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.
Generalizations are an easy way to attempt to predict the character of almost any subject or thing without examining the situation or details. The scenario goes if X is present, then Y will occur. Alas, life is far too complex for generalizations to be of much use and in many cases simple rationalizations lead to…Read more
To the relief of most panhandle Florida residents, the rains have finally returned, even if it is November and many plants are going dormant. But with the return of much needed rain comes the question of how to handle storm water runoff? The typical down bursts in Florida combined with our porous soils to create…Read more
It is an oft heard complaint, “I’m having a difficult time getting grass to grow under the trees in my yard. The soil seems to be good, but without grass any heavy rain just washes it away”. And it is always followed by the question, “Is there any type of grass I can plant there…Read more
While the thermometer may not know it, autumn 2024 is almost half gone. Even so, the trees and plants are reacting to the gradually shortening days. Surely, the temperature will noticeably drop in a week or two, but in the meantime the greenery will steadily retreat. Native plants have stopped producing new foliage and some…Read more
The month of November will bring a number of noteworthy dates to residents of panhandle Florida, and the rest of the country. As has been the tradition of the last few years, all forms of advertising will shift away from political ads to holiday events, and the associated gifts which need to be purchased. While…Read more
It is hard to believe, and the daytime temperature is no indication of the change, but autumn is underway. While the weather is cooler (at least a bit cooler), it is by no means cool in the truest sense of the word. Even so, many of the native wildflowers are a reflection of this celestial-based…Read more
Retail marketing in the 21st century has occasionally strange and odd juxtapositions of merchandise which have some shoppers scratching their heads. For example, on the shelves currently are about 20 different cream-of-mushroom soups from a famous brand. There is the usual fat free variety, but there is also the gluten free, heart healthy, low salt,…Read more
In north Florida, October is a transitional month for home gardeners with the summer vegetables ebbing in both growth and production. Fall and winter crops are going in, but in most cases, they are still too underdeveloped to utilize in any volume. It is a curious alignment of convenience that one of the last to…Read more
The cooler days and cool nights of October are appreciated by most residents of panhandle Florida. Much of the local commercial vegetable production is wrapping up in north Florida and is moving to warmer counties in the extreme southern part of the state. The soon-to-arrive holiday season has refocused the attention of many, with Christmas…Read more
Autumn is the season of bright colors in the landscape. Even the insects, mostly butterflies, contribute to the technicolor scenery. Insects other than butterflies complement the polychromatic hues too. The oblong-winged katydid, Amblycorypha oblongifolia as it is known to entomologists, is a prime example. This grasshopper-like insect is a member of the subfamily Phaneropterinae, which…Read more
