The dog days of August are settling over panhandle Florida. This period is typified by the hot, humid days and nights which induce languid behavior in most of the residents, human or not. Dog days began during the ancient Roman Empire when Sirius, identified as the Dog Star, was present in the skies. If Sirius…Read more
One fact everyone can agree on is it is hot, and humid, in panhandle Florida. The heat and humidity have been a daily experience for weeks, starting well before sunrise and continuing past sunset. In all likelihood this sticky trend will continue for at least several months. Still, there are many home landscaping chores which…Read more
It has been really hot outside, and dry too. Any July in north Florida is usually in the low 90’s to nobody’s surprise, but in 2024 even the weeds are wilting between showers. This heatwave began in June and will run on for an indeterminate length. The landscape, along with people and pets, is reflecting…Read more
The soon-to-arrive month of July in panhandle Florida is known as a period for maintaining one’s landscaping and gardening efforts. While it is great to be outside for recreational activities, the lawn and garden chores can be a bit tedious in the heat and humidity currently occurring. Still, there are some very productive activities which…Read more
The calendar says April and there have been several days in the 80s. While heatwaves have not been the norm recently, the humidity percentages have been in the low 20s, especially after fronts have come through. The landscape, along with people and pets, may reflect the results of exposure to a lack of moisture in…Read more
The seasonal weather has many homeowners returning to chores in their yards. The lawn has to be mowed, weeds pulled, new plants installed and on and on. The effort usually produces positive results. The neat, well-kept appearance delivers an inviting environment and, best yet, the envy of neighbors and visitors. The yard work also produces…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
Most societies have a “Golden Age” of some sort. The pinnacle of a culture’s development is represented by a variety of accomplishments which forever denote the character of the generations which produced the successes. The hallmarks of the zenith vary widely in the eyes of historians. There can be complex philosophies on the meaning of…Read more
Panhandle Florida’s winter of 2023/24 has had some frigid nights. The frosty mornings have not been a rarity. Even so, there are signs winter is grudgingly retreating. Aside from the occasional warm day, the daylight hours are obviously increasing. Officially spring is still four and a half weeks away, beginning on March 19, 2024. This…Read more
February may be the shortest month of the year, but from a vegetable gardener’s perspective there is plenty to do in the cool winter days. So far, the weather has had its ups and downs, but there has been ample rain. It is difficult for the groundhog to forecast whether the cold will continue or…Read more
