After the recent cold fronts, violent winds and ongoing drought conditions, many Floridians are stepping outside and asking the same questions: Did my mango tree survive? My lawn is yellow, dry, and windburned. Will it survive with water restrictions? Are my shrubs and groundcover dead or just stressed or dormant? How do I protect my [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_60101" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-60101" style="width: 475px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-60101" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2026/02/cold-stressed-landscape-by-Lourdes-Mederos-300x226.jpg" alt="cold stressed landscape by Lourdes Mederos" width="475" height="358" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-60101" class="wp-caption-text">Following recent frosts and winds, many gardens in Florida demonstrated visible damage. UF/IFAS agents are ready to help identify and recover your plants. UF IFAS photo byLourdes Mederos,</figcaption></figure>
After the recent cold fronts, violent winds and ongoing drought conditions, many Floridians are stepping outside and asking the same questions:
<ul>
<li>Did my mango tree survive?</li>
<li>My lawn is yellow, dry, and windburned. Will it survive with water restrictions?</li>
<li>Are my shrubs and groundcover dead or just stressed or dormant?</li>
<li>How do I protect my landscape with water restrictions in place?</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
With colder and drier weather forecasts, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agents are available statewide to help homeowners and the media understand what winter weather really did to help residents identify weather-related damage, avoid costly mistakes and take smart recovery steps that protect landscapes while saving water.
Featured Experts: 
South Florida:
UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County
Henry Mayer, commercial and urban horticulture agent
AVAILABLE FOR SPANISH/ENGLISH MEDIA
305-679.0257
<a href="mailto:hmayer@ufl.edu">hmayer@ufl.edu</a>
<figure id="attachment_60103" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-60103" style="width: 456px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-60103" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2026/02/Freeze-damaged-palm-tree-UFIFAS-photo-by-Cat-Wofford-300x200.jpg" alt="Freeze damaged palm tree UFIFAS photo by Cat Wofford" width="456" height="304" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-60103" class="wp-caption-text">A freeze damaged palm tree in a residential neighborhood. UFIFAS photo by Cat Wofford</figcaption></figure>
Dalton Goolsby, Urban Horticulture Program supervisor
305-679-0236
<a href="mailto:daltongoolsby@ufl.edu">daltongoolsby@ufl.edu</a>
 
Treasure Coast:
UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County
Sara MacDonald, urban horticulture agent and Master Gardener Program coordinator
AVAILABLE FOR SPANISH/ENGLISH MEDIA
772-462-1660
E-mail: <a href="mailto:sara.macdonald@ufl.edu">sara.macdonald@ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;
UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County
Leslie Nicole Munroe, environmental horticulture agent and Master Gardener Program coordinator
772-226-4318
E-mail: <a href="mailto:lnmunroe@ufl.edu">lnmunroe@ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;
SW Florida
UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County
Whitney Elmore, Extension Director and residential horticulture agent and associate state program leader for natural resources
(352) 518-0156
<a href="mailto:wcelmore@ufl.edu">wcelmore@ufl.edu</a>.
&nbsp;
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Anne Yasalonis, residential horticulture agent
(863) 519-1041
<a href="mailto:anneanne@ufl.edu">anneanne@ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;
North Florida
UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County
Cynthia Nazario-Leary, environmental horticulture agent
(352) 955-2402
<a href="mailto:cnazarioleary@ufl.edu">cnazarioleary@ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;
To locate the closest Extension expert in your area, <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/">use this link</a>.
Looking for reading materials? Check out these blogs and Ask IFAS publications:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosaco/2026/02/05/do-not-act-too-quickly-after-a-freeze-in-your-landscape-and-lawn/">Do Not Act Too Quickly after Landscape Freeze &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension Okaloosa County</a></li>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2026/02/05/deep-freeze-2026/">Deep Freeze 2026 &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County</a></li>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/author/hmayer/">Henry Mayer, Author of What&#8217;s Happening Around Florida</a></li>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/putnamco/2026/02/03/florida-freeze-plant-care-practical-steps-after-a-freeze/">What to Do After a Freeze Practical Steps for Plant Care &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension Putnam County</a></li>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/desotoco/2026/02/03/post-freeze-considerations-and-recovery-for-commercial-fruit-growers-workshop/">Post-freeze Recovery for Commercial Fruit Growers &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension DeSoto County</a></li>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hardeeco/2026/02/03/the-morning-after-the-freeze-understanding-what-happened-to-our-pasture/">The Morning After the Freeze: Understanding what Happened to our Pasture &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County</a></li>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/2026/01/30/winter-pruning-in-north-florida-what-to-cut-and-what-to-leave-alone/">Winter Pruning in North Florida: What to Cut and What to Leave Alone &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension Jackson County</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Ask IFAS: <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1275">HS1275/HS1275: Freeze Damage Symptoms and Recovery for Citrus</a></li>
<li>Ask IFAS: <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CH004">HS118/CH004: Recovering From Freeze Damage</a></li>
<li>Ask IFAS: <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP101">ENH841/EP101: Chilling Injury in Tropical Foliage Plants: I. Spathiphyllum</a></li>
<li>Ask IFAS: <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-and-garden-cold">Lawn and Garden Care: Cold Protection and Chilling Damage</a></li>
<li>Ask IFAS: <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG318">ENH-92/MG318: Cold Damage on Palms</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2026/02/10/olas-de-frio-quemaduras-por-el-viento-o-sequias-afectaron-sus-plantas-expertos-de-university-of-florida-estan-disponibles-para-ayudarle-a-detectar-problemas-manejarlos-y-recuperar-su-jardin/">Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace.</a>
###
By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
&nbsp;

Following recent frosts and winds, many gardens in Florida demonstrated visible damage. UF/IFAS agents are ready to help identify and recover your plants. UF IFAS photo byLourdes Mederos,
After the recent cold fronts, violent winds and ongoing drought conditions, many Floridians are stepping outside and asking the same questions:
Did my mango tree survive?
My lawn is yellow, dry, and windburned. Will it survive with water restrictions?
Are my shrubs and groundcover dead or just stressed or dormant?
How do I protect my landscape with water restrictions in place?
 
With colder and drier weather forecasts, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agents are available statewide to help homeowners and the media understand what winter weather really did to help residents identify weather-related damage, avoid costly mistakes and take smart recovery steps that protect landscapes while saving water.
Featured Experts: 
South Florida:
UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County
Henry Mayer, commercial and urban horticulture agent
AVAILABLE FOR SPANISH/ENGLISH MEDIA
305-679.0257
hmayer@ufl.edu
A freeze damaged palm tree in a residential neighborhood. UFIFAS photo by Cat Wofford
Dalton Goolsby, Urban Horticulture Program supervisor
305-679-0236
daltongoolsby@ufl.edu
 
Treasure Coast:
UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County
Sara MacDonald, urban horticulture agent and Master Gardener Program coordinator
AVAILABLE FOR SPANISH/ENGLISH MEDIA
772-462-1660
E-mail: sara.macdonald@ufl.edu
 
UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County
Leslie Nicole Munroe, environmental horticulture agent and Master Gardener Program coordinator
772-226-4318
E-mail: lnmunroe@ufl.edu
 
SW Florida
UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County
Whitney Elmore, Extension Director and residential horticulture agent and associate state program leader for natural resources
(352) 518-0156
wcelmore@ufl.edu.
 
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Anne Yasalonis, residential horticulture agent
(863) 519-1041
anneanne@ufl.edu
 
North Florida
UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County
Cynthia Nazario-Leary, environmental horticulture agent
(352) 955-2402
cnazarioleary@ufl.edu
 
To locate the closest Extension expert in your area, use this link.
Looking for reading materials? Check out these blogs and Ask IFAS publications:
Do Not Act Too Quickly after Landscape Freeze – UF/IFAS Extension Okaloosa County
Deep Freeze 2026 – UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County
Henry Mayer, Author of What’s Happening Around Florida
What to Do After a Freeze Practical Steps for Plant Care – UF/IFAS Extension Putnam County
Post-freeze Recovery for Commercial Fruit Growers – UF/IFAS Extension DeSoto County
The Morning After the Freeze: Understanding what Happened to our Pasture – UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County
Winter Pruning in North Florida: What to Cut and What to Leave Alone – UF/IFAS Extension Jackson County
 
Ask IFAS: HS1275/HS1275: Freeze Damage Symptoms and Recovery for Citrus
Ask IFAS: HS118/CH004: Recovering From Freeze Damage
Ask IFAS: ENH841/EP101: Chilling Injury in Tropical Foliage Plants: I. Spathiphyllum
Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Care: Cold Protection and Chilling Damage
Ask IFAS: ENH-92/MG318: Cold Damage on Palms
 
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace.
###
By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

After the recent cold fronts, violent winds and ongoing drought conditions, many Floridians are stepping outside and asking the same questions: Did my mango tree survive? My lawn is yellow, dry, and windburned. Will it survive with water restrictions? Are my shrubs and groundcover dead or just stressed or dormant? How do I protect my […]

Cold snaps, wind burn, drought, stressing your landscape? UF experts available to help you detect, manage, recover

Have you ever dreamed of turning the plants, leaves, and food scraps around your home into a nutrient‑rich garden compost? Below I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create a thriving compost pile right in your backyard or a community garden. First, find a space in your garden to compost, whether that&#8217;s in a [&#8230;]

Have you ever dreamed of turning the plants, leaves, and food scraps around your home into a nutrient‑rich garden compost? Below I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create a thriving compost pile right in your backyard or a community garden.
First, find a space in your garden to compost, whether that’s in a composter or an area for a composting pile. Lay down a layer of old garden soil, then add 12‑inch layers of brown material (dry leaves, straw, shredded newspaper) followed by a layer of green material (fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, grass clippings). Repeat, piling until you have 4 to 6 layers, and keep the ratio approximately half‑green, half‑brown. Water the pile lightly after each layer so it’s damp but not soggy.
The real magic happens when you stir the pile. Every week or two, twist and turn the compost with a pitchfork. Incorporating air speeds up decomposition and keeps odors at bay. After two to three months you’ll recognize finished compost by its earthy smell and the absence of recognizable greens, although large browns may remain, and that’s fine. Often the pile will shrink to about 1/3 its size; during this time, do not add more items to the pile.
Here are some tips for trouble shooting. If the pile is sluggish, add more greens, a splash of water, and turn it more often. If it smells strong, mix in more browns—old leaves or cardboard—and turn it more frequently. Hide any vegetable scraps deep into the pile to deter pests.
Need more help? Reach out to your local county Extension office!

Have you ever dreamed of turning the plants, leaves, and food scraps around your home into a nutrient‑rich garden compost? Below I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create a thriving compost pile right in your backyard or a community garden. First, find a space in your garden to compost, whether that’s in a […]

Florida Gardening 101: Composting at Home

Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or just beginning to dig into the seeds of gardening, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has the perfect way to cultivate that passion. Mark your calendars for Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon to attend the UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_57269" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-57269" style="width: 451px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-57269" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2025/10/MGV-and-cabbage-from-an-urban-food-garden-300x214.jpg" alt="A master gardener from Extension Broward County and cabbage from an urban food garden" width="451" height="322" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-57269" class="wp-caption-text">A master gardener from UF/IFAS Extension Broward County holds a massive cabbage grown at an urban food garden in South Florida. Photo by UF/IFAS Extension Broward.</figcaption></figure>
Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or just beginning to dig into the seeds of gardening, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has the perfect way to cultivate that passion.
Mark your calendars for Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon to attend the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-ufifas-extension-broward-county-master-gardener-volunteer-open-house-tickets-1416991482669?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Open House</a>. This free public event, held at 3245 College Ave., in Davie, will offer a hands-on look at the <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/urban-horticulture/broward-master-gardener/">Master Gardener Volunteer Program</a>. Learn how you can cultivate local projects, connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and help others grow, all while growing personally and professionally.
Organizers of the open house invite residents to discover <a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/what-we-do/impact/">how they can make a difference in their community through gardening education and outreach</a>. Participants will learn how the Master Gardener Volunteer program blends science-based training with real-world application, empowering volunteers to become leaders in sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship.
Guests can attend informative presentations and take part in a Q&amp;A session with UF/IFAS faculty and current volunteers. Attendees will also hear from active volunteers who share their experiences helping local schools, community gardens and homeowners thrive through horticulture education and environmentally friendly practices.
“As an agent, I see firsthand the transformative impact of the Master Gardener Volunteer program here in Broward County,” said Lorna Bravo, <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/">UF/IFAS Extension Broward County</a> urban horticulture agent and Master Gardener Volunteer program coordinator. “It’s a tremendous point of pride to know that our volunteers are not only expanding their own knowledge, but using what they learn to make a lasting, positive difference in our community.”
Attendees will discover the benefits of becoming an Master Gardener Volunteer and explore ways to get involved, including details about the <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/broward/docs/pdfs/urban-hort/program-documents/2025-Scholarship-Application.pdf">Master Gardener Volunteer  scholarship program</a> that supports new volunteers.
Participants also can connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, UF/IFAS faculty and local experts who share a passion for cultivating a greener Broward County.
“Every question answered, every garden assisted and every educational outreach leaves a legacy of science-based gardening practices and environmental stewardship,” said Bravo. “The dedication and expertise of our volunteers truly help shape a greener, more resilient Broward County for generations to come. Plus, there’s always room for more blooms in our garden of volunteers.”
For more information, learn more at the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-ufifas-extension-broward-county-master-gardener-volunteer-open-house-tickets-1416991482669?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">registration website</a> or contact the <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/">UF/IFAS Extension Broward County</a> office.
&nbsp;
###
By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/10/14/cultive-localmente-participe-en-la-jornada-de-puertas-abiertas-del-programa-maestros-jardineros-voluntarios-de-uf-ifas-en-broward-este-15-de-noviembre/">Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. </a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>

A master gardener from UF/IFAS Extension Broward County holds a massive cabbage grown at an urban food garden in South Florida. Photo by UF/IFAS Extension Broward.
Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or just beginning to dig into the seeds of gardening, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has the perfect way to cultivate that passion.
Mark your calendars for Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon to attend the UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Open House. This free public event, held at 3245 College Ave., in Davie, will offer a hands-on look at the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Learn how you can cultivate local projects, connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and help others grow, all while growing personally and professionally.
Organizers of the open house invite residents to discover how they can make a difference in their community through gardening education and outreach. Participants will learn how the Master Gardener Volunteer program blends science-based training with real-world application, empowering volunteers to become leaders in sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship.
Guests can attend informative presentations and take part in a Q&A session with UF/IFAS faculty and current volunteers. Attendees will also hear from active volunteers who share their experiences helping local schools, community gardens and homeowners thrive through horticulture education and environmentally friendly practices.
“As an agent, I see firsthand the transformative impact of the Master Gardener Volunteer program here in Broward County,” said Lorna Bravo, UF/IFAS Extension Broward County urban horticulture agent and Master Gardener Volunteer program coordinator. “It’s a tremendous point of pride to know that our volunteers are not only expanding their own knowledge, but using what they learn to make a lasting, positive difference in our community.”
Attendees will discover the benefits of becoming an Master Gardener Volunteer and explore ways to get involved, including details about the Master Gardener Volunteer  scholarship program that supports new volunteers.
Participants also can connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, UF/IFAS faculty and local experts who share a passion for cultivating a greener Broward County.
“Every question answered, every garden assisted and every educational outreach leaves a legacy of science-based gardening practices and environmental stewardship,” said Bravo. “The dedication and expertise of our volunteers truly help shape a greener, more resilient Broward County for generations to come. Plus, there’s always room for more blooms in our garden of volunteers.”
For more information, learn more at the registration website or contact the UF/IFAS Extension Broward County office.
 
###
By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or just beginning to dig into the seeds of gardening, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has the perfect way to cultivate that passion. Mark your calendars for Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon to attend the UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master […]

Grow local, join UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Open House on Nov. 15

The built-up or densely populated area containing the city proper; suburbs, and continuously settled commuter areas; definitions of urban areas vary by countries.

Urban Areas

Entorno urbano

Horticulture is defined as that branch of agriculture concerned with growing plants that are used by people for food, for medicinal purposes, and for aesthetic gratification. [NALT]

Horticulture

Horticultura

Florida-Friendly Landscaping&trade; (FFL) means using low-maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Learn how you can have a beautiful landscape that could save you time, energy and money while protecting our future. See the <a href="http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/">Florida Friendly Landscaping&trade; program</a> website for training, contact information and more information about the program.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program

The science and art of promoting the successful growth and development of ornamental plants, turf, vegetables and fruit in the urban environment.

commercial urban horticulture Extension agent IV, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, Homestead, FL

Mayer, Henrique

Extension agent II, M.S., horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, Cocoa, FL

Urban Horticulture

Narrower Topics

Lawn and Garden Programs

Publications

Wildlife-Friendly Landscaping: Connecting Professionals and the Public

Cold snaps, wind burn, drought, stressing your landscape? UF experts available to help you detect, manage, recover

Florida Gardening 101: Composting at Home

Grow local, join UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Open House on Nov. 15