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UF IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners

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UF IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners

Marion County Master Gardener Volunteer Program is affiliated with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension. This site is not a public forum.

The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Marion County Master Gardeners intend to educate, inform and provide updated information on UF/IFAS Extension activities and to support and promote the Extension objectives for these activities through its social media site. All UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardener posts are made by UF/IFAS Marion County Master Garden

er designees. Social media users may share ideas through commentary that is consistent with and furthers the objectives of a UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardener's post, and the UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners reserve the right to remove any comments that do not fall within this purpose. By posting a comment on this social media site, users agree to follow the terms of use of the site, Florida and federal laws, and University of Florida regulations and policies, including but not limited to the University’s Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy. The UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners reserves the right to remove from the site any comments that violate these requirements. The University of Florida welcomes your comments on our social media posts and encourages interaction among Gators around the world. We also encourage our community to foster respectful and vibrant online connections. We review all comments made, and when necessary, we reserve the right to remove comments that are:

- Off-topic

– Containing links to third-party websites or content

- Made in violation of Florida or federal law

Comments made by outside users are the opinions of the authors, not of the University of Florida. By posting a comment on our social media pages, you agree to follow the University of Florida Community Commenting Guidelines, host social media channel Terms of Service, Florida and federal law, and UF regulations and policies – including but not limited to the university’s Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy. Your comments may be removed if they are in violation of these Guidelines.

06/05/2026

Plant a red, white, and blue pollinator garden—a great way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Salvia, also called sage and the largest genus in the Lamiaceae family, is the perfect choice.
Salvia is an ornamental species. Some are annuals, some are perennials, and some are shrubs. Flowers come in colors of red, white, blue, yellow, purple, pink, and coral attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators.
Plant your salvias in full to part sun spacing them 1-3’ apart. Once established they are drought resistant and thrive in hot weather.
Salvias bloom in spring, summer, and fall. Extend the blooming period by removing spent flower spikes. If your plant is too tall or spindly you can prune by 1/3-1/2. Some salvias self seed and are propagated by division, seed, and stem cuttings.
Have fun creating your patriotic salvia pollinator masterpiece!

Author: Debora L., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer
Photo: AI generated

06/03/2026

: Marigolds Bring the Garden's Good Guys!

Marigolds do more than add bright color to your vegetable garden-they help attract beneficial insects that support a healthier garden ecosystem! Their nectar-rich blooms can draw pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while also attracting helpful insects like hoverflies, lady beetles, and parasitic wasps. These garden allies help pollinate crops and naturally reduce pest populations by feeding on aphids and other common garden pests.

Check out this article on using flowering plants to attract good bugs to your garden: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2020/06/04/using-insectary-plants-to-attract-pest-predators/

Author: Jessica C., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer
Photo Credit: Jessica C.

06/02/2026

It’s and today’s question is:
The summer solstice falls on June 21st this year.
What does the word solstice actually mean?
Post your answers below and the answer will be provided tomorrow morning in the comment thread!

Author: Becki R., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer
Photo Credits: pasja 1000, Pixabay

05/30/2026

: Herb Therapy

Fresh herbs are thriving this time of year in Marion County! Spending time harvesting basil, mint, rosemary, or oregano can be a calming way to reconnect with your garden. Gardening activities can support emotional wellness while fresh herbs add flavor and nutrition to meals. Bonus self-care idea: clip a few herbs and make a refreshing infused water or tea today. Check out this article for some great herb recipes- https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY1209.

What herbs are growing in your garden right now?

Author: Jessica C., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer
Photo Credit: Jessica C.

05/29/2026

It’s !
Established native plants thrive in our yard needing no supplemental watering. What does established mean? How do you help a plant become established? How long does it take? An established plant has adjusted to its new location. It has developed new roots, new stems, and new leaves. It is obviously well anchored and doesn’t usually show wilting in a dry spell.

To help plants establish, you will need to provide supplemental watering by hand watering, drip irrigation or soaker hose. How much water is required depends on rainfall your yard is experiencing and size of your new plant. Small trees and bushes may take 6 months to a year to thrive without supplemental water. Water your plant early in the morning 2 -3 days for the first few weeks applying about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per inch diameter of the trunk or stems. Sandy soils may require more frequent water. Mulching around the tree but not up against the trunk can help retain moisture. Gradually reduce supplemental water watching for signs of stress.

For small plants (4-6 inches), water thoroughly when first planted. Then give extra water twice a week, slowly reducing the amount of extra water. In about a month, your new small native plant should be thriving just on rainfall.

For more information on establishing new plants check out:
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-shrubs/
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/irrigation/watering-to-establish-shrubs/

Author and Photo Credit: Claudia T., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer
Pictures of established Simpson Stopper, unestablished Wax myrtle

05/27/2026

Wildflower Wednesday! Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)

Do not let the funny name fool you because Frogfruit is a powerhouse for your local environment. This low growing plant creates a dense mat of green leaves and tiny white and purple flowers. It is incredibly tough and can grow in almost any condition, including mowing, foot traffic, and wet or dry soils.

• Pollinator and Host Benefits: It is a host plant for three different butterflies: the Phaon Crescent, Buckeye, and White Peacock. The tiny flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and small insects.
• Turf Alternative: Frogfruit is an excellent substitute for a grass lawn. It can handle being stepped on and stays very short. It is also a useful for soil stabilization on slopes and erosion-prone areas.
• Bloom Time: It can bloom all year long in Florida, providing a constant food source for pollinators.

Frogfruit is important because it is a "utility" plant that supports many species while requiring almost no care. It is perfect for homeowners who want a green space that supports wildlife without the work of a traditional lawn.

For more information, you can visit the UF IFAS website: https://tinyurl.com/2n5pp2xe

Author & Photo credit: Nicole P., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer
Edited with AI and proofread by the Master Gardener.

05/26/2026

It’s !
In keeping with the house plant theme from 5/12, can you name this other popular houseplant?
Post your answers below and the answer will be provided tomorrow morning in the comment thread!

Author: Becki R., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer
Photo Credit: Becki R.

05/22/2026

Whirling butterfly plant (Gaura lindheimeri) is a great addition to your pollinator garden.

Gaura is well adapted to Florida’s hot summers and is drought tolerant once established. It is best to plant Gaura in spring or fall as it goes dormant in winter. Gaura is a wonderful addition in a mixed perennial garden bed, a wildflower bed, or in a patio container.

This perennial can grow 3’ tall and wide and is easy to propagate by digging it up and dividing into clumps. Gaura prefers full sun and well drained light soils. Prune back by 1/3 after it’s first major bloom to encourage repeat blooming.

This herbaceous perennial is hardy in zones 5-10. It flowers from early summer into fall with tall airy flowers resembling whirling butterflies. These flowers provide sweet rich nectar, a favorite of bees and hummingbirds.

Author and photo credit: Debora L., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer

Author and photo credit: D. Lindsay

05/21/2026

Did you know that Marion County has a public foodscape you can visit? Located at 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala adjacent to the County Administration Building at the McPherson Governmental Complex. This garden was installed in October 2025 by the UF IFAS Extension Marion County with help from our incredible Master Gardener Volunteers. It is free and open for you to enjoy anytime so come, check it out, eat, taste, learn and enjoy! https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/lawn--garden/mcpherson-foodscape/

Address

2232 NE Jacksonville Road
Ocala, FL
34470

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13526718400

Website

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/master-gardeners/

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