Yes, we suggest fertilizing now with Esposito’s Winterizer (5-0-20) to help improve lawn cold tolerance and spring recovery. (See October Questions for additional information).

You are describing the injury that is common from the attacks of the Tropical Sod Webworm, a very small caterpillar that is the larvae of a night flying moth. Close inspections of the grass blades reveal chewed out notches in the edges and on occasion chewed grass droppings can be found. We recommend applying a proven insecticide to control them. Come by our store and we can show you effective sprays and granular products. Our spray department can control Sod Webworms for you by setting up an appointment, call us at 850-386-2114.

You are describing the shrub that is nicknamed Confederate Rose (Hibiscus mutabilis). Confederate Rose is native to southern China and has been popular  in our area for several generations. Give it a sunny location, use 5-4-7 Azalea/Camellia fertilizer in the Spring and Summer ,water during long dry spells and watch for Whiteflies. This shrub loses all of its leaves in the winter. Confederate Rose can grow over 15 feet tall if not pruned.

Visit our Year Round Color photo album for a good picture of a Confederate Rose bloom.