The winters in north Florida are always (relatively) pleasant, especially when compared to the rest of the country. While ice-age conditions may be inflicting a polar environment on the Midwest and New England, here in the panhandle the season of short days and long nights only means the lawnmowers get a rest. Even with the…Read more
Many of the native wildflowers in north Florida are a reflection of the season’s changing light levels, no matter what the thermometer reads. They are providing numerous fall colors and hues. One of the most common in panhandle Florida is Bidens alba. It is known by an assortment of common names including Spanish needles, Beggar’s-tick…Read more
“Gone to seed” is a distinctly American agricultural saying from the time when most of America’s population was living on a farm. This adage usually denotes very negative connotations when applied to people, places and many objects. The implication is the subject of the remark has reached terminal depreciation after delivering all they are capable…Read more
As the year progresses to its terminal date in about three months the landscape, in areas both domestic and wild, is beginning to take on subdued tones. Native wildflowers and flowering trees will soon begin their season of repose. The artificial holiday decorations which irradiate panhandle Florida with colors not found in nature are already…Read more
In literature and religion, colors have an implicit meaning. This allows the theme to be communicated subliminally to the well-read and visually to those who see the iconography. There are, of course, differences between cultures. White in the western world indicates purity, but it represents death in the far east. Green has been associated with…Read more
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
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
In panhandle Florida’s native plant environment, the yucca genus established a survival protocol long before even the earliest human residents arrived. Its sharp pointy spines accentuate its visual image and enforce its tactics. Local yuccas are perennial shrubs which may grow into small trees with irregular shapes. There are approximately 50 species in this genus…Read more
The yo-yoing thermometer has many panhandle Florida residents in a state of seasonal confusion. Some want to know if we will have another visit from the dreaded Polar Vortex, the latest term for a dipping jet stream which will deliver colder temperatures. Others just want to know when warmer weather will be here to stay….Read more
