Guest Author: Phillip Prichard
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A naturalist is any person who studies the natural world. Naturalists make observations of the relationships between organisms and their environments, as well as how those relationships change over time. Well-known examples of naturalists in history include Charles Darwin, John Muir, Rachel Carson, and William Batrum. Notable naturalists in recent history include Janisse Ray, Steve and…
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Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate north from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. They arrive in Georgia in the spring between late March to early April. Migration depends on the weather and food sources. We need to be prepared for the hummingbirds’ arrival by putting out feeders by mid-March. We should fill the feeders with…
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By Phillip Prichard, Master Gardener Extension Volunteer It’s January it is cold, probably deary and you’re eager to put gardening skills to work. First, take a mental note through your 2024 garden, or review notes or photos. If you didn’t take any notes, plan to keep records in 2025. List anything you want to do,…
Posted in: Winter -
By Phillip Prichard, Paulding County Master Gardener Volunteer From tomato hornworms and mites to aphids and beetles, bugs can be a major annoyance in the garden. Instead of treating your garden with chemical pesticides, have you considered growing plants that naturally repel bugs. Many plants have properties, like a strong scent or compounds, that are…
Posted in: Uncategorized -
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds spend the spring, summer and early fall in Georgia. Feeders and flower gardens are great ways to attract these birds, and some people turn their yards into buzzing clouds of hummingbirds each summer. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird. A feeder with a simple sugar water solution of balance is…
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Periodical cicada
Posted in: Wildlife -
Winter lawn care in the south is a bit more subdued than the rest of the year. You should not have as many issues with weeds coming up or turf getting stressed out, so you’ll do significantly less yard work. Here are the things to keep an eye on during the winter months: Clean off…
Posted in: Lawns and turf -
As I was volunteering at the Paulding County Extension Office, a gentleman drove up and asked what we growing in the gardens. He noticed I was wearing my Georgia Audubon shirt, and he asked, Where have all birds gone?” He said he had not had a bird in his yard for more than a month.…
Posted in: Wildlife -
The end of the growing season can be both rewarding and sad. All your hard work has resulted in a beautiful garden and maybe vegetables, herbs, and fruits that you can enjoy in the months ahead. Now that winter is here, you need to prepare your gardening tools for the next season. How do you…
Posted in: Tools, Gifts, Gardening -
Gardeners can be difficult to shop for. Here are some suggestions: Snips and pruners are needed any time you head to the garden to harvest vegetables, herbs, and fruits; cutting flowers for bouquets; and light pruning and deadheading. A Tool Sharpener lets the gardener maintain the sharp edge. Weeders make yard and garden chores faster,…