Author: Barbara H. Smith

Fun with Elephant Ears in the Garden

May 4, 2020 | In the Garden

Want to add a tropical flair to your garden this spring? Elephant ears will add a bold statement to a filtered sun or high shade spot. These striking “drama queens” of the garden may be either in...

April Week 4 Garden Photos

Apr 27, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

What’s Blooming in the Crooked Trail Farm Garden This Week. Come and Sit a Spell Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University Mediterranean Bells (Nectaroscordum siculum) Barbara H. Smith,...

Indian Pink

Apr 20, 2020 | In the Garden

Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) has trumpet-shaped red flowers with a star-shaped yellow center and blooms in June. The oval-shaped leaves are bright green and are oppositely arranged on the...

April Week 3 Garden Photos

Apr 20, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

I have a collection of heirloom German flag iris from my mother’s garden along with shared plants from aunts and good friends. The cultivar names are unknown, but the memories of the people...

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Apr 16, 2020 | In the Garden

Did you know that South Carolina has an official state grass? Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) was named the state grass in 2001. This native, warm-season, perennial grass originally grew in the...

April Week 2 Garden Photos

Apr 13, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

What’s blooming in the Crooked Trail Farm Garden this week! Tangerine Beauty Cross-vine (Bignonia capreolata 'Tangerine Beauty') Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University Florida Flame...

April Week 1 Garden Photos

Apr 6, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Here’s what’s blooming at Crooked Trail Farm this week. Crooked Trail Farm Spring Landscape Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension Southern Sugar Maple Flowers (Acer saccharum...

March Week 5 Garden Photos

Mar 30, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Here’s what is blooming in the Crooked Trail Farm garden this week. Snow Kurume Azalea (Rhododendron kurume 'Snow') and Bumblebee Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension Don's...

Perennial Selections for Shade Gardens

Mar 30, 2020 | In the Garden, Uncategorized

Do you have a shady garden where you would like to plant perennials? Hostas, ferns, and Lenten roses are the usual choices, but there are a number of wonderful perennial selections to choose from...

March Week 4 Garden Photos

Mar 23, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

While the South Carolina Botanical Gardens are closed, here’s a virtual tour of What’s blooming this week. Enjoy! Elizabeth Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata 'Elizabeth') Barbara H. Smith, ©2020...

Virginia Bluebells

Mar 19, 2020 | In the Garden

Are you looking for an early-season, shade-loving perennial that has blue flowers and is also a native perennial wildflower? Then Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are an excellent choice to...

March Week 3 Garden Photos

Mar 16, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the South Carolina Botanical Garden is closed to visitors until further notice. Here’s a virtual tour of what is in bloom. Yunnan Magnolia (Magnolia laevifolia)...