Please
Please
FROM THE EDITOR Shari Wight
My goal as President this year is to create a bridge between the very experienced Master Gardeners and the newbies, of which I still consider myself one. I’d like to focus on the theme, Boost, which is not only the brand name of a common rooting hormone for propagation but is also a great word that means to enthusiastically support and promote.
For the monthly drawing, I will be supplying rooting hormone, which hopefully we can all put to good use in our gardens. As you know, the purpose of this product is to strengthen roots and encourage growth. I hope we can do the same in our organization.
In closing, I challenge each one of you to find a way to contribute to OCMG and make participation, engagement, collaboration, and, of course, FUN the hallmarks of the coming year!
UPDATED PUBLICATIONS
Use This Free Geological Map To See The Rocks Beneath Your Feet Anywhere In The US
ENY2129/IN1458: Common Insect Pests of Lettuce in Florida
FCS3413/FY1556: A Taste of Culture: Evidence-based Health Benefits of Cooking with Herbs and Spices
SL532/SS747: Water Quality Notes: What are concentrations and loads, and why do they matter?
FPS036/FP036: Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata': Variegated Shell Ginger, Variegated Shellflower
EENY-416/IN750: A Flower Beetle, Euphoria sepulcralis (Fabricius) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
EENY658/IN1141: Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
FPS25/FP025: Aglaonema spp.: Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema
EENY-183/IN340: Broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Arachnida: Acari: Tarsonemidae)
SS-AGR-497/AG494: Understanding Fertilizers and Soil Amendments
Master Gardener Legacy Fund
Dear Florida Master Gardener Volunteers,
I am delighted to share the results of this year’s Florida Master Gardener Legacy Fund Awards and to extend heartfelt thanks to all who applied. Each of the projects submitted demonstrated outstanding creativity, commitment to service, and alignment with the mission of the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program helping Floridians create beautiful and functional gardens, improve food security, and protect the environment.
I’m pleased to announce the following recipients:
• Okaloosa County - Okaloosa Technical College “Unique Professionals” (UP) Culinary Garden Program Awarded $1,100
• Martin County - Junior Master Gardener Veggie Demonstration Garden Awarded $1,100
• Volusia County - Education Discovery Tours Awarded $1,100
• Bradford County- Florida Friendly Demonstration Garden Awarded $750
These funds are intended to be used toward the recipients’ projects by the end of 2026. We look forward to seeing the innovative ways in which they will expand their Extension programming and impact on community gardening, horticulture education, and sustainable landscapes.
There was a total of 12 applications, the proposals were all worthy of recognition and speak volumes about the strength and diversity of the Master Gardener network across Florida.
Since its establishment in 2018, the Legacy Fund has helped turn ideas into measurable community impact supporting demonstration gardens, youth-outreach pro-
grams, urban farming projects, signage improvements and more. The awards don’t just fund gardens; they fuel a legacy of service and education that benefits Florida homeowners, schoolchildren, community groups and the environment.
We’ll highlight each of the four projects over the coming months in newsletters and on our website.
Thank you again to everyone who applied and to all of you who serve tirelessly as Master Gardener Volunteers. Your collective efforts are planting seeds now that will grow into years of lasting impact.
With much appreciation and enthusiasm for what’ s ahead,
Wendy Wilber UF IFAS Extension
Statewide Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator 2140 NE Waldo Road PO Box 110675 Gainesville, FL 32611 wilbewl@ufl.edu
Congratulations to the UP team! We can’t wait to see what the future holds!
The Festival Jewel of the Winter Windowsill Dana Jolman
Gardeners often discover that certain plants carry a special kind of presence. One that isn’t loud or demanding, but quietly captivating. Begonia amphioxus, also called the spotted lizard begonia, with its slender, lance shaped leaves, freckled in rich cranberry red spots, brings just that presence to the winter windowsill. Its foliage looks as though someone dotted it with berry paint, while the pale green surface is glowing softly in the ambient light of shorter days.
In a season filled with evergreens, poinsettias, and bright holiday colors, this begonia offers something different: a light, airy plant, whose patterning echoes the festive reds of December without overwhelming the space. It has a delicate silhouette, but the vivid spotting provides a cheerful contrast to the muted palette outside.
This unusual species comes from the humid forest of Borneo, where it grows close to the forest floor under the shelter of taller vegetation. Indoors, it rewards careful attention with steady, new growth, lively colors, and a graceful form that feels right at home alongside seasonal decor. Such as tucked behind a candle display, beneath a string of soft, white lights, or near a bowl of winter citrus.
Care: Creating a Warm Winter Refuge
Even experienced growers find this begonia to be one that appreciates routine. While its appearance may suggest fragility, its needs are straightforward once understood.
Light
This species thrives in a mixture that mimics the soft, loose, organic forest floor. A blend of medium bark, peat, or coco coir, and perlite keeps roots breathing while retaining just enough moisture.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Think of steady winter rain not a snow melt flood. Allow the top layer to dry slightly before watering again. I water from the bottom up to promote a healthy root ball and discourage root rot at all costs.
Humidity
Like mini tropical begonia’ s, the spotted lizard glows under high humidity. Terrariums, glass domes, or simply clustering it among other plants can create a microclimate reminiscent of its native forest. Leaves remain broader and colors deepen when humidity is kept around 60 to 80%.
Temperature
Warmth is essential. Winter drafts from doors or chilly windowsills can cause leaf drop. Keep the plant in a protected area where temperatures stay above 65°F.
Propagation: Spreading the Seasonal Joy
Despite its intricate appearance, this begonia is cooperative when it comes to propagation. Making it a delightful plant to share during the gift-giving season.
Stem cuttings
Give it bright, indirect light, similar to what a south or east window offers in winter. Direct sunlight will fade the vibrant spots, but too little light makes leaves narrow and pale.
Soil
Select a healthy stem with several nodes, insert it into a moist, airy, medium, and cover lightly to retain humidity. New growth emerges once roots are established.
Leaf cuttings
A single leaf with its short patio can form new plantlets
when kept in a warm, bright, enclosed condition. The tiny spotted leaves that emerge look like miniature ornaments. In my experience, this is the most difficult way to propagate this begonia.
Gardening Words
Potager: Pronounced pw-tuh-jay or pah-tuh-jay, it is a kitchen garden whose name comes from the French “jardin potage” or soup garden. Potagers have appeared not only in France but in many cultures as part of cottage gardens, country homes and large estates. Typically, the potager garden may feature a mix of vegetables, fruits and herbs, often laid out in an organized pattern.
Wheelbarrow: The wheel part is self-explanatory and the barrow is said to come from “Barewe” or “bearwe” in Old English in the 14th century, indicating a flat, rectangular frame with projecting handles for carrying a load. The similar term hand-barrow referred to a container without a wheel that would have been carried by two people. But now we know better.
Bonus: Did you know that the airport code for Chicago’ s O’Hare International Airport is ORD? The letters don’t quite make sense do they? The airport’s earlier name was
Division
Mature plants often grow in small clusters that can be gently separated. These divisions make excellent holiday gifts for gardening friends. They are unique, compact, and easy to plant in a small festive pot.
Why It Belongs in the Winter Garden
Begonia amphioxus offers a satisfying blend of beauty, novelty, and horticultural challenge. Perfect for the master gardener volunteers as well as plant enthusiasts who enjoy learning by growing. Its care teaches valuable lessons about microclimate, humidity management, and the delicate balance of water and airflow.
Beyond its educational value, it’s simply a joy to have around in December. When days are short and the outdoor garden rests, the spotted lizard keeps things lively indoors. The leaves carry the colors of the season without being obvious or traditional, bringing subtle warmth to winter corners and quiet charm to indoor displays.
It serves as a reminder that winter gardening doesn’t have to rely solely on holiday classics. Sometimes the most delightful seasonal plants are the unexpected ones.
photos courtesy of Dana Jolman
Orchard Field, built in Orchard Place, originally a rural 19th century community with farmland and orchards. ORD is for “orchard”.
excerpt from Garden Terms Decoded by the Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association, 2024
SPOTLIGHT ON…...
Dean Clary, one of our newer Master Gardener Volunteers, took over the chairperson position for the Native Plant Trail on May 12, 2025. Work days on the trail are scheduled twice each month. During those work days, the crew will walk the trail and identify any issues. Plants are identified, and new plant plaques are added. They have also repainted the trail markers. General housekeeping is accomplished by removing fallen limbs and identifying trip hazards.
The trail itself goes through the natural wooded area. It originally began by following an old deer trail and is now 1306 feet long. There is a short spur off the main trail that goes to the edge of Piney Woods Creek.
Future plans are to identify more plants, add more spurs to unique areas of the trail, update the trail map, refurbish the gazebo at the trail entrance and add more benches.
Currently, there are over 20 native plants marked with a plaque that includes a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone that provides more information about that specific plant.
Gifts for Gardeners Sheri Murphy
For gardeners, Christmas is the perfect time to receive gifts that nurture their passion and help them prepare for the coming growing season. Thoughtful options range from high-quality hand tools like pruners, trowels, or hori-horis to cozy accessories such as durable gloves or kneeling pads that make long hours in the soil more comfortable. Seed collections, whether heirloom vegetables or pollinator-friendly flowers, add a sense of anticipation and creativity as gardeners plan next year’ s beds.
For those who enjoy tending plants indoors during winter, grow lights, attractive ceramic pots, or self-watering planters make practical and inspiring presents. More personal gifts might include gardening journals, plant-themed calendars, or beautifully illustrated books that spark new ideas. Whether practical or decorative, Christmas gifts for gardeners show an appreciation for the joy they find in nurturing life long after the holidays have passed.
Here are a few suggestions:
Under $10/Stocking Stuffers
●Indoor copper watering can: Gardeners Supply Company, $40
●Books: Amazon has a wide variety, but a beautiful option is Floret Farm’s A Year in Flowers, $18
●Garden kneeler/stool: Amazon, $30-50
●The Original Scrusher Brush: Duluth Trading Company, $50
The sky is the limit gifts for gardeners!
●6 drawer orchard rack: Gardeners Supply, $270
●Corinthian Bells 78-inch windchime: Wind River Chimes, $1037 (they do have some less expensive options too!)
●Copper Gardening Tool Set: Kaarigarhandicrafts.com, $120
Or maybe it’s time for that trip! How about touring a Renaissance masterpiece in Tivoli, Italy at Villa d’Este? Or a formal garden in the heart of Paris at the Jardin du Luxembourg. And don’t forget to book your spring vacation in the Netherlands to walk through millions and millions of tulips at Keukenhof. Tour all three… this is priceless.
●Foldable potting mat: Walmart, Amazon, $5-10
●Rain gauge: Walmart, Amazon
●Copper plant markers/labels: Amazon
●Gardening gloves w/ lotion
●Garden trowel (get it personalized with engraving!)
●Nail brush & garden soap set
●Nylon plant tape strap or soft twist ties: Amazon $4-9
●Boot tray: Amazon, $12
●Herb stripper: Amazon, $7
Gifts $20-$50
●Pollinator water bowl/station: Etsy (so many unique options!), $20-30
●Seed bundles from Botanical Interests (the packaging is beautiful!), $20 and up
●Personalized metal garden signs: Etsy $18-50
●F5 Felco pruning shears, Amazon, $34
●Hori Hori knife: Amazon, $22
●Garden tool waist belt bag: Amazon, $20
●Bird feeders… you can never have enough!
From all of us to all of you. Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons!
Lost Garden Lore
Have you ever wondered what gardening was like many years ago? What did people say about gardening? Well, this new section will give some highlights as to what was published in local newspapers. This issue we’ll cover a few items from the late 1800’s.
Pensacola Commercial Saturday 3 January 1885
“2d At Jacksonville, during the State Fair week. Papers will be read and discussions had upon general agriculture in this State. Special subjects: fruit growing, gardening, climatic influences, etc. On Thursday evening, at this meeting an election of officers of the Agricultural Society will take place.”
Wednesday March 18, 1896
The Florida Agricultural College (which became the University of Florida) Advertisement from The Florida Times Union Saturday October 14, 1893
Seed catalog advertisement in The Florida Agriculturist
Next edition we’ll find gardening news from 1900-1930.
Master Gardener Volunteers in Action
Wildflower work-day
Beth, Carolyn, Karen S.., Shari, Karen D., Kathy, Lee, and Shari all worked to clean up the wildflower area in November.
The hard work by the Native Plant Trail crew meant that folks could enjoy a tour before last month’s meeting. Not too sure we should leave Carolyn unsupervised looks like the pallet was winning.
LAST WORD Marg Stewart
wrong. Especially when it comes to tuxedo/Siamese cats with very few active braincells that are not solely engaged in causing mayhem. I turned my back and evidently she could not resist. Of course with the evidence I knew who the culprit was. Not just the crumbs on the table, bite marks in the crust but also the crumbs on whiskers and chin were a dead giveaway. Needless to say, I did not leave the turkey anywhere she had access. And yes, I removed the kitty sampled portion of the pie before serving.
Here we are with another holiday fast approaching. There are errands to run, trips to plan, plants to be hauled in and out when cold temperatures are in the forecast (don’t we all just love that part). There are cards to send, trees to decorate, meals to cook. It’s a busy time of the year.
Soon we’ll be ushering in 2026. A new year that is filled with possibilities. Just look at what we’ve accomplished this past year! Winning the Legacy Award is a big deal. The UP program has been well received and very fulfilling for all those who attend. The wildflower area has been maintained and hopefully we’ll have official designation in 2026 for that area. The Native Plant Trail has been rehabilitated and will be open for business. The nursery has had successful plant sales and continues to be not just educational but an endeavor that everyone can get their hands dirty and have fun doing it! We attend the Baker Heritage Festival for the first time. Some of our volunteers even got to rub shoulders with Elvis! The
speaker’s bureau continues to educate our residents.
When the holiday rush gets to be a bit much, take a moment to think about all that we’ve accomplished this year and give yourself permission to slow down a little.
May your holidays be all that you hope for and may your pies stay away from nibbling felines.
Plentiful Plantings
“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things not the great occasions give off the greatest glow of happiness” Bob Hope
Equal Opportunity Institution
Mission
To assist Extension Agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents.
Vision
To be the most trusted resource for horticultural education in Florida.
The Compost Pile is a quarterly publication created by the Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers.
Marg Stewart Editor
Karen Harper, Debbie Sewell, Katy McMackin Co-Editors
Contributors: Shari Wight, Sheri Murphy, Dana Jolman, Dean Clary, Carolyn Coleman
