October brings the prospect of relief from the heat and humidity of a panhandle Florida summer. The temperatures have moderated, albeit slightly, alleviating some of the oppressive qualities of the daylight hours. The sun’s progression into the southern sky has lengthened the nights to the point where they have a majority of the minutes, and…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 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
The heat notwithstanding, 2023 has been a good growing year for panhandle Florida’s lawns and gardens. The rain has been adequate and timed to keep the ground moist, but not too soggy. That is the good news, but there is bad news too. Weeds in north Florida like the same environment and are growing aggressively…Read more
Walking through a forest in Maine is similar to walking through a Florida forest, but there are many differences too. Both have trees, underbrush and ground cover. The trees, underbrush and ground cover in Maine are mostly of a different species than those in Florida, even though some are in the same genus. In the…Read more
The summer solstice has passed, and the weather reflects the seasonal change. High temperatures and stifling humidity are the daily norm. Still, the sun has begun its daily retreat into the southern sky, and the northern hemisphere repeats its regular annual tilt away from solar exposure. The creatures and plants which populate the woods, swamps…Read more
Summer is here. The thermometer knows it and the plants are responding with unrestrained growth and production. The ample moisture adds to the lush growth of both ornamental horticulture specimens and of fruit and vegetable production. As such there is plenty to do in the gardens and landscapes of panhandle Florida. One of the first…Read more
Residents of panhandle Florida are heading to the outdoors to engage in the wide array of available activities. Sunshine, fresh air and there are relatively few insects to encounter, so far. Vegetable gardening, landscape maintenance and managing a home fruit orchard are all productive pursuits. Some residents, especially those new to the region, may consider…Read more
There are a wide variety of bulbous plants which will thrive and produce beautiful flowers year after year with proper care. The time to plant many bulbs in the home landscape is getting late in May. Some, like caladiums crinum lilies, can be planted all year round, but run the risk of damage if they…Read more
The recent showers have been a welcome relief after a few weeks without the critical liquid from above. Irrigation and sprinklers can produce a bountiful vegetable garden, healthy shrubs and a lovely green lawn, but generous rains do it so much better and at a lower cost. April is an ideal time to plant many…Read more
