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The Green Gazette
Volume 6 Issue 2
Inside this Issue
2 Planting with Purpose: Wild Petunia
3 Stepping
4 The Frugal Gardener
6 Now Playing in
SWFL Gardens
In Our Nature
Events Calendar and
Announcements
Dancing in the
Streets for a Healthy
Well-Being
April - May 2015
The change in our SW Florida season is palpable,
with less roadway traffic as part-time residents depart for summer destinations. Yet with rising temperatures, rainfall and tides, another season is itching to begin: mosquito season.
Florida is home to 80 mosquito species, more than
any other state, although only 44 are found in Collier County. Several species are considered pests,
since their female adults can bite once or more,
seeking blood to nourish developing eggs. But at
least nine freshwater mosquito species are increasing public health concerns.
These species are capable of transmitting diseases, like Chikungunya and Dengue to humans, West Nile Virus to humans and horses, Saint Louis Encephalitis
(SLE) to humans and birds, Eastern Equine Encephalitis to humans, horses and
birds, Dog Heartworm to dogs and cats, and Highlands J Virus mostly to birds.
Fortunately, the Collier Mosquito Control District (CMCD) has been using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods to protect the health and welfare of
Collier County residents for the past 65 years.
Inspectors conduct daily surveillance over Collier’s 401 square miles during mosquito season,
collecting larval samples and adult mosquito
traps, data from rain gauges, and performing
landing rate counts and site inspections in order
to make operational treatment decisions. These
methods include control of adult mosquitos as
Click on CMCD’s helicopter to
well as control of juvenile or larval mosquitos.
view their IPM operations
Continued on page 2
Gulf Currents
By Mary Jane Cary, Master Gardener and Green Gazette Editor
SW Florida News
from the
Master Gardeners
It seems that UF / IFAS Extension and Southwest Florida are already celebrating
the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. The month began with Ciclovia Immokalee
organizers agreeing to continue these monthly outdoor family-friendly fun celebrations through the summer. Next, UF/IFAS FLREC Palm Fertilizer expert Dr.
Tim Broschat announced his latest recommendations for palm fertilizers that will
enable us to keep our palms, soils and water quality healthy.
As we bid farewell to snowbirds as they migrate northward, we welcome new
feathered friends arriving from the Caribbean and South America, just in time
for spring nesting. Maternity season is well underway, from horseshoe crabs
and shore birds at the beach to the Extension’s Master Gardener and FYN Coordinator Isabel Way-Soto! So we invite you all to celebrate Earth Day every day
with our new Hiking In Our Nature guide and UF/IFAS solutions for your life.
The Green Gazette
Continued from Page 1
Ongoing research to improve surveillance and treatment is key to protecting
public health. While several Florida counties are considering release of genetically modified (GM) mosquitos to prevent Dengue, the CMCD is taking a
wait and see approach. Meanwhile, UF/IFAS scientists are collaborating with
Australian colleagues on a new non-GM genetic control approach to combat
public health threats like Dengue and Chikungunya in both locales.
While the CMCD uses all the area wide approaches available to prevent mosquitoes and
the diseases they transmit, the ultimate re- Click the image above to
sponsibility for protecting our health rests with view CMCD’s video interview on GM mosquito use
us. How? Follow these eight steps:
 Maintain swimming pool chemistry.
 Stock
water gardens and ornamental ponds with native fish to reduce
mosquito populations. Cover, screen or stock rain storage containers too;
Discard old tires, drums, bottles, pots, and items that aren’t being used;

 Repair torn screening, leaky faucets, and clean gutters, garbage cans,
pool covers and toys to avoid standing water;
 Cover boats and outdoors equipment with covers so rain will drain;
 Empty and clean pet water bowls and bird baths, and flush bromeliad
plants, twice weekly. Empty plastic swimming pools after use;
Report sitings of dead wild birds to the Florida Wildlife Research Lab; and

 Learn about effective mosquito control devices and services.
Click the image above for
biological mosquito control
tips for water gardens
Planting with Purpose
By Mary Jane Cary, Master Gardener
Shall we tempt fate by planting petunias when eastern cottontail rabbits live
nearby? As it turns out, this native Wild Petunia Ruellia caroliniensis is rarely on the menu of rabbits or deer! Even better, this wildflower is the host
plant for the larval caterpillars of the Common Buckeye Junonia coenia and
White Peacock Anartia jatrophae butterflies.
The Wild Petunia has light green leaves, and enjoys part sun locations in zones 8 - 11. With a
mature height of 6” - 1 foot, and 1-2’ spread, UF
article FPS514 Wild Petunia suggests uses as a
ground cover or mass planting. Showy blue or violet flowers begin in spring and continue until fall,
providing appealing nectar for pollinators.
Invasive
Mexican Petunia Ruellia tweediana
This wildflower is an excellent replacement for the
invasive exotic Mexican Petunia Ruellia tweediana.
For more information about this invasive, click on
the photo at right, and request UF article ENH1237
Managing Mexican Petunia in the Landscape.
Page 2
The Green Gazette
Stepping Off the Beaten Path
By Master Gardener Mary Jane Cary
According to NatureServe research, areas with the highest human populations also host the greatest
plant diversity. So it is no surprise that Florida, now the third most populous state, also ranks third in
greatest plant and wildlife diversity. This diversity grows as one travels south in our peninsular state, as
shown by the historical Florida plant communities map at left. Originally developed in 1967 by UF botanist John Davis, and subsequently modified by the Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN), this
map identifies seventeen different ecosystems in Florida. So which
county can claim the greatest diversity of plants and wildlife? Look
closely and you’ll find two southern counties, tied with thirteen each of
the seventeen habitats: Broward and its western neighbor, Collier.
But with Broward County now one of Florida’s most heavily urbanized
areas, is it possible that Collier County still claims its thirteen ecosystems? One great way to find out is to step off the beaten path.
Year-round opportunities to explore our natural surroundings abound,
from our backyards to local Conservation Collier lands, county and state
parks, and national wildlife refuges. Two years ago, we began publication of our Year In Our Nature Calendar to identify the many distinctive
yet subtle seasonal changes that occur in our Southwest Florida natural
Click on the image above to environment, including arrivals, behaviors, and departures of the wildlife
neighbors. Now, we’re debuting a companion
view a larger map
Hiking In Our Nature guide, to assist you in
locating the many trails which offer year-round exploration.
Outdoor hiking on varying terrain from grassy paths to wooden boardwalks
and paved walkways provides activity levels suitable for everyone. While
some trails offer signage identifying plants and habitat features, many trails
offer geo-caching and other gaming opportunities using GPS-enabled devices.
Following these tips will ensure your safety and maximize your enjoyment:
 Become familiar with the area and how to read trail maps and guides. Notify family of your plans, and take a compass, smartphone or GPS device,
particularly if hiking unmarked trails or remote territory.
 Check the weather, particularly temperature, wind and rain forecasts, plus
possible changes in tidal or fresh water bodies you may encounter. Be Trail markers identify
ready to alter plans or seek shelter if you encounter a thunderstorm dur- plants at Barefoot Beach
ing your trip.
 Wear appropriate gear, including supportive footwear, a brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and carry
sunscreen, insect repellant, water and snacks. A small first-aid
kit and trash collection bag are also recommended, particularly
for longer trips or those into more remote areas.
 “Leave No Trace.” Remain on designated trails to avoid hazards like thorny plants, and to prevent disturbing sensitive
habitat. Use binoculars, cameras, and sketch books to observe
and record memories. Carry all trash until you can dispose of
it properly.
For additional hiking and viewing tips, see UF’s Outdoor Hiking
and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation’s (FWC) Wildlife Viewing recommendations. Then gather family and friends and head
out for a wonder-filled walk in our nature!
Page 3
The Green Gazette
The Frugal Gardener
By Leah Ray, Master Gardener
Compost Happens
This is a composter for people who do
NOT turn their compost. Just layer it
properly, keep it moist and wait.
Store and Protect your tools
The trick is to have a Three Ring
Compost Circus going with varying
degrees of compost. See how in UF’s
Compost Happens tutorial.
Bonus: This container can also be
used to grow potatoes.
Store tools in Builder’s Sand to reduce
rust build up. See this UF / IFAS article Garden Tool Care for more tips.
Pull up a Bucket
Purchase or make
your
own
handydandy bucket with
tool carrier. Use the
center
bucket
for
hauling
things
or
even sitting on.
Plant Ring
S ave
pl ant
tags on a key
ring for easy
reference.
Garden Cuttings
Don’t ruin one of your
good kitchen knives. Purchase inexpensive ones at
dollar stores.
See UF’s
Gardening in a Minute site
for more uses of Garden
Knives.
Rake ‘em up!
Got an old rake that is
no longer in use? Repurpose it by making
a charming tool hook
out of it.
Page 4
The Green Gazette
Pruning Trees for Wind-storm Readiness
Courtesy of Florida Friendly Landscaping Principle # 7: Recycle
By Master Gardener Stephanie Orlikoff
Homeowners with properly pruned trees enjoy beautiful landscapes
while reducing property damage risks from winds and summer
storms. The most wind-resistant trees feature a central leader with
well-spaced branches along the trunk. There are no narrow junctions,
or branches leaving the trunk at acute angles, since these branches
are more likely to tear under wind stress. Junctions with 45 - 90°
angles are less likely to split than narrower V-crotches of 40° or less.
Avoid trimming young trees to
make them bushy. Instead,
according to UF/IFAS article
ENH64 How to Minimize Wind
Damage in South Florida Landscapes, young trees should be
pruned to stimulate a durable Pruning methods differ based on
central leader and growth of species, size, and stage of life.
well-spaced lateral branches.
Click on the image to learn more.
Structural pruning favors this central leader by suppressing
competing leaders with reduction cuts. These cuts shorten stems
back to lateral branches that are at least one-third the diameter of
the cut stems. Reduction cuts also strive to prevent all branches
on the tree from growing larger than half the trunk diameter.
For tree species that become large at maturity, other pruning methods are needed to promote longevity,
decrease future maintenance costs, and reduce risks to property and people. Crown thinning removes
specific branches to reduce weight and wind resistance, enabling greater airflow through a tree’s canopy.
Thinning allows sunlight to penetrate the canopy interior. As a result, main branch diameters near the
trunk increase, making these branches stronger. More air passes through the canopy instead of pushing
against it, so thinned trees move less, and experience less damage during windstorms. Proper thinning
also results in an even distribution of branches along individual limbs, instead of branch clusters toward
the ends, like lion tails.
The Nine Florida Friendly
Landscaping™ (FFL) Principles
1. Right Plant, Right Place
2. Water Efficiently
3. Fertilize Appropriately
4. Mulch
5. Attract Wildlife
6.
7. Recycle
8. Reduce Storm Water Runoff
9. Protect the Waterfront
View UF’s narrated slideshow of
The Nine FFL Principles
Crown reduction removes or shortens longer limbs, thus decreasing the overall size of the canopy. This practice also reduces
canopy weight and wind resistance. Although crown reduction
modifies tree canopy size to some degree, it is no substitute for
“Right Plant, Right Place” tree selection! Crown reduction is best
accomplished by cutting limbs back to their point of origin, or back
to a lateral branch capable of sustaining the remaining limb and
assuming a dominant role.
When selecting qualified professionals to prune your trees
and palms, follow the tips in
UF/IFAS article FOR116 Get
the Right Tree Professional.
Then head to the International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
website to find a certified local
arborist to care for your landscape’s most visible assets.
Page 5
The Green Gazette
Now Playing in SWFL Gardens
By Leah Ray, Master Gardener
We’ve had a few showers and some moderate temperatures, but hot and dry weather is bound to happen
long before the rains begin. Train your turf and plantings now to grow deep roots by irrigating only when
they’re thirsty, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy landscape fit for year-round enjoyment.
Color and Shade: Want to be the envy of your neighborhood? Click on the
Pink Shower Tree photo at left to see more SWFL beautiful flowering trees.
Simple steps to beautiful: Hot, dry weather is tough on our landscapes,
particularly the turf. But by following these four simple landscape practices
and this fertilization guidance, your landscape and our environment will be
more beautiful and sustainable with less time, money and effort required.
Irrigate wisely: April is Water Conservation Month, and you can reduce your
water bills and improve your landscape’s performance by placing a rain gauge
in your landscape, setting your irrigation timers on “manual,” and irrigating
when your landscape becomes thirsty. Perform regular irrigation system
maintenance now, then be sure to follow the
current Collier County irrigation guidelines.
Pruning: Royal palms and foxtail palms are
self-pruning. But for all others, use these
proper palm pruning practices, and you’ll have a beautiful and windresistant landscape. Click on the photo at right to view a brief video
showing proper techniques. And when you see inept commercial operators over-pruning palms? Take photos of the offenders and damage, and
call Collier County Code Enforcement at 239-252-2440 to report them.
In Our Nature
By Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Bette Nebel
School is in session, as many local wildlife parents are busy teaching their young about good foods to
eat, and where to find them. Longer days of sunshine mean more opportunities to observe our natural
neighbors at work and play. For more sights, see our Year In Our Nature Calendar.
Over 450 million years ago, there were Horseshoe Crabs. Of the four
species still found worldwide, only one species, Limulus polyphemus, is
found in North America along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Maine to
Mexico. These creatures are more closely related to arachnids, like spiders and scorpions, than crustaceans, like crabs, lobsters and shrimp.
But they are completely harmless: they use their long spike-like tail to
flip themselves over if they are accidentally overturned.
Horseshoe crabs aerate the sea floor as they feed, coming ashore to spawn between March and November. Although nesting in Florida can occur virtually
year-round, peak spawning occurs from April through August when the moon is
in full or new moon phases. This is good news, since horseshoe crab eggs are a
food source for fish, and over half the diet of 11 species of nesting shorebirds.
You can help by reporting horseshoe crab nesting locations to wildlife biologists.
Count yourself lucky if your landscape is home to Florida’s only native lizard, the
Green Anole Anolis carolinensis. Although not a chameleon, they can turn
their totally green form entirely brown. As a result, they are frequently mistaken for the more common but non-native Brown Anole Anolis sagrei. From
spring to fall, anoles lay eggs every two weeks among the leaf litter. Anoles live
for about a year, dining on mosquitos, flies, beetles and spiders, and frequently
fleeing capture by leaving their “disposable tail” behind.
Page 6
The Green Gazette
National Safe Digging Month
Buried utilities are often out of sight and out of mind.
But digging into one can be costly and dangerous.
That’s why you must always call 811 before you
dig. Sunshine 811 is a free public service that coordinates the "Call 811 before you dig" process between excavators and member utilities in Florida. We
notify member utility companies when you are planning to dig, and they mark the approximate location
of underground lines, pipes and cables in your yard
or construction site.
The process takes
two full business
days. Day 1 starts
the day after you
call.
Learn how you can
keep your family
and neighborhood
safe by clicking on
the image at right.
There’s still time (until April 14th)
to share your thoughts with the
Florida Wildlife Commission concerning Florida Black Bear management.
Go
to
http://
www.myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/bear/.
In addition, Collier County Commissioners want
your ideas about restarting the roadway landscaping
program. View the hyperlinked article, then click on
the photo at right to email
your ideas and opinions to
all of the Commissioners.
SWFL Gulf & Garden Calendar
See Collier Extension Calendar for more details.
http://ufifascollierextension.eventbrite.com
April
Apr
Apr 9
April SFL Garden Calendar
Are You Smarter Than A Stone
Crab, SeaGrant Agent Bryan Fluech,
Tour starts at Marco Island Library.
3:30 - 6:30 pm. $ 17/person. Register online or email Bryan Fluech.
Apr 11 Everglades River of Grass, Ray Judah,
Volunteer at these sites,
8-11 am. Email [email protected].
Apr 13 Florida Friendly Landscaping For
Associations Workshop, Collier Extension, 1 - 3:30 pm. Free. Register at
eventbrite, or email Isabel Way-Soto.
Apr 15 Tree Pruning 101, Lee County Extension Agent Stephen Brown, North Fort
Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North
Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers,
10am - 2:45pm. $ 18/person online, $
25/person at the door.
Register at
Eventbrite, or email Stephen Brown.
Apr 18 Managing Collier’s Mosquitos, Information booth with Collier Mosquito
Control District Public Information
Officer Adrian Salinas, adjacent to
Master Gardener Walk-in Plant Clinic,
Home Depot, 1651 Airport-Pulling Rd
S., 10am - Noon. Free.
May
May
May SFL Garden Calendar
May 1 Florida Friendly Landscaping For
Associations Workshop, Collier Extension, 1 - 3:30 pm. Free. Register at
eventbrite, or email Isabel Way-Soto.
June
June
June SFL Garden Calendar
Next Green Gazette
Jun 10 Green Industries Best Management
Practices more in next Green Gazette
Page 7
The Green Gazette
Dancing in the Streets for Healthy Well-Being
By Family Nutrition Program Agent Suzanne Fundingsland and Master Gardener Mary Jane Cary
There was dancing in the streets of Immokalee on Saturday, April 4th, as
Ciclovia Immokalee organizers announced that these monthly events will
continue through the summer. The car-free celebrations, held on the first
Saturday of each month, enable families, friends and neighbors to walk, run,
bike, dance and enjoy healthy foods and outdoor activities together. Click
on the photo at right to view the latest Ciclovia Immokalee celebrations.
Black Bean Cakes Serves 4 - 6
2 15 oz. cans low-sodium Black Beans, drained and rinsed
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh sweet corn kernels
1/2 cup green onion, diced
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
4 Tbsp. Olive oil
Combine all ingredients except flour and olive oil in a medium-sized mixing bowl, mixing well. Separate
1/3 of mixture into smaller mixing bowl, mashing the contents, then return to larger bowl. Slowly add
flour 1 Tbsp. at a time, until mixture is thick enough to form into a ball. Heat 4 Tbsp. olive oil in large
sauté pan over medium-high heat. Form golf-ball-size patties, and place in pan. Lightly flatten cakes
with spatula, and sauté until golden brown on both sides. Drain cakes on paper towel. Serve with
Fresh Spinach and Spicy Yogurt Sauce
Combine these ingredients in a small bowl, and mix well: 2 cups plain, non-fat Greek Yogurt, juice from
1 lime, 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro, 1 Tbsp. dried cumin, 1 tsp. chili powder, plus kosher salt and
freshly ground pepper to taste. Keep chilled. Just before serving, rinse 2-3
cups fresh spinach, pat dry, and spread onto serving plates. Place warm
bean cakes on spinach, and serve with chilled spicy yogurt sauce.
Add a Florida Fresh Tomato Salad as a side, and you have a quick and easy
meal and cleanup. And what better way to finish off your meal than with a
Florida Berry Snack Bar, featuring local fresh strawberries and blueberries.
Visit a Master Gardener Plant Clinic Today!
Call 239 252 4815 or email [email protected] anytime
“Bring us your tired, your poor, your pest-infested plants, yearning to be healed…”
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
9 am — Noon and 1 — 4 pm Collier Extension 14700 Immokalee Rd.
Tuesdays through April 28
Browse our library of
Green Gazette issues at
http://collier.ifas.ufl.edu/
HomeGarden/Newsletters.shtml
Thursdays
FREE OFFER!
Saturdays
10 am — Noon Home Depot 1651 Airport-Pulling Rd S.
Saturdays through April 25
1 - 3 pm
Lowe's 12730 Tamiami Trail East
Subscribe to the Green
Gazette by emailing us at
[email protected]
Page 8