February may be the shortest month of the year, but from a gardener’s perspective there is plenty to do. So far, the weather has been milder than last month, but that can easily change with the next weather forecast. If recent history is any indicator, March may still hold some surprises (either warm or frigid)….Read more
With February coming to a rapid end there are several certainties which most residents of panhandle Florida recognize. There is the realization that cold weather is coming to an end. Admittedly, there are still a few cold mornings left, but with the lengthening days the possibility of frost and freezes is retreating fast. The flora…Read more
A stroll through the woods, a field or any other landscape may seem a bit drab in early February. Temperatures have been more like April for a week or so, but one look will say it is still winter. With few exceptions, the dormant season is quickly obvious in the lack of plant life. However,…Read more
The winter weather of January 2025 turned out to be harsh by panhandle Florida standards. While the month did not produce the coldest temperatures, there was record snowfall over much of the region. A lot of the foliage color and condition reflects the unforgiving conditions. Many oak species currently have brown leaves, but they will…Read more
This winter’s exceptional weather was deceiving some popular springtime ornamental shrubs and fruit trees into flowering prematurely. The weather took a turn for the worse last week and the deception is over. Azaleas, for example, began blooming because there were warm days which followed a few days of cold. With the return of below seasonal…Read more
The recent killing frost in most of panhandle Florida, except places adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, has removed annual weeds. The low temperatures and freezing water vapor ruptured their cells, permanently ending their life. The few that remain partially erect appear as broken sticks. Tan to black in color, their fragile appearance predicts their…Read more
January is the month of home landscaping leisure. Except for the possibility of raking some leaves and pine straw, chores are at a low ebb. Camellias are blooming, azaleas and gardenias should not be pruned, and the grass does not need mowing. Even most of the destructive bugs are inactive. With all this “extra time”…Read more
Panhandle Florida’s weather has entered its typical January temperature pattern of warm and pleasant for a few days, and then cold for a few days. Freezing temperatures and frost are to be expected, with all that entails. On nights below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, pets need to be in a warm and protected place, if not…Read more
The meteorologists who forecast the outside conditions for the next few days have been hyperbolic about the coming cold front. After the rain and stormy weather, the temperature readings are predicted to noticeably fall in panhandle Florida and other parts of the country. Here in the northern hemisphere, it is January and cold weather is…Read more
The holiday decorations have been stored for next year and the revelry of New Year’s Eve has subsided. Life has returned to its humdrum pace, with one exception. For most, the holiday bills will soon come due. An air of anxiety arises every time the postman delivers the mail. Each unopened envelope has the potential…Read more
