mowers use frequent, low-impact mowing that produces denser, healthier turf more resistant to pests and disease. Story at UF/IFAS News: buff.ly/WAD5ggJ