One of the many benefits of living in panhandle Florida is the relatively mild winters. While the days and nights are not the subtropical temperatures of south Florida in October, the thermometer readings are far above the frigid readings so common currently in much of the country. A secondary advantage of the local climate is…Read more
Tag: Native Species
Using the Surplus of Summer to Prepare for Leaner Times
In case it has escaped anyone’s attention, the summer of 2022 turned out to be a hot and humid season. This trend is not a surprise for anyone who has lived in panhandle Florida for at least twelve months, but it can be overwhelming for the many new residents to the area who are having…Read more
The Lasting Signs of Florida’s Spanish Past
Just 500 years ago Florida was barely identified, and the flora and fauna undocumented with little known of its complexity or diversity. Juan Ponce de Leon and the Spanish conquistadores who followed him claimed control of the state and geographic area for several centuries before being pushed out. Even today there are still places and…Read more
How to Use Timing to Support a Happy, Healthy Lawn
October has traditionally been the beginning of harvest season. Many agricultural crops are reaching maturity and, depending on several environmental factors, are soon to be ready for gathering. During the bygone era when the population was self-reliant and attuned to the seasonal changes, getting next year’s seed stock prepared was a critical activity. If next…Read more
Signs of Tree Health to Watch Out for in Storm Season
After tropical storms and hurricanes, there are always discussions about the trees which have fallen during the storm. Many times the trees in question have landed on a home or some other structure which resulted in multiple thousands of dollars damage. Commonly, water and laurel oaks are the culprits. These large trees are frequently found…Read more
The Vibrant Palette of the Fall Season
Fall, believe it or not, will soon be in the air and on the thermometer. There will be a few warm days in October, but soon the 90 plus degree days in 2022 will be gone. Additional north fall color is developing in the vast hardwood forests of maple, hickory, and other showy tree species….Read more
Sunless in the Sunshine State
Even on the doorstep of autumn, panhandle Florida is associated with many outdoor activities. The brightly lit beaches still attract sunbathers and fishing enthusiasts, prompting the need for sunscreen and a wide variety of hydration options. Football is replacing baseball as another solar-soaked September pastime. Want-to-be gridiron experts, of all ages, spend their weekends and…Read more
Small, Colorful and Thirsty: Sweat Bees
The dog days of August have temperatures and rain which are supporting late summer flowering in both the landscapes and wild areas of panhandle Florida. Native wildflowers and many other late bloomers which surround homes and businesses are on full display. The wet summer conditions have also stimulated the insect population. They, as a general…Read more
Hidden in Foam With a Huge Appetite
Sometimes it is easiest to hide in plain sight of everyone and everything. Appear to be something else with little to no interest to anyone or anything which might happen to pass by and notice. This strategy is the basis for numerous disguises used as part of the camouflage tactic. Blend into the background and…Read more
Vibrant Colors to Shape the Season
The summer of 2022 has been ideal for wild plant life in panhandle Florida. As August progresses towards September and the “official start of autumn”, many native wildflowers are blooming. Some of these annuals are very showy with others being tiny and muted. All have the same purpose, production of seeds for the next year….Read more