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.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of leaves remaining on the trees in panhandle Florida. Hurricane Idalia’s track damaged some of the Big Bend area, but its destructive path will not impede the seasonal color change. The summer of 2023 has been relatively wet and as such the color change of leaves will be unremarkable. The…Read more
As summer fades to autumn in less than a week, the color pallet of the region’s landscape is gradually changing. Unlike latitudes to the north, panhandle Florida’s fall colors come in a rainbow of wildflower shades. Generally speaking, early fall’s wildflowers come in one of four tint categories. White, yellow, green and purple cover the…Read more
There is nothing favorable about being compared to a roach, having roaches, or appearing roach-like. It is all negative and an insult to boot. In panhandle Florida one of the native species is the woods roach, Eurycotis floridana. Commonly referred to as the palmetto bug, this insect can reach almost two inches in length and…Read more
The consistent heat and humidity of 2023’s summer has produced an abundance of blooms, both native and exotic. The range of colors helps compensate human residents, somewhat, for the physical discomfort of venturing into the often-sweltering environment. For many insects, the current crop of flowers is a signal that pollen and nectar are readily available…Read more
The consistent rains this summer have produced many positive results. The lawn grass is greener and growing fast enough to require weekly mowing, temperatures notwithstanding. Vegetables in the summer garden and fruit trees in the home orchard are flourishing under the ample precipitation. Shrubs and trees in residential landscapes have little to no need for…Read more
With panhandle Florida’s schools back in session, the summer break of 2023 is done much to the relief of many parents. Still, the heat and humidity remain typical to August. Even though a bit extreme this year, the heat should come as no surprise to anyone who has been in panhandle Florida for more than…Read more
Sometimes events do not turn out as planned. The project’s initiative was sound, but unknown factors appeared and turned success into a mess. The sterling historical example of this concept can be summed up in one name, George Armstrong Custer. Panhandle Florida, however, has many lesser-known examples in the ornamental horticulture arena which have caused…Read more
Having a notorious relative brings with it some usually unpleasant baggage. Acquaintances, and the public at large, assume there is the likelihood that the genetic tie will result in similar behavior. The negative expectations are reinforced by those celebrities which are in the news, usually for their questionable behavior. From a historical perspective Jerry Lee…Read more
Misery loves company, as the old saying goes. And working outside in the heat and humidity of August 2023 certainly qualifies as challenging. In this light, being a social creature has somewhat positive aspects since the task will be completed sooner. Having collective experiences is an important social activity which assures the continuation of the…Read more
The heat notwithstanding, 2023 has been a good growing year for panhandle Florida’s lawns and gardens. The rain has been adequate and timed to keep the ground moist, but not too soggy. That is the good news, but there is bad news too. Weeds in north Florida like the same environment and are growing aggressively…Read more
