UF IFAS Ext - Lee County

06/01/2026

Jacarandas make Purple Skies. Jacaranda mimosifolia is native to South America.

The tree is briefly deciduous before flowering. Flowers, April to June with 34 Intense Blooming Days. Flowers are arranged in panicles. They are funnel-shaped to narrowly bell/shaped.

Leaves are opposite and bipinnate.

05/29/2026

Thank you to Ecological Laboratories for hosting the Lee County Master Gardeners for such a highly educational tour of your facility. It was incredible to see the microbes that support healthy water and soil up close under the microscope, and to learn more about the production techniques required to create and distribute these products around the world.

05/23/2026

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05/22/2026

Calling all Lee County Master Gardener Volunteers!

Please RSVP through Better Impact here:
https://app.betterimpact.com/Volunteer/Schedule/OpportunityDetails?guid=a44828ad-09f2-4eed-99e7-42cc2ccffeda&goBackToList=True

Join us Thursday, May 28 at 9:00 AM for a special tour of Ecological Laboratories, Inc. in Cape Coral.

Location:
2525 NE 9th Ave
Cape Coral, FL 33909

We’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how beneficial microbes are used in water, soil, ponds, aquaculture, and environmental management. The tour will connect directly to topics Lee County Master Gardeners work with often, including soil biology, nutrient cycling, runoff, water quality, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping.

05/19/2026

A Flamboyant Royal (Delonix regia): Majestically sized and bold colors make the Royal poinciana tree a symbol of living in South Florida. Most trees usually grow no taller than 40 feet. But this tree is an exception with its tall unbroken trunk of at least 20 feet.

Bloom begins in May and continues into July with approximately 39 Intense Blooming Days.

If you intend to prune your tree, consider using a certified arborist. Butchered trees almost never regain their former beauty and status.

05/14/2026

Cape Coral Burrowing Owls: Cape Coral hosts over 1,000 pairs of Florida Burrowing Owls, making it a crucial habitat for their conservation. The city is actively involved in their conservation.

Unlike many owls, Burrowing Owls are active during the day. They are non-migratory and remain in Florida year-round, adapting well to their local environment.

05/07/2026

Survival Assist for Transplanted Plants: You can shelter recently transplanted plants from the burning sun by surrounding them with protective natural covers. Leafy stems and palm leaf sections can be used. A week or so of shelter is about all that is usually needed.

05/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CW6h626Y8/ The Berne Davis Gardens is one of 12 UF/IFAS Extension Demonstration Gardens in Lee County

05/01/2026