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3 days ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison
Wakulla County residents can add a distinct and unique touch to home cooking by using fresh herbs. Even with very limited garden space or one gallon or larger pots, these flavor enhancers can be grown at home with little effort. The first step will be to choose the species to be propagated and establish them at the correct time of year. Many of these can be planted March through June such as basil, oregano, sage, edible ginger and rosemary.
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1 week ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison
The warm weather has enticed anglers in Wakulla County to breakout the tackle and gear, and find some bait. Freshwater or marine, there are many water resources which attract recreational fishermen from the region and beyond. When dipping a hook and line in the water it is not unusual for a passerby to inquire about the results. “What’s biting” is the common refrain. Given the sufficient rain in 2025 most of the action may be above the water, not below it.
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1 week ago | 
emeraldcoastmagazine.com | Les Harrison
Caterpillars and mockingbirds keep backyards rocking, and flowering vines design vibrant landscapes Most birds have a few distinctive calls that identify them. The northern mockingbird is the exception, with its ability to mimic or mock the call of other birds, hence the common name. They have also been observed imitating non-avian sounds. This year-round resident has the distinction of being the state bird of five states, including Florida.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison
In Wakulla County home gardens, a member of the grass family is responding positively to all the recent moisture from above. Sweet corn in many gardens is actively growing and will soon be ready for any of the many preparations favored by residents. Zea mays, as this popular vegetable is botanically known, is producing ears full of juicy kernels. This North American native is thought to have been a consistent addition to the menu for over 10,000 years by some estimates.
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1 month ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison
The grassy like leaves emerge green and ready to soak up the spring sun. Unfortunately, not all are the turf preferred for home lawns in Wakulla County. Purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus, grows from every possible sunny location with soil capable of supporting the plant. This non-native pest is a rapidly spreading perennial which will take every opportunity to colonize new locations.
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1 month ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison
Wild birds, as a general rule, are an overwhelming benefit to Wakulla County. From an esthetic perspective they add beauty and uniqueness to the region. Environmentally they are part of nature’s balance which contributes to quality of life for the human residents and the other wild creatures. Collectively they help control insect pest and vermin. Life locally would be very different without these feathery friends. Still, there are occasions where perceptions differ and conflicts arise.
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1 month ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison
Spring has finally arrived and the weather has been ideal for outdoor activities in Wakulla County for all the residents, human and otherwise. One popular activity is watching the local bird population. There are many residential birds which are here year around and other that enjoy area during the warmer seasons. Both groups have interesting species with habits and habitats of their own. Many have beneficial behaviors which make them good candidates to attract to the home landscape.
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2 months ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison
It was mentioned in a previous column, the alternative to synthetic fertilizer is the organic variety. However, know that each type has benefits, but limitations too. As a reminder, any time fertilization is applied to the lawn, landscape and orchard, it should be based on the needs of the plant. This is determined by a soil test. Organic fertilization can be accomplished with commercial products so marked, or by a combination of ingredients acquired from a variety of sources.
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2 months ago | 
emeraldcoastmagazine.com | Paige Aigret |Les Harrison
Native shrubs sparkle and shine with attractive spring flowers and edible fruit Vaccinium is a low-maintenance native plant genus with dependable spring blooms. The plant also produces edible berries that are a favorite of birds. Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboretum) is the only North American member of the Vaccinium genus capable of reaching the size comparable to a small tree. Mature specimens can reach up to 30 feet in height and will take full sun or partial shade.
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2 months ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison
It was mentioned in last week’s column that the alternative to synthetic fertilizer is the organic variety. However, know that each type has benefits, but limitations too. As a reminder, any time fertilization is applied to the lawn, landscape and orchard, it should be based on the needs of the plant. This is determined by a soil test. Organic fertilization can be accomplished with commercial products so marked, or by a combination of ingredients acquired from a variety of sources.
