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Tom A. Wichman

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Tom A. Wichman

Orcid ID0000-0002-4076-7543

staff

Extension program manager, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency

Publications

thumbnail for publication: Acalypha pendula: Dwarf Chenille Plant

Acalypha pendula: Dwarf Chenille Plant

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This ground-hugging, fine-textured relative of the more common chenille plant grows no more than several inches tall. In the full sun it forms a thick canopy of tiny, serrated leaves no more than 3/4 inches long by 1/2 inches wide. Bright red, fuzzy flowers stand erect above the foliage like soldiers in a field.

thumbnail for publication: Florida 4-H Horticulture Identification and Judging: Contest Rules and Glossary

Florida 4-H Horticulture Identification and Judging: Contest Rules and Glossary

Sydney Park Brown, Jeffrey G. Williamson, and Tom Wichman

This publication provides guidelines and information for Florida 4H members and Master Gardeners interested in horticulture and/or in participating in state contests held annually at 4-H Congress or the Master Gardener Annual Conference.

thumbnail for publication: Synthetic Turfgrass and the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™

Synthetic Turfgrass and the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™

Jason Kruse, Bryan Unruh, Jennifer Marvin, Tom Wichman, Lynn Barber, Norma Samuel, John Bossart, Claire Lewis, and Esen Momol

Synthetic turf is a manufactured product that utilizes synthetic fibers that mimic the aesthetic look of natural grass. While designed to imitate the look of natural turf, synthetic turf does not provide the ecosystem benefits of a natural turf system. This publication examines the properties of synthetic turf in relation to each of FFL’s nine principles. A new publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department; 4 pages.

thumbnail for publication: Steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscape

Steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscape

Claire Lewis, Tom Wichman, and Sydney Park Brown

A Florida-Friendly landscape is attractive, functional, and ecologically sound. Its creation and maintenance can be accomplished by using the landscape practices listed in this article. They are grouped according to how much money or labor they take to accomplish from easiest (Tier One) to most expensive and/or labor intensive (Tier Three). Even a simple practice—like raising the height on your lawn mower—can have significant, positive impacts on the landscape and the environment. Helpful websites from the University of Florida/IFAS are also included in this publication. These resources provide even more tips and practices to incorporate Florida-Friendly Landscaping

thumbnail for publication: Acalypha hispida: Chenille Plant

Acalypha hispida: Chenille Plant

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom A. Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, and Ryan Klein

Chenille plant has striking red, drooping flowers. It is commonly used as an accent, hedge, or container plant due to its long blooming period and ornamental features.

thumbnail for publication: Aglaonema spp.: Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema

Aglaonema spp.: Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom A. Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, and Ryan Klein

Chinese evergreen is an herbaceous perennial that has colorful, variegated evergreen foliage which lends a tropical feel to the landscape. It may be utilized as a mass planting or groundcover, container or above ground planter, or it makes a suitable houseplant.

thumbnail for publication: Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles

Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles

Tiare Silvasy, Lynn Barber, Claire Lewis, Tina McIntyre, Tom Wichman, Gail Hansen, Jen Marvin, Terra Freeman, Joseph Sewards, Wendy Wilber, Jacqlyn Rivas, and Esen Momol

Maintaining edible landscapes in a way that protects the environment is an important concern for protecting Florida’s water quality. The objective of this new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is to introduce the framework of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and apply the principles to guide decisions about Best Management Practices (BMPs) for care of edible landscapes.

thumbnail for publication: Floridians' Engagement in Landscape Best Practices to Protect Water Resources: Information from a 2018 Survey

Floridians' Engagement in Landscape Best Practices to Protect Water Resources: Information from a 2018 Survey

Laura A. Warner, Esen Momol, Claire Lewis, Tom Wichman, Wendy Wilber, and A.J. Reisinger

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Urban Water

thumbnail for publication: Recycling Organic Materials to Improve Your Florida-Friendly Edible Landscape

Recycling Organic Materials to Improve Your Florida-Friendly Edible Landscape

Terra Freeman, Tiare Silvasy, Lynn Barber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Tina McIntyre, Jacqlyn Rivas, Jen Marvin, and Esen Momol

This publication is intended to educate homeowners on environmentally friendly ways to enhance soil fertility for vegetables, herbs, and fruits in the home landscape. It discusses strategies for recycling nutrients in place or via composting systems to create productive edible landscapes with less waste. Adopting these methods into your landscape maintenance routine will build organic matter and add nutrients to the soil naturally.

thumbnail for publication: What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™?

What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™?

Esen Momol, Michael Scheinkman, Michael Thomas, Tom Wichman, Gail Hansen, Claire Lewis, Jennifer Marvin, Lynn Barber, Tiare Silvasy, Terra Freeman, Tina McIntyre, Emily Brown, Amanda Peck, and John Bossart

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) provides science-based landscape design and plant selection practices for installing and maintaining resilient, aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Once established, FFL landscapes require little, if any, irrigation, fertilizer, or pesticides. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department provides a brief overview of the FFL program, outreach, and requirements.

thumbnail for publication: Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata': Variegated Shell Ginger, Variegated Shellflower

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata': Variegated Shell Ginger, Variegated Shellflower

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom A. Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, and Ryan Klein

Variegated shell ginger has striking green and yellow variegated foliage. This plant’s ornamentally interesting foliage and shell-like flowers make it an excellent specimen or accent plant, as well as being suitable for mass planting, borders, or as a houseplant.

thumbnail for publication: Florida-Friendly Mulches and Their Uses

Florida-Friendly Mulches and Their Uses

Don Rainey, Esen Momol, Jennifer Marvin, Tom Wichman, Chris Marble, Lynn Barber, and Susan Haddock

This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is intended for those persons seeking information on how to properly select and use mulch as one component of a Florida-friendly landscape design. Written by Don Rainey, Esen Momol, Jennifer Marvin, Tom Wichman, Chris Marble, Lynn Barber, and Susan Haddock.

thumbnail for publication: Guidelines for Hiring a Florida-Friendly Landscape Professional

Guidelines for Hiring a Florida-Friendly Landscape Professional

Esen Momol, Claire Lewis, Tom Wichmann, Elisha Cash, Jennifer Marvin, Michelle Atkinson, Julie McConnell, Kristina McIntyre, Chris Marble, Bryan Unruh, Lynn Barber, Stacie Greco, Ben Bolusky, Merry Mott, Deirdre Irwin, Betsy McGill, Cheryl Harris, E

Many residents evaluate their landscape professionals on price alone; however, quality landscaping is an investment in your property. Knowing what to look for in a landscape professional will help you get the most for your investment, ensure your yard reaches its greatest potential and protect Florida’s water and other natural resources. This new 7-page document, published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department, is intended to provide guidance to residents and entities such as HOA community associations when hiring a landscape professional.

thumbnail for publication: Increasing Efficiency in Extension Using the Train-the-Trainer Approach

Increasing Efficiency in Extension Using the Train-the-Trainer Approach

Laura A. Warner, Amy Harder, Tom Wichman, and Frank Dowdle

Extension has adapted to today’s financial realities through a number of strategies, including increased reliance on partnerships. One strategy that expands the reach of an Extension agent and capitalizes on partners is the “train-the-trainer” approach. This 4-page fact sheet describes the train-the-trainer approach as it applies to Extension programming, provides contextual examples from within and beyond UF/IFAS Extension, and offers best management practices.

thumbnail for publication: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guidelines for Community Associations: Considerations for Selecting a Landscape Contractor and Writing an Effective Landscaping Contract

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guidelines for Community Associations: Considerations for Selecting a Landscape Contractor and Writing an Effective Landscaping Contract

Adam Dale, Claire Lewis, Esen Momol, Don Rainey, John Bossart, C. J. Bain, Jen Marvin, Lynn Barber, Norman Leppla, Gary Knox, and Thomas T. Ankersen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Urban Water

thumbnail for publication: Hollies at a Glance

Hollies at a Glance

Sydney Park Brown

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

thumbnail for publication: Cold Protection of Landscape Plants

Cold Protection of Landscape Plants

Sydney Park Brown

This document discusses the impact of cold temperatures on landscape plants in Florida, highlighting the differences between radiational and advective freezes. It explains how tropical, subtropical, and temperate plants respond to cold, and provides strategies for protecting plants before, during, and after a freeze. Key methods include utilizing microclimates, proper plant nutrition, watering, pruning, and using covers. The document also emphasizes the importance of acclimating plants and offers practical tips for homeowners to minimize cold injury and ensure plant recovery. Original publication date June 1990.