Looks, as the old saying goes, can be deceiving. This useful advice is certainly applicable to all the flying nocturnal visitors in the past weeks who are showing up in the home landscape and garden plots. Those small, nondescript moths which flit around the porch light are busy doing more than decorating car grills under…Read more
The images of dragons lurk in myths and nightmares. They are pitiless creatures which will dine on any and all flesh which come within their grasp, but they are especially fond of devouring helpless damsels. Some who wish to establish an immediate reputation for ruthless, callous behavior have assumed the term to suit their malevolent…Read more
As the weather has warmed up and the day lengths have peaked, some early season wildflowers have gone to seed and become a muted part of the background landscape. Their blooms will return next year, if environmental conditions are favorable. Other native plants have stepped into the bloom void to contribute their pallet of colors…Read more
Cycas revoluta, the king sago palm, or simply ‘sago palm’, is a member of the Cycadaceae family. Most common names for this and other cycads include the word palm because of their resemblance to some members of the palm family (Arecaceae). However, it is not a true palm. Cycads are more closely related to conifers…Read more
A name can be a defining aspect of an identity. It can portray a variety of characteristics, both real and imagined, for the holder. In addition to family identities, the name can project strength and honor for the owner. Noted historical figures of times past can contribute to the evoked image. Many Hollywood stars-to-be have…Read more
The world is returning to something resembling a state of equilibrium. The collective sigh of relief is moderated by the knowledge that the grass and weeds are growing with wild abandon. Given the substantial and consistent rains during the spring of 2022, the growth and expansion of sneeze-inducing weeds has been tremendous. The primary offender-to-be…Read more
Also written by Chris Renn. Despite the damage incurred by recent hurricanes, notably Hurricane Michael in 2018, the pine tree industry in Florida still is a major contributor to the state’s economy. This industry includes the growing of trees for timber, pulpwood, pine straw and pine rosin (turpentine), and it provides for conservation and public…Read more
Nothing on four feet is identified with Florida as much as the alligator. The toothy grin is found on post cards, T-shirts, and a nearly unending list of tourist promotional items which invite visitors to come to the sunshine state and leave their money. Florida has two native species of crocodilians, the American alligator (Alligator…Read more
Being new to an area can prove challenging for the recently arrived. Identifying where thing are and how to access the needed resources is a bit intimidating for some. Others, however, arrive on the scene with an aggressive stance and posture. Their antagonistic and lordly countenance immediately notifies all in the area that conflict is…Read more
Fishing is a wonderful pastime for the amateur angler. There is fresh air, open spaces and the chance of catching a fish worth bragging rights. For the professional the situation is different. The success or failure of the effort will determine if food is available for the family, ultimately a circumstance of life or death….Read more
