March 17, 2025

Phot0 credit: Ron Rydell

Thank you to everyone who attended Spring Festival 2025  

Even the intermittent showers did not stop visitors, vendors, and Master Gardeners from having a great weekend. 

We appreciate you all.

 Mulch is used to cover the soil in a landscape or garden. It is often composed of organic materials such as tree bark, leaves, needles, wood, or grass. Sometimes mulch is made from stone and other inorganic materials, such as recycled tires. Using mulch can help with saving water, erosion control, weed suppression, and aesthetic appeal.

 Proper mulching is an essential component of any Florida-Friendly landscape. It helps control weeds, keeps the soil moist, and protects plants’ roots from extreme temperatures by creating a buffer between the soil and the air.

 Mulch isn’t just good for your plants; it’s good for your soil. Organic mulches can add nutrients to the soil as they decompose. This improves your soil’s aeration, structure, drainage, and ability to hold nutrients. Mulch can even help reduce erosion and protect plants from certain diseases.

To learn more about mulch use these links:

Choosing and Installing Mulches – Gardening Solutions

https://youtu.be/ZypTIywWxXI?s...

 And Master Gardeners are available to help with your questions. 

From the Plant Clinic

Question: My side yard is shady and the ground is bare - what can I plant there?

Answer: Groundcover plants should do well as long as the area receives at least dappled sunlight for some parts of the day.  Nothing will grow in total shade. Most groundcovers won't survive foot traffic - you might need to maintain a pathway if traffic is necessary.

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) below left/photo credit UF/IFAS

This is an evergreen that is actually a member of the lily family. It has blade-like curving leaves that give the appearance of turfgrass. It won’t tolerate mowing, but only grows to be three to four inches tall. It thrives in zones 7 to 11 in most shady areas.

Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) below right/photo credit UF/IFAS

 This is a fast-spreading, densely growing groundcover that will thrive in sun or shade. It requires very little maintenance; just occasional trimming of edges is needed to keep it looking neat. It thrives in zones 7B through 10 in partial shade.

UF/IFAS Extension Marion County is a cooperation between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida to deliver relevant, research-based education programs that result in healthy people, healthy environments and healthy economies.