Author Archives: AskthePlantMaster

About AskthePlantMaster

I have 50 years of horticultural experience, am currently a Master Gardener in Central Florida. In addition, I'm a Horticulture Instructor and retired Parks Manager and Arborist. I love plants and would love to help you with yours!

Basic Orchid Care and Needs

Posted on January 28, 2020

 Water:  Best applied at room temperature preferably early in the day.  Thoroughly wet the entire plant, except any flowers.  Follow-up with a second watering approximately 1/2 hour later to help remove any fertilizer salts on your plants.  Frequency for watering … Continue reading →

Posted in Orchids, Plant Diseases, Plant Knowledge, Plant Pests, Slugs and snails | Leave a comment

Citrus Tree Grafting

Posted on June 18, 2019

For those of you with citrus trees or who are thinking about propagating citrus trees, I want to mention that citrus trees cannot be grafted or propagated in any way in Florida without a permit from FDACS, (Florida Department of … Continue reading →

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2020 Talks

Posted on January 28, 2019

The following are talks I will be giving at DeBary Hall during 2020: 1/2/20 – Welcome to Florida – We do Landscaping Differently Here 2/6/20 – Wild Flowers and Native Plants 3/5/20 – Butterfly Gardening 4/2/20 – Why Landscapes Fail … Continue reading →

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Sphaeropsis Knot Fungus on Holly Trees

Posted on January 1, 2019

If you have any holly trees in your landscape you are encouraged to check them for Sphaeropsis tumefaciens – a fungus that causes galls to form on twigs and branches and witches brooms.  If let alone, can cause tissue necrosis … Continue reading →

Posted in Plant Diseases, Plant Pests, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Spring Gardening Activities

Posted on March 29, 2017

Insects –  As our temperature gets warmer, you should begin noticing a number of insect pests, including Chilly Thrips, which attack new growth, including flowers and leaves, especially on roses and gardenias.  While most insecticides are ineffective on this pest, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aphids, Brown Patch, Crape Myrtle, Fertilizing Lawn and Garden, grasshoppers, Insects, Lawn Care, Lawn Pests, Neonecatides, Plant Pests, Scale Insects, Spring Gardening, Thrips, Weeds | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cold Damage and What to do About It

Posted on March 22, 2017

Recently we experienced the coldest weather in our area so far this season.  Some areas were 32 degrees or less, while others were slightly warmer.  How did your plants do?  If you haven’t checked them, I suggest you do to … Continue reading →

Posted in Cold Damage, Winter Florida Gardening | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Annuals for Spring Planting

Posted on February 22, 2017

Now that warmer weather has arrived, it will soon be time to purchase new annuals for adding color to your landscape.  Before buying any new plants, make certain that they are the proper varieties for spring planting.  Click here to … Continue reading →

Posted in Annuals, Flower Meltdown, Plant Diseases, Plant Knowledge, Plant Pests, Spring Gardening, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Common Mistakes We Make When Pruning Our Plants and How to Correct Them

Posted on January 19, 2017

When I first began writing this blog, my intent was to inform homeowners that now (January) is not the time to be pruning their plants.  Because we recently experienced a few days of cold weather, some cold sensitive plants were … Continue reading →

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Mimosa – A Tree to Avoid

Posted on September 7, 2016

Perhaps you have noticed a tree with fragrant pink/white pom-pom like blossoms with fern like foliage growing in your area.  You may have even thought about adding one to your landscape – Don’t!  Read on….. Mimosa trees thrive in full … Continue reading →

Posted in Landscape Gardening, Mimosa, Mimosa Tree, Plant Knowledge, Trees | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Preparing Your Trees for the Hurricane Season

Posted on July 20, 2016

Trees provide us with many things, and often we take them for granted.  We think that they will live forever.  We will over the years become attached to our trees, and whenever we loose them, we experience an emotional let … Continue reading →

Posted in Preparing for Hurricane Season, Trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment