The Importance of Native Neighbors

WORDS AND

BY SAM GHIOTO

The Low Country coastal plain of Georgia is home to series of upland forest and grasslands, inundated wetlands and woodland habitats. An often-overlooked characteristic of the Georgia coast is that, in many ways, it’s well-conserved compared to other states. For the past 50 years, a decentralized network of empowered professional and citizen scientists who operate with a keen sense for the ecological have been working hard to protect Georgia’s natural resources for posterity. Today, we are living in their wake.

TEamonn Leonard, former chairman of Coastal WildScapes and current wildlife biologist at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), helps manage the Altama Plantation Wildlife Management Area in northern Glynn County on Highway 99. Over the past eight years, the DNR has worked on several restoration and enhancement projects at the former rice plantation and recreation area. These projects include enhancement of the formal demonstration garden, restoring a longleaf pine habitat in an old airstrip, and growing 40 different species of legumes, forbs, and grasses in an old agricultural area.

This team is on the frontlines of understanding coastal ecology and how native plants are the foundation for ecological success. When I asked Leonard about gardening with nonnative tropical plants that are aesthetically pleasing, he remarked that those plants are “green statues” in that they look pretty, but serve no other purpose. They do not provide food or resourc - es for birds and other animals. The necessary question is how can we shift our definition of beautiful gardens and landscapes to include both aesthetically-pleasing and resource-rich native plants?

The decrease in native plants, trees, and natural habitats results in resource shortages and viable living conditions for animals such as the endangered gopher tortoise, a keystone species of longleaf pine habitats. Global modernization, development, and lack of understanding have unfortunately pushed many ecosystems to edges — dwindling habitats that animals have been cornered into. For example, North American birds, which scientists say are indicators of ecosystem health, have declined by a whopping 3 billion in the past 53 years. That’s one in four birds. Some local species are endangered, like the Red Cockaded Woodpecker that relies on healthy longleaf pine forests.

Problem And Solution

The solution lies within the problem:

Each and every one of us can play a key hand in our local environments. Introducing local native species of plants sets off a chain reaction of sorts that makes any place teem with caterpillars, butterflies, and other pollinator insects. This, in turn, has the potential to transform any yard into a wildlife sanctuary. The exciting news is that thousands of people across the United States are diving deep into the native plant revolution. Coastal WildScapes is a local nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that is working to change the landscape both figuratively and literally. Inspired by the wonders of the Low Country, the grassroots organization was formed in 2009 and is comprised of an eclectic network empowered professional and citizen scientists.

Deborah Shepard, Coastal WildScapes member, runs a backyard native plant nursery operation in Darien called Florabundance. Although she is not a botanist by training, she has spent five years learning the intricacies of how native plants live and grow in her impressive backyard nursery made up of several micro-ecosystems.

Shepard says that her native plants weathered the winter freeze much better than others.

“All the natives in my nursery survived. The non-natives aren’t as hardy and did not do as well. A lot of people are turning to natives for that exact reason,” Shepard says.

Amy Schuler agrees. The lifelong naturalist and education outreach coordinator for Coastal WildScapes also suggests getting involved with area conservation groups to learn more.

“Volunteering is a great way to learn about native plants,” Schuler says.

Although introducing native plants to your backyard will take lots of time and can feel daunting, Schuler and Shepard recommend starting small, patiently observing and learning along the way. Small efforts in the beginning can compound overtime. Coastal WildScapes will host a Native Plant Sale in September at Shepard’s Florabundance.

• If you want to know more about native plants, other conservation projects, and volunteer opportunities, visit coastalwildscapes.com. To learn more about natives or to book a native plant nursery appointment, visit florabundancegardens.com.

BY DESIGN

Dazzling Drapes

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PROVIDED PHOTO

Acommercial space for a few years and later acquiring the old vet clinic at 1958 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, which they totally remodeled to suit their needs. They’ve been going strong ever since.

“We will soon be moving part of our operation into a second space as we have outgrown the current space,” she says.

packaging,” she says. “Store-bought usually come in single width or sometimes 1.5 width panels, either with an un-pleated, standard rod pocket, or huge grommets at the top, crooked hems, and folded in a package.”

The result is ill-fitted, frumpy looking windows. Custom designs, on the other hand, offer a plethora of perks. Styles are wide and varied, Cavedo says, and each can serve a different purpose.

“Custom window treatments will accommodate fluctuating measurements from one window to the next, even in the same room. They are manufactured and sized to both the width and height of your windows with header pleating of your choice. They will hang beautifully and dress your windows to perfection,” she says.

“And we can do it all. Roman or roller shades with various lift systems, motorized, or just regular hand-operated treatments. Options are truly spectacular and unlimited. We have seen a lot of customers choosing motorized drapery. We also do a lot on motorization on Roman shades, but we can also do that with the manual pull. You can also sync them up to your smartphone or integrate it into your home system with Alexa. It’s really come a long way in just a few years.”

Their Roman shades fully adhere to all child safety standards, which has become a crucial part of marketing these treatments.

Auret Cavedo knows a thing or two about fabrics and how to use them. The South African native moved to the Golden Isles 11 years ago to join her mother, Rita, in what started out as a small home-based workroom. Once here, they decided to take a leap of faith and move out to a commercial space on St. Simons Island.

“After us having had two clothing factories in South Africa, we knew that we could build a successful business again,” she says.

Cavedo and Rita founded Island Drapes and Upholstery, first renting a

As a custom drapery and upholstery company, Island Drapes focuses on offering top-tier service while bringing a sense of polish to homes.

Custom window treatments, like the ones Cavedo and her team create, offer a finished, professional look. And one that cannot be found in prepackaged drapery.

“Store-bought panels only come with standard length measurements of 84”, 96,” and 108.” They’re not custom to your windows. In fact, if you lay them out on the table they always differ in size. No two panels are ever the same length, or the length stated on the

In addition to the variety, the customized treatments offer a far superior quality. That goes from the exterior fabrics to the interior lining, the hardware to the personalized installation.

“With custom-made, your choices are unlimited. Price of fabrics can vary vastly, from affordable solids to mid-range patterns, as well as high and very high-end exclusives. In our workroom, we can advise prospective customers on what will work for certain applications, as well as the influence our local weather will have on particular fabrics,” she says.

“Treatments can offer light control, temperature control, acoustics, softening of the space, and create a beautiful ambience not achievable with hard blinds or plantation shutters. They are also a great way to solve privacy issues.”

Once a selection is made, Island Drapery’s seasoned staff will personally measure a client’s windows. They also pair pieces with the proper hardware, factoring in the weight of the treatments, height of the install, ease of operation, and finally the actual installation.

“At times, it is even necessary to consider the physical stature of the homeowner when making certain recommendations. This is something that does not come in the packaging of any store-bought treatments or hardware,” she says.

“The investment in custom window treatments can be significant, and for that reason we ensure that the client is 100% happy with their choices, our recommendations, and the final product.”

• Visit Island Drapes and Upholstery, 1958 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, where the thoughtful staff will make all your decorating dreams a reality and assist in the demystifying process.