Author: Barbara H. Smith

November 17 Week 3 Garden Photos

Nov 17, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Where the season slows, and the Japanese maples catch fire–fall color at Crooked Trail Farm. Seiryu Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Seiryu') Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension...

How to Grow and Care for Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) in Shade Gardens

Nov 13, 2025 | In the Garden

Bottlebrush buckeye is a showy native shrub for shade gardens. Discover its care needs, summer blooms, wildlife benefits, and best landscape uses.

Chrysanthemums: How to Grow Garden Mums in South Carolina

Nov 13, 2025 | Flowers, Landscape

Discover how to grow garden mums in South Carolina with care tips, planting guidance, and top cultivars for long-lasting fall color.

November Week 2 Garden Photos

Nov 10, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

In the Upstate of South Carolina, autumn paints the woods in firelight–every ridge and wooded area glowing with a quiet kind of magic. A winding trail along stunning fall foliage on the...

November 3 Week 1 Garden Photos

Nov 3, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Insects and Animals, Photo Worthy Plants

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” ~Unknown~ Golden Leaves of...

October 27 Week 4 Garden Photos

Oct 27, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

“When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and like a dream of beauty glides away.” ~Sarah Helen Power Whitman~ White Queen Caladium (Caladium 'White Queen') Ginger Long, ©2025 HGIC,...

September 20 Week 3 Garden Photos

Oct 20, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Support Your Growers: Savor the Flavors of Fall at Your Local Farmer’s Markets. A colorful arrangement of eggplants and peppers Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension Orange and Red...

How to Grow Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia rotundifolia) for Pollinators & Summer Color

Oct 16, 2025 | In the Garden

Bring bold color and pollinators to your garden with easy-to-grow Mexican sunflowers. Discover care tips, cultivars, and seed-saving advice.

October 12 Week 2 Garden Photos

Oct 13, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

The clear light that belongs to October was making the landscape radiant. ~Florence Bone~ Dahlia and Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) Millie Davenport, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension Carolina...

October 6 Week 1 Garden Photos

Oct 6, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

“October, crisp, misty, golden October, when the light is sweet and heavy.” ~Angela Carter~ Yellow Crownbeard (Verbesina occidentalis) Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension...

September 29 Week 5 Garden Photos

Sep 29, 2025 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

“September: the golden threshold between summer and winter.” ~Meeta Ahluwalia~ Fall Light in the Garden Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension Beneficial Yellow Garden Writing...

Mulberry Weed: Why Gardeners Hate This Invasive Intruder

Sep 29, 2025 | In the Garden

Discover why mulberry weed is such a troublesome invasive and explore effective identification and control methods for South Carolina landscapes.