Author: Barbara H. Smith

Butterfly Weed

May 27, 2020 | In the Garden

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a beautiful native wildflower that is an excellent source of pollen and nectar for beneficial pollinating insects. The genus name Asclepias is derived from the...

May Week 4 Garden Photos

May 25, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

The beauty and diversity of Japanese Maples. Crimson Queen (Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Crimson Queen') Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University Peaches and Cream (Acer palmatum 'Peaches...

Weeds for the Bees

May 18, 2020 | In the Garden

Are you frustrated because there are dandelions and other weeds in your lawn? Did you know that dandelion flowers provide one of the first springtime sources of pollen for bees, butterflies, and...

May Week 3 Garden Photos

May 18, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

What’s blooming at the South Carolina Botanical Garden this week. Pink Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa) Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University Pipevine ( Aristolochia...

May Week 2 Garden Photos

May 11, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

What’s blooming at the South Carolina Botanical Garden This Week. The garden is open from 9 am until sunset. Only the trails and outdoor exhibits are open for visitors. The bathrooms, picnic...

May Week 1 Garden Photos

May 4, 2020 | Photo Blog, Photo Worthy Plants

“Not all who wander are lost.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien~ Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) Toads and...

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...