Live Oak
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is one of the most well-known trees found in Southern landscapes. While it is adaptable to all regions of South Carolina, it reaches its full development only within...
Author: Bob Polomski
Pine
Pine trees (Pinus species) are one of the most important groups of plants. These trees are called conifers because they have needles, cones, and are typically evergreen. There are many different...
Spinach
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a hardy, cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or fall throughout South Carolina. It can survive temperatures of 20 °F without injury, making it an...
Aerating Lawns
Homeowners often overlook problems associated with soil compaction. Soil compaction can severely restrict turfgrass growth and can arise in lawns from a variety of events. Traffic over a lawn or...
Starting Seeds Indoors
Growing vegetable transplants from seed is a relatively easy task that can provide many benefits to gardeners. The benefits of growing transplants include a unique choice of cultivars, control over...
Site Considerations When Selecting Plants
Planning Before Planting A beautiful and functional landscape owes its success to many considerations. Chiefly among them is a keen assessment and understanding of the conditions particular to the...
Watering the Vegetable Garden
The home gardener has several ways of irrigating the garden: a watering can; a garden hose with a fan nozzle or spray attachment; a portable lawn sprinkler; a soaker hose; or drip or trickle...
Indian Hawthorn
Indian hawthorns (Rhaphiolepis species and hybrids) are mostly low-growing, evergreen, flowering shrubs. With a dense mounded growth habit, they are ideal low-maintenance plants for use in small...
Florida Leucothoe
Florida leucothoe (Agarista populifolia), also known as Florida hobblebush or doghobble, is an attractive, evergreen shrub, native from southeastern North Carolina south to Florida and west to...
Okra
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a warm-season crop grown throughout South Carolina. It is a tall, upright plant with a hibiscus-like flower that originated in Africa. The immature, young seed pods...
Bradford Pear
Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is a spring-flowering tree that has been widely planted throughout the eastern U.S. in the last few decades. It is a popular tree that is frequently seen...
Common Buttonbush
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is often lauded for its utility rather than its beauty. Its commercial introduction in 1735 was primarily for beekeepers (hence, its other common name of...