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.
It has been really hot outside, and dry too. Any July in north Florida is usually in the low 90’s to nobody’s surprise, but in 2024 even the weeds are wilting between showers. This heatwave began in June and will run on for an indeterminate length. The landscape, along with people and pets, is reflecting…Read more
The soon-to-arrive month of July in panhandle Florida is known as a period for maintaining one’s landscaping and gardening efforts. While it is great to be outside for recreational activities, the lawn and garden chores can be a bit tedious in the heat and humidity currently occurring. Still, there are some very productive activities which…Read more
At any point in time a subject under inspection may be in a transitory state which soon passes into a form more representative of the creature’s primary existence, but which is very different from its starting point. Most local insects are excellent examples of this principle. They may appear bright and colorful, only to change…Read more
The summer temperatures have begun to transformed the vegetable gardens of panhandle Florida. The daily 90 degree plus thermometer readings and the typical summer humidity have wilted many spring garden vegetables. One heat hardy exception is the eggplant (Solanum melongena). This member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, requires the heat to thrive…Read more
Horror movies have, for over a century, featured a pantheon of destructive creatures rampaging through the world. Their characteristics have varied over the decades, but they always manage to return. In recent years zombies have been the nightmare of choice. Kill one and 5000 come to its funeral before returning to sacking society. More than…Read more
Having a bank account is a 21st century necessity. The bank, whether online or “brick and mortar”, holds monetary resources in reserve for future use. Some of the resources are expended within the year, and others are held in reserve for use at some indeterminate point in the future. It could be a European vacation…Read more
The bright colors of spring’s blooms have faded into the inviting shades of early summer. While spring’s brilliance stands in stark contrast to winter’s muted tones, summer has an easy and inviting appearance. Still, there are splashes and patches of bright foliage in all parts of panhandle Florida. Tropical sage, for example, adds red flowers…Read more
One thing is certain, the recent rains are making the grass, and most other plants, grow. Thankfully the conversations about drought have been silenced for the time being and everything is green. In the local home gardens a member of the grass family is responding positively to all the moisture from above. Sweet corn in…Read more
Evenings in panhandle Florida produce a raucous din created by insects, amphibians and birds. Anyone hearty enough to take an early evening walk in north Florida will experience a continuation of the frenetic activity and riotous sounds typical to summer in the south. The near deafening call of cicadas (Magicicada spp.) is part of the…Read more
Being refined can be a desirable quality. It reflects a process in which the best possible features have been distilled and are on display. With this refining process there are traits which are suppressed and sometimes lost forever. While these lost characteristics are rarely missed in today’s homogenized existence, their absence lends a consistent repetitiveness…Read more
