thedirectorslens
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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…
Posted in: the Director’s Lens -
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…
Posted in: Uncategorized -
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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In the world of arachnids, spiders come in all shapes and sizes, showcasing a stunning diversity of colors, patterns, and behaviors. Among these fascinating creatures, the Joro spider and the Golden Silk Orb Weaver stand out as formidable and captivating representatives of their kind. Both renowned for their intricate web-building abilities, these spiders have unique…
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Introduction: As the warm breeze of late summer fills the air in Southeast Georgia, natural phenomenon graces the region – the appearance of two species of Datana caterpillars. Meet Datana ministra (yellow neck caterpillar) and Datana major (red headed azalea caterpillar), two caterpillars that show up this time of year every year. As the name…
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Nature is filled with fascinating connections and intricate relationships between different species. One such captivating association can be observed between cicadas and copperhead snakes. These seemingly unrelated creatures are linked together in a remarkable ecological partnership, highlighting the interconnectedness of the natural world. In this blog, we will delve into the intriguing relationship between cicadas…
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Nature’s intricate web of interconnected species is a delicate balance that is essential for the health and resilience of our planet. Within this intricate tapestry, caterpillars and birds play vital roles. Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist and author, has dedicated his life’s work to studying the profound relationship between caterpillars and bird diversity. By highlighting…
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In the realm of caterpillars, few species capture the imagination quite like the Eastern Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) caterpillar. With its striking appearance and intriguing life cycle, this remarkable creature serves as a testament to the marvels of nature. These caterpillars are one of the few butterfly larvae that can sometimes be considered a pest…