The natural tri-colors of panhandle Florida’s winter are giving way to the soon to be arriving seasonal change. The dominant hues of green, tan and brown represent the evergreens and the deciduous species. The rainbow shades of brilliant spring will be here in a few weeks, but for now only a few plants offer any…Read more
Tag: Weeds
Hitching a Ride Through the Panhandle
Hitchhiking was once a common means of low-cost transportation. A person would walk to the nearest road and hold out their fist with the thumb pointed up while attempting to make eye contact with passing drivers. In a simpler time, hitchhikers were commonly provided a ride to a predetermined spot on the map. In exchange…Read more
As Winter Sets In, These Plants Are Just Getting Started
Valentine’s day is on the horizon and grass in panhandle Florida’s yards has finally stopped growing, so the lawnmower can be stored for the winter. The milder (sometimes cold) days and cool, crisp evenings signal a pause for turf weeds until the weather warms up again in the spring, right? Well, not quite. A quick…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
A Pest Problem for the Yard Itself
Even today, there are mysteries and riddles which defy understanding. One of those endless enigmas is the common names of objects or tangible things, especially some plant species. Many plants have identifiers which accurately recognize their function as it relates to human contact. Two examples of locally common plants are purple nutsedge and sandspurs. Purple…Read more
The Pesky Plant Pest With an Unusual Name
A name can be a defining aspect of an identity. It can portray a variety of characteristics, both real and imagined, for the holder. In addition to family identities, the name can project strength and honor for the owner. Noted historical figures of times past can contribute to the evoked image. Many Hollywood stars-to-be have…Read more
The Cause of a Thousand Sniffles
The world is returning to something resembling a state of equilibrium. The collective sigh of relief is moderated by the knowledge that the grass and weeds are growing with wild abandon. Given the substantial and consistent rains during the spring of 2022, the growth and expansion of sneeze-inducing weeds has been tremendous. The primary offender-to-be…Read more
An Inseparable Part of the South, Not of a Tasty Salad
Weeds are making appearances all across panhandle Florida with fresh supple leaves and, in many cases, blooms and developing fruit or seeds of some sort. While these unplanned plants come in all sizes and shapes, it is the large ones that are frequently noticed first. One of these is the common pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), a…Read more
A Landscape Problem Lurking Just Under the Surface
Nuts are a popular snack for people and many animals. In panhandle Florida many can be produced in home gardens and orchards. Wild hickories and oaks annually produce a bumper nut crop for the squirrels, deer and other wildlife which are dependent on the fat and nutrients to make it past the cold season. Pecans…Read more
Peering Into the Future Using a Native Tree
As February closes in on March, some are asking the age-old question: “Is spring here?” A few moderately warm days will stimulate interest in the topic for a variety of reasons. Methods to determine the seasonal transition vary widely. Calendar dates aside, some forecasting methods have a basis in scientific observation, and others in folklore…Read more