News Stories - Page 393

Gary Wade describes one of the palm trees growing in his test plot near Watkinsville, Ga. CAES News
Palms add a tropical flair to Georgia landscapes
To most folks, the word “palm” triggers thoughts of Florida, southern California, Hawaii or Georgia’s coastal islands. But you don’t have to live in any of these areas to enjoy palms.
A new ornamental grass University of Georgia plant breeder Wayne Hanna released is well-suited for Georgia's climate. Below Atlanta, it's a perennial. CAES News
New UGA ornamental grasses grow fast but tame
The University of Georgia recently released two drought-tolerant, disease-resistant ornamental grasses that can grow from a seedling to a full plant in one month. And, they don’t produce seed or pollen.
An herb vendor at the Riverside Farmers Market in Roswell, Ga., displays her selection - and includes information on how to use the herbs she sells. Aug. 1, 2009. CAES News
From garden to kitchen: Grow your own herbs
University of Georgia horticulturist Bodie Pennisi doesn’t just study herbs in her research garden in Griffin, Ga. She also grows them at home to add flavor to her food.
The fringetree has been a garden favorite and heritage plant in Georgia for many years. CAES News
Plants win gold medals for hardiness, beauty
From a black-eyed beauty to a fringe-covered tree, this year’s Georgia Gold Medal plant winners are earning their gold with color, deer tolerance and adaptability to poor soils.
Frank Henning shows how a rain barrel can be used for irrigation. From small sizes like this one to larger harvesting systems, using rain water can save homeowners money and help the environment. CAES News
Harvest rainwater, and keep the change
Georgia residents have faced a series of droughts and water restrictions in recent years, making water a precious commodity and leaving citizens with the burden of finding alternatives to reducing and conserving their water use. Harvesting rainwater, however, is an alternative for homeowners that not only provides a water source in times of drought and water bans, but also can help the environment.
A yellow squash matures on the vine of a squash plant growing in Butts County, Georgia. CAES News
Squash borers cause squash-growing gardeners grief
Squash vine borers are a common problem in vegetable gardens. These insects overwinter in cocoons in the soil, usually in the area of the garden where squash or zucchini plants were located the previous season. Once the adults emerge from the soil, they lay eggs on the stems of susceptible plants.
Stick insects are over 5 inches in length, almost half of which is their long antennae. CAES News
Stick insects can be good pets. If you can find one.
Many insects are hardly ever seen because they are so well camouflaged. But if you look close enough in your garden or nearby woods, you might see a stick insect, which can become a good pet.
The eastern tent caterpillar is one of the first insects to become active in the spring. It weaves its nests, which look like tents, in trees throughout Georgia. CAES News
Eastern tent caterpillars pitch springtime tents
As days get warmer and flowers begin to bloom, the eastern tent caterpillar busies itself weaving strange tent-like forts in the trees. This caterpillar feeds on foliage of various trees, but the trees usually recover.
CAES News
UGA offers free resources for planting environmentally-friendly landscapes
This spring, gardeners will spend hours picking out the perfect flowers and plants, planting them in just the right places and getting them off to a great growing start.