Almost everyone wants to help an underdog. Environmentally, one local underdog has six legs as an adult. Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, are likely the best-known butterflies on the planet because of their remarkable and much publicized ability to migrate thousands of miles across international borders. They then congregate in the same spots year after year….Read more
The recent ample rains will have a positive effect on the plant population, and by default home water bills. The liquid encouragement is the foundation for the growth and development of turf, shrubs and trees. The insect population benefits too. It is getting ready for what should be a banner year, at least for most…Read more
Hair styles are a curious reflection of the culture in which they exist. Some are ornate and complex, with others being simple and, in some cases, completely “natural”. The mane can be straight or wavy, long or short, and in a variety of shapes. Spikes, tufts, swirls and many other forms are displayed by the…Read more
The spring weather has provided enough rain for the plants to burst into growth. Stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs, grasshoppers, all sizes of caterpillars and many more have been enjoying the lush and plentiful dining selections. More than one north Florida homeowner or gardener has noticed the sudden appearance of a hungry pest species which is…Read more
As the weather warms and summer beckons, the landscape reshapes daily. New blooms pop out and are soon followed by fruit, seeds or nuts. Some are useful to the human residents, but many are eaten by insects. As with people, there are some bugs that are picky about their meals. Panhandle Florida has some native…Read more
While the official beginning of summer is still weeks away, the temperature is warming and spring break activities are everywhere in panhandle Florida. While the major home landscape and garden chores are ongoing, for many the springtime cleanup of raking leaves and pine straw has been done for weeks. A few hours here and there…Read more
There is something to be said for being a longtime area resident. The geographic familiarity helps promote focus on perfecting the traits which are applicable and close to home. The unique, and very pleasant, environment of north Florida is an excellent example of near perfection, on a localized basis. The weather (within reason), the fauna…Read more
Out-of-the way corners in abandoned places conjure up a variety of disquieting images. The eerie silence in these neglected locales gives way to the subtle scurrying of unseen lives 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, a…Read more
It currently looks like the winter of 2024 has finished a bit ahead of schedule, at least in panhandle Florida. The storm systems which are still heaping snow and ice on the northern tier states are producing showers locally. Those showers, hopefully minus the destructive winds, are producing copious flowers, both wild and domestic. That…Read more
The warming weather and lengthening days of late winter/early spring instigate a variety of events, both natural and otherwise. The frenetic spring break traffic heading to sunny coastal spots is one example of “otherwise”. The emergence of dormant plants can be credited to the natural cycle, and local reptiles are more active, too. In addition…Read more
