Alabama Red-belly

As you know, taking care of gardens doesn't stop at your property line. Everything in nature is intrinsically connected. If you don't care for the plants and animals in your area, you're indirectly endangering your own plants. It is for this reason that many people are trying to conserve both plants (heirloom and organic) and animals (endangered species).

Today I'd like to highlight the Official Reptile of the State of Alabama.

Photograph by Bob Moul 2007

The Alabama Red-belly Turtle has been on the endangered species list since 1987 and was adopted as the state reptile since 1990. These beautiful turtles reside mainly in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, but they can also be found along the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Check the map from US Fish and Wildlife Services below and find out what other species are endangered in your state here).

The most distressing part of this creature's plight is that it is man-made. For the Alabama Red-belly, the number one cause of death is automobiles. That's right, even with all of the alligators, herons, feral hogs, fish crows, and raccoons out there preying on the hatchlings, more of these turtles are killed by our own cars than anything else.

from outdooralabama.com

There's good news, however. In 2008, a fence was erected along the causeway to help protect the baby turtles. And help it did! According to Dr. David Nelson of the University of South Alabama, 94 babies and 15 adults were hit by automobiles in 2007. In 2008, those numbers dropped to 19 hatchlings and 9 adults--an overall reductions of 80%!

from savetheredbelly.org

from savetheredbelly.org

from savetheredbelly.org

This news is especially good, since a recent study concluded that roughly 6% of all drivers will actually swerve to hit animals in or near the road. 

The next time you're down on the bay and you see one of our friends trying to cross the road, stop the car and help them out. I promise you'll feel great for the rest of the day!

from outdooralabama.com

The ABCs of Landscaping (Terminology!) A ~ M

A is for agronomy,the science and management of land, especially rural, agricultural land.


B is for base plan, an essential sheet showing site boundaries and significant site features, used as a basis for subsequent plan development.


C is for conservation, the protection, improvement and use of natural resources according to principles that will assure the highest economic or social benefits for people and the environment now and in the future.


D is for design, the creative illustration, planning and specification of space for the greatest possible amount of harmony, utility, value and beauty.


E is for ecology, a branch of biology dealing with the relationship between living things and their environmen


F is for foundation plant, A plant placed next to a building to hide the foundation or soften the hard architectural lines.


G is for grade, the slope of a plot of land. Grading is the mechanical process of moving earth changing the degree of rise or descent of the land in order to establish good drainage and otherwise suit the intent of a landscape design.


H is for hardscape, elements added to a natural landscape, such as paving stones, gravel, walkways, irrigation systems, roads, retaining walls, sculpture, street amenities, fountains, and other mechanical features.


I is for island bed, a flowerbed that you can walk around.


J is for jointed, a plant that possesses a stem with nodes.


K is for knot Garden, type of formal garden design in which lines of different colored or textured shrubs appear to weave in and out of each other


L is for Lobel, the name you need to know for landscape design.


M is for mulch, layer of organic or inorganic material placed around plants to hold in moisture and reduce weeds.

Save on Water This Summer!

Sure, there are loads of ways to save water in the home, but did you know there are also a bunch of ways you can save water in your garden?

Try these helpful tips to keep your water bill down during these hot, hot months:

• Use a lot of native shrubs in your landscaping. Native plants generally require less watering than non-native plant species. (As a bonus, you're helping to preserve the historic landscape of your community.)
• Use mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and help control those pesky water-stealing weeds. You can also use pine straw, straw, or dead leaves. Many people like to use rocks in their gardens, but you have to be careful. Many plants are sensitive to how hot rocks will get in the summer and you could end up burning your plants.
• Water your garden or lawn ONLY in the evening or the early morning hours. this will let the plants absorb all the water they need, without losing much to evaporation.
• Get a drip irrigation system, so that you're only watering where you need water. Sprinklers tend to water everything, including sidewalks, steps, and sides of houses. A drip irrigation system is better for your plants and for your pocketbook.
• And, of course, make sure you don't have any leaks in your outdoor faucet, garden hose, or irrigation/sprinkler system!

from shutterstock.com