the Director’s Lens
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Introduction When you stroll through gardens and public places, you might notice some Camellia japonicas displaying earlier, larger, and more vibrant blooms than others. This striking phenomenon is often the result of a horticultural technique known as gibbing, in which gibberellic acid is employed to enhance the growth and beauty of these beloved flowering shrubs.…
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When we think of lizards, images of agile, scaly creatures often come to mind, scuttling across rocks or darting through the underbrush. However, the Eastern Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis) is an enigmatic reptile that defies these expectations. Stretching from 18 to 43 inches (46 to 108 cm) in length, these legless wonders could easily be…
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Introduction In the world of reptiles, snakes often evoke a sense of curiosity and, at times, apprehension. Amidst the multitude of snake species, there exist some that bear a striking resemblance to each other, which can bewilder those attempting to distinguish them. In this blog, we’ll delve into the subtle yet crucial disparities between three…
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Introduction: Nature has a way of creating beautiful and intricate relationships between different species. One such remarkable relationship exists between the milkweed plant and the iconic monarch butterfly. The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a symbol of beauty and resilience, while milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.) play a crucial role in their survival. In this blog,…
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Introduction: Nestled within the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, lies a hidden treasure known as the Trustees’ Garden. This historical site holds a rich botanical heritage, showcasing a diverse collection of plants that have played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history and economy. Among these intriguing specimens, the castor bean plant stands out…
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Butterflies, with their vibrant colors and graceful flight, have captivated the human imagination for centuries. These delicate insects are not only beautiful to behold but also serve as essential pollinators in our ecosystems. However, there is a lesser-known aspect of a butterfly’s life that adds a touch of mystery and wonder: puddling. Puddling is a…
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I was thinking this morning about a fact sheet I wrote a few years ago about Centipedegrass maintenance. Looked it up when I got into the office. Some pretty good reminders for September through November. I’ve edited these recommendations to reach a common denominator between the different types of turfgrass grown here in the midlands.…
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As the seasons change and flowers bloom, many of us find ourselves sneezing, coughing, and dealing with itchy eyes. It’s allergy season, and for some reason, goldenrod often gets a bad rap as the culprit behind these allergy symptoms. But is it really to blame? In this blog post, we’ll explore the truth about goldenrod…
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Introduction:Savannah, Georgia, known for its historic charm and lush landscapes, is facing an unexpected challenge from an invasive species: Vespa velutina, also known as the yellow legged hornet. This aggressive and rapidly spreading hornet species is making its presence felt, posing potential threats to both the local ecosystem and human activities. Let’s delve into the…
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One of the funniest things I have ever seen was when a friend of mine had a run-in with a yellow jacket (Vespula sp.) nest. I was far enough away to be safe, and the cause of his antics was invisible to me. While at the time it seemed funny, such situations can be very…