Les Harrison

Florida

Writer, Photographer and Editor at Freelance

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Articles

Wild birds both a plus and a negative

2 days 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.
Spring a good time for bird watching

1 week 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.
Going organic

2 weeks 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.
Blooms and Berries

3 weeks 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.
Going organic when fertilizing

1 month 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.
Blooms and Berries

1 month ago | tallahasseemagazine.com | 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.
Be prudent using fertilizers

1 month ago | chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison

Residents of Wakulla County are heading out of doors to engage in the wide array of available activities as spring weather appears to be settling in. Sunshine, fresh air and there are very few insects to encounter, so far. One traditional activity is lawn maintenance and a spring vegetable garden. While some may consider these a chore, most view gardening as a means to enhancing their home’s appearance and personal health through production of high-quality dietary selections.
Taking care of 'bees'-ness

2 months ago | chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison

The popularity of beekeeping as a hobby has gained popularity in recent years. As such, the Apalachee Beekeeping Association is offering a beginning beekeeping short course on Feb. 22. The class will be held at the UF/IFAS Extension Office, 84 Cedar Ave., Crawfordville. Topics will include the fundamentals of beekeeping, beekeeping equipment, hive management and harvesting honey. This course will include class sessions and open hive demonstrations.
Feeding birds

2 months ago | chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison

With the return of temperatures typical of February, residents are able to enjoy the many natural settings for which Wakulla County is famous. Even those ever-energetic souls who are prone to work in their home landscape can produce productive results in this mid-winter month. One of the important tasks for creating a functioning green environment at a homestead is having plants which attract beneficial birds. These feathered friends deliver a variety of positive features.
The Blizzard of '25 and Your Yard

2 months ago | chronicleonline.com | Les Harrison

Winter really arrived last week with subfreezing temperatures and record setting snow fall amounts. The frozen precipitation may have been popular with the juvenile residents of Wakulla County who took the opportunity to make snow angels, but it was and is a problem for everyone else. The challenges ranged from loss of power to loss of control when driving. Recent arrivals to the area came for the sunny weather and snow-white beach sands, not frigid winds or black ice.