Invasive Exotic - Beware!

The state already knows that the Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana) is an invasive exotic yet it is still for sale in our garden centers. Though it is a tough plant (which is part of the problem) that produces attractive purple flowers - beware because it will spread all over your yard and it won't stop there! If you want a purple blooming plant check out the Tibouchina genus. They also have gorgeous purple blooms and the plants are well behaved and only grow where you plant them!

August Classes on Edible Landscaping Topics

I have some upcoming classes in the next two weeks and realized why not post them here! Here is a listing of the classes (they all cost $5)that I have scheduled for August.
Tues the 17th Cocoa Beach Library on Growing Herbs from 10-11 a.m.
Tues the 17th Central Brevard Library in Cocoa on Vegetable Gardening from 2-3 p.m.
Wed. the 18th W. Melbourne Library on Growing Herbs from 2-3 p.m.
Thur. the 19th Suntree/Viera Library on Grow Your Own Fruit from 2-3 p.m.
Mon. the 23rd Mims/Scottsmoor Library on Grow Your Own Fruit from 2-3 p.m.
Tues. the 24th Satellite Beach Library on Vegetable Gardening from 2-3 p.m.
To register just go to http://brevard.ifas.ufl.edu/ and scroll down to the Class Registration link and click there to fill out the form. Hope to see you there!

Tree roots cut for Sidewalk repair

Large trees planted close to sidewalks usually result in the heaving and buckling of sidewalks. The recommendation for large growing trees is to plant them at least 12 feet away from driveways, sidewalks and roads. As you can see from these pictures, these two oaks were planted way too close to the sidewalk. Tragically, when the sidewalk was repaired they cut some of the large, woody roots that hold this tree upright in a storm. Hopefully, these trees are protected from high winds coming from the west, otherwise this house may get damaged!

UF Plant Propagation class offered in Ft. Pierce

A Plant Propagation course is being offered at the University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce where you will learn how to produce plants from seed or cutting, how to graft gardenias and many other techniques in plant propagation.

The course, which will be from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning Aug. 25, will be taught by Sandy Wilson, who holds a Ph.D. and is an expert in propagation of native and non-native plants.

Wilson said the course will meet once a week until mid-December and will include lecture and laboratory work. The course is being offered to degree and non-degree-seeking students.

To enroll, contact Student Support Services Coordinator Jackie White at (772) 468-3922, ext. 148,or by e-mail at jkwhite@ufl.edu. The course content and syllabus can be viewed at http://irrecenvhort.ifas.ufl.edu.