Les Harrison is a longtime resident of north Florida, having attended public schools in three counties. He has a Bachelor Degree from the University of Florida in Journalism and a Master’s of Science from Auburn University in Agricultural Economics. He is the author of more than 2000 newspaper and magazine stories and journal articles. During his career, he held positions in private, government and educational (university level) sectors. He holds the title of Extension Agent Emeritus. He can be reached at harrison.gl@gmail.com.
February may be the shortest month of the year, but from a gardener’s perspective there is plenty to do. So far, the weather has been milder than last month, but that can easily change with the next weather forecast. If recent history is any indicator, March may still hold some surprises (either warm or frigid)….Read more
With February coming to a rapid end there are several certainties which most residents of panhandle Florida recognize. There is the realization that cold weather is coming to an end. Admittedly, there are still a few cold mornings left, but with the lengthening days the possibility of frost and freezes is retreating fast. The flora…Read more
The popularity of beekeeping as a hobby has gained popularity in recent years. As such, the Apalachee Beekeeping Association is offering a beginning beekeeping short course on February 22, 2025. The class will be held at the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Crawfordville, located at 84 Cedar Avenue. Topics will include the fundamentals of beekeeping, beekeeping…Read more
A stroll through the woods, a field or any other landscape may seem a bit drab in early February. Temperatures have been more like April for a week or so, but one look will say it is still winter. With few exceptions, the dormant season is quickly obvious in the lack of plant life. However,…Read more
The winter weather of January 2025 turned out to be harsh by panhandle Florida standards. While the month did not produce the coldest temperatures, there was record snowfall over much of the region. A lot of the foliage color and condition reflects the unforgiving conditions. Many oak species currently have brown leaves, but they will…Read more
Snow, sleet and subfreezing temperatures should result in an absence of insects for a while, especially the ones which sting. Despite the many negative attributes of the January 2025 blizzard, at least a stroll outside would not result in bothersome bugs. Expectations aside, the bugs are back. Social insects seemed to have the quickest return…Read more
“Nothing good happens after midnight,” is an oft used phrase by the parents of teenagers. It is a subtle way of saying a lot of mischief occurs under the cover of darkness, so be home to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately, the same statement can be made about late night visitors to the lawn and…Read more
The record setting cold wave with snow, ice and sleet is finally dissipating. Nightly temperatures are above freezing and the last of the icy roadways have thawed so drivers need not worry about slippery pavement. During the worst of the blizzard, residents of panhandle Florida were wisely advised by government officials to stay home and…Read more
This winter’s exceptional weather was deceiving some popular springtime ornamental shrubs and fruit trees into flowering prematurely. The weather took a turn for the worse last week and the deception is over. Azaleas, for example, began blooming because there were warm days which followed a few days of cold. With the return of below seasonal…Read more
On the still days after a cold front has passed through panhandle Florida, the chilly silence can be thunderous. Only the occasional puff of wind in the pine needles and the crunch of heavy frost underfoot shatters the quiet. The appearance of lifeless tranquility is gradually withdrawn as the sun climbs into the southern sky…Read more
