ANR
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There has been a lot of interest in native plants in recent years, for some very good reasons. Although some may consider native plants less striking than some introduced or cultivated species, with thoughtful selection and planning, we can use native plants to create a landscape that is more sustainable, more ecologically useful, and just…
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With warmer weather, many of us are enjoying more time outside. Unfortunately, many motorized outdoor toys and tools create noise at levels that damage hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss can have life-impacting consequences. With the use of hearing protection devices, however, we can enjoy the benefits or motorized tools and still preserve our precious hearing.
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Carpenter ants are the largest of the pest ants found in our area. There are two species in Georgia: black carpenter ants and Florida carpenter ants. Black carpenter ants are dull black with yellowish hairs covering their abdomens. Florida carpenter ants have a deep reddish colored head and thorax and a shiny black abdomen. They…
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Pawpaws (Asimina triloba) are small, hardy, native trees that make a lovely addition to landscapes. While many trees boast spring blooms, pawpaw flowers turn into edible fruit that feeds people as well as wildlife. The tree is the host plant for zebra swallowtail butterflies.
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With warmer weather, outdoor adventures are beckoning us to go play, explore, and learn. Georgia agritourism offers many different outdoor activities in the neighborhood or within daytrip distance. And just in time, the 2021 Farm Bureau Farm Passport is ready for pick-up at local Farm Bureau and UGA Extension offices.
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American fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a small, ornamental tree native to the southeastern U.S. With features like clusters of fragrant, white flowers in the spring, golden-yellow leaves in the fall, a slow growth rate, and little need for pruning, American fringetrees are a worthy, low-maintenance addition to home landscapes.
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Our recent Georgia Arbor Day celebrations gave us opportunities to appreciate the many benefits of trees. These majestic plants are essential elements for many ecosystems. They provide habitat and nourishment for wildlife and other plants, reduce soil erosion, and influence the weather. On the human side, trees give us beauty and shade, improve our physical…
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If you’ve wanted to grow vegetables or fruit in your yard, but have run up against HOA restrictions, foodscaping might be the answer you are looking for. Foodscaping takes edible plants out of unsightly vegetable plots and blends them into the landscape design. Herbs become borders, vegetables mingle with flowers, and spring-blooming trees bear summer fruit.
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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has issued a kill-on-sight order for snakehead fish, an aquatic nuisance species that’s native to Russia and Asia. This aggressive predatory fish was discovered to be in Georgia in October 2019. It competes with native fish like bass and bowfins and eats entire populations of smaller fish to support…
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Every January when I switch out my calendars, I get the gardening itch. My mind begins to dwell on the spring nursery displays even though we are still in the middle of winter. The only way I can avoid premature planting is to get out a piece of paper and plan what I will plant…
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