Yes, you can see the seed pods of Catchweed Bedstraw (Galium aparine), but do you see the bacteria? First, a story. I started teaching at a brand-new high school when I moved to Georgia. Of course, we had a football team, but something strange started happening. Before the season started, while in practice, many of the boys got skin infections where the helmet abraded their necks. One even got an infection in his nose! Simultaneously, I was teaching biology and had my students start “hay infusions” by putting grass clippings into empty jars with distilled water to see what microorganisms grew. This is a common lab; I have done it before for fifteen years in other schools. When I checked the jars for organisms, I expected amoebas and paramecium; but I saw endospore bacillus! There are many, but they are typically BAD. Perhaps tetanus, botulism, or some other terrible bacterium….
Mother Nature’s Love Potion
Mother Nature has had her love potion, which is quite effective! It makes you fall in love with her, Mother Nature. All gardeners, hikers, backpackers, and campers have experienced it. It is quite real. There are scientific studies to back it up!
Bluebird Grant Workshop May 24th 2022
Seventeen of us had a great morning at the Community Garden at Snellville learning how to make predator guards for bluebird houses. These guards prevent raccoons, squirrels, and snakes from reaching the nests. Terry Dempsey (GPLT) and Carol Hassell (GCMGA & GPLT) let the teaching and all of us shared in the different parts of building these guards. This year’s grant was part two of raising awareness of the importance – and enjoyment – of having bluebirds in our environment. The houses were built last year in July. The Community Garden received a second bluebird house and it was installed today by Wes Nettleton and Martha Whitman. Other houses are going to other community gardens, butterfly gardens, parks and schools. Related Images: