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- Monday, May 20, 2013 DAWSONVILLE, GA
Archive By Section - Lifestyle Columnists
Test soil for pH levels
Most gardeners understand the importance of adding fertilizer to the vegetable garden. However, the use of lime and the need for proper pH may not be common knowledge.
Thankful for farmers
As you enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, please be thankful for the American farmer. Give thanks to the American farmer for growing most of the food we eat and many of the clothes we wear.
Hold the mac ‘n’ cheese
I don't understand the whole fascination with macaroni and cheese.
Fall the time to test soil
Many times county agents hear gardeners say, "I used to grow a beautiful garden in this spot, but for the last few years it has gotten progressively worse. This has happened in spite of the fact that I fertilize heavier, water more and use better varieties. I don't know what to do next."
What were they thinking?
Sometimes, you just have to wonder what people are thinking when they do really stupid stuff.
Some pertinent and seasonal thoughts
There is no doubt about it: fall is firmly established and winter is sending unmistakable signals.
Tree protection is the key
Construction and landscape activities can have a negative impact on existing trees, but the damage is often not visible for several years.
The power of gray
We have a new president and I make it a point not to delve into politics in this space.
Lichen not harmful to plants
I am often asked about a gray-green leafy or crusty growth found on some plants. Many times the homeowner believes the growth in question is killing the plant. These growths are called lichens and in no way responsible for the poor health of any tree or shrub. As a matter of fact, lichens are common on old wooden fence posts.
Coming too soon, gone too early
How much Santa time do we need? I got a notice this week from a big mall that Santa has arrived. I think the reason Santa arrives so early is for snooty little mamas to go and look at him and compare him with Santa at another mall to decide which one is the best looking Santa.
Clap your hands, beauty surrounds you
By the time you're reading this, we should be finished with the election. I won't make any comments about that now, except to say, "Thank goodness." Most of us are tired of hearing the same ads and talking points and receiving robocalls.
Halloween an occasion to dress up as rain
I haven't been to a Halloween party in years and this year is no exception.
Time to plant pansies
Before a few years ago, winter landscapes had little or no color. Pansies became popular during the 1980s. Pansies have remarkable durability and add a rainbow of color to the winter landscape.
Survivors among us
Someone decided a few years ago that October was the month we focus on cancer, primarily breast cancer.
Lawn, garden jobs for October
Fall can be a busy time for homeowners; however, don't forget a few outside jobs, which can make for a better lawn or garden next year. A few more lawn and garden tips for the fall are as follows:
Articles by Section - Lifestyle Columnists
The legend of my first cat, Callahan
"Mama, do you like cats?" Cole asked one day. This was shortly after I had brought the latest puppy home a few weeks ago.
Prevent termites
I have had several cases within the past year of people coming into my office, handing me a plastic baggy or jar filled with small, winged insects and saying: "Tell me those are flying ants!" Unfortunately, more often than not, they turn out to be termite flyers.
Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes the bug
Everyone has disappointments. It's a part of life and sometimes those disappointments can offer us many learning experiences.
Mama in Wonderland
One of my biggest pet peeves is someone being late. So why I am constantly late getting my child to school, I have no idea.
When to prune azaleas
Azaleas are a staple of traditional southern landscapes.
What causes pollen
Spring is a beautiful time of year. Longer days, green grass and leaves reappearing on the trees really brighten up my mood.
Controlling moles
Have you started noticing mysterious raised tunnels forming seemingly overnight in your lawn or garden? If so, you probably have a mole infestation. Don't worry, you are not alone. We have received many calls in the past week regarding tunneling activity.
My manifesto of life to my darling son
Children learn a lot more by what they see us doing than what we tell them. I can tell Cole all day long the things he shouldn't do, but it's my example he's watching. I don't want him to follow my example, but to be better than I am at this game of life.
Take pictures for diagnosis
We have all heard the saying "April showers bring May Flowers." Rainfall in April helps replenish our plants as they gear up for another growing season. However, this precipitation also brings unwanted consequences to our landscapes - disease.
Running with the big dogs
It had been a long time since I had a puppy and I forgot how much work they are. Middle of the night feedings and potty outings, crying incessantly. I think comparing them to a newborn would be reasonable. I was on night five of no sleep - Angel the parking lot pup would wake me up at 1 a.m., wanting to play after sleeping all day. I was exhausted.
Annual 4-H rabies clinic scheduled for April 13
Dawson County 4-H Club, All Animals Veterinary Hospital and Dawsonville Veterinary Hospital will be hosting an annual rabies clinic on April 13. It will be held at several locations throughout Dawson County. Because of strict vaccination laws, rabies outbreaks have become much less prevalent since vaccination programs began in the 1940s.
Once you name the puppy, it becomes yours
There was an unspoken law at my house growing up for every stray critter that managed to find its way in our yard. Once my uncle Bobby named it, it was ours. If the animal made it to day two without Bobby sticking some name on it, we were safe according to Granny. Of course, no animal made it beyond a few hours, let alone two days.
Middle of a mid-life crisis
I think when I turned 40, something happened. Not to my posterior either - that happened a long time before I hit the big 4-0.
Use berms for looks, function
Berms, or raised areas, can be used in the landscape to add visual interest to flat or dull areas of the yard. Berms are simply mounded hills of soil that are constructed to serve a purpose in a landscaped area.
Forsythia signals the arrival of spring
Early March can be one of the blandest times in the landscape. It can be downright depressing not being able to see any green leaves or any signs of colorful flowers. However, as the month moves on, March soon becomes one of my favorite times of the year. Seemingly out of nowhere, small clusters of bright yellow flowers begin to pop up on shrubs all over town. These flowers belong to one of the most revered shrubs in our area - forsythia.
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