Kimberly Toal
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Red Maple (Acer rurum) Flowers This months find are flowers from the Red Maple (Acer rurum). Did you know that the red maple is one of the first trees to bloom in the spring? Red Maples are a beautiful landscape tree that can reach 50-100’ high with a moderate growth rate of 12-24” per year.…
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Master Gardener Extension Volunteers highlighted some common invasive species found in Fayette County for National Invasive Species Awareness Week (2/24-2/28/2025) on our Facebook page. Each day, an invasive plant was highlighted to increase knowledge on identification and some native alternatives to consider. Since management options vary, consider contacting our office. Monday: 2/24/2025 Name: Nandina or…
Posted in: Plant Identification -
Since we missed Aprils find, this month we have two finds to share! Oak Leaf Blister In the image below, you will see small yellow dots all over the leaves of this red oak. Oak Leaf Blister is a fungal disease that attacks oaks during cool wet spring weather. Red oaks are particularly prone to…
Posted in: Finds of the Month -
Since we missed Aprils find, this month we have two finds to share! Wool Sower Galls While walking around Lake McIntosh, Wool Sower Galls were found growing on these white oaks. This plant growth forms on the plant by the secretions of a tiny gall wasp grub, Callirhytis seminator. This gall is specific to white…
Posted in: Finds of the Month -
This months find is the American Sycamore seed pods. The Sycamore tree can live between 200-400 years when growing in the right environmental conditions. This tree is native to the Chicago area and is recognizable by its peeling bark. It has a high wildlife value by attracting a wide range of birds, insect pollinators, and…
Posted in: Finds of the Month -
The Smooth Alder (Alnus serrulata) collected by MGEV R. Guillory has multiple life stages on a single branch. In the image below, you will see this year’s male flowers (catkins) starting to produce yellow pollen. As you move down the branch, you will see tiny reddish female flowers that will produce small cones later in…
Posted in: Finds of the Month -
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause overall. Each year close to 21,000 people in the United States die, over 800 of these deaths are Georgians. Radon can be found in air or water and may be anywhere in Georgia. Check the map to learn more about…
Posted in: Environmental Health -
On November 15th, 2022, we held our 8th annual Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Appreciation event at the Fayette County Public Library. In Fayette, we currently we have 55 active Master Gardener Extension Volunteers that have served over 4,631 hours so far in 2022 through in-person education events, providing social media material, and working at projects.…
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In addition to soil and water tests, the last two weeks have been busy with researching samples brought into our office. Please find below a sampling of what we have identified in our office lately. Watermeal is a tiny plant that floats on water and is usually associated with stagnant pond water with high nutrient…
Posted in: In the Extension Office -
Beautiful fall color is all around us in Fayette County. In addition to maples and oaks, below are a few plantings showing brilliant colors of red, yellow, and orange around our office. If you would like to see these colors in your yard, give us a call and we can give you information regarding planting…
Posted in: In the Garden Finds