It is a frequently used theme in horror movies and horticulture. An alien species is introduced into a pristine environment, either intentionally or by accident, and quickly escapes control to the detriment of the locals. It is always better theater if the invader has as many overt malevolent qualities as possible. Parasitic behavior which slowly…Read more
Many gardeners use some type of chemical to control weeds, insects and diseases. The companies marketing these chemicals have spent millions to hundreds of millions of dollars funding extensive tests to determine the optimum application methods for their products. Unfortunately, many gardeners operate under the premise of “instructions are for others.” There are complaints that…Read more
The effects of January’s cold weather in panhandle Florida have many characteristics. In addition to the realistic possibility of the occasional subfreezing thermometer readings and frosts, there is the quiet. Still, the rumble of vehicle traffic remains, the whine of the occasional jet passing is overheard and the general sonic clutter in populated areas persists,…Read more
Anyone who has been responsible for children knows the reality of juvenile appetites. Their hunger is constant, their preferences often picky and rarely is there any obvious uniformity in tastes between siblings or playmates. It may be as simple as the condiments on a sandwich or the selection of an entree, but there is never…Read more
With the holidays in the rear-view mirror, the list of tasks has returned to the norm. While recovering from the parties and gift giving expenses, the home landscape now appears on the long list of New Year’s resolutions for most homeowners. The shorter daylight hours and the cooler thermometer readings have slowed, but not stopped…Read more
Holiday correspondence of all kinds, from party invitations to campaigns of charity, was making the rounds via every possible means just a few short days ago. While most seasonal decorations in panhandle Florida’s parks, businesses and places of worship have been removed, a few still remain up, and the memory of them all is still…Read more
Out-of-the way corners in abandoned places conjure up a variety of disquieting images. The early winter silence in these neglected locales gives way to the subtle scurrying of unknown creatures attempting to avoid contact and confrontation. While most of the residents of these unkempt sites are harmless, at least from the perspective of venal intent,…Read more
A walk around the neighborhood or forest will confirm winter is here. Of course, there are the recent thermometer readings and the shorter days. Other signs are the thicker coats on animals which, by choice or situation, must remain exposed to the elements. Some, like the native reptiles and amphibians, are absent from sight, having…Read more
As the colder weather sets in, the need for heavier outerwear in panhandle Florida becomes quickly obvious for most warm-blooded creatures, people included. Nature provides for the forest animals through them instinctively growing additional fur and feathers as the temperatures dip. Reptiles, insects and amphibians retreat to secure locations with enough protective insulation to wait…Read more
Bidens alba, in the Aster (sunflower) family, is a common weed or wildflower, depending on your viewpoint. Commonly known as Beggar’s Tick, or simply Bidens, it is considered native to Florida and subtropical regions of the Southeastern United States. It has been deemed naturalized or invasive in tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, South America…Read more
