Wild Ginger
Although wild gingers, Asarum and Hexastylis species, can be found the world over, most of the ones that are cultivated for their ornamental value are native to the shaded woodlands of Asia and...
Author: George M. Dickert
Winter Damage
Woody ornamentals can be damaged by cold temperatures due to three main factors: lack of hardiness, early or late-season frosts or unprotected root systems. A lot of the damage that I have...
Select Trees & Shrubs for Winter Interest
When deciding upon which trees and shrubs to plant in the landscape, I always suggest that gardeners consider plants that offer more than one season of interest. This aspect of consideration is...
Fruit Garden Sanitation and Preparation
With the arrival of October, there comes the end of hopefully a productive growing season. Gardeners should focus on practicing good sanitary practices to reduce the incidence of pest problems next...
Plant a Cover Crop
Do not let your garden soil go fallow through the winter. Plant a cover crop or a mix of cover crops for their multiple benefits to your soil. Cover crops are an important part of any rotational...
Witch Hazel
Witch hazels (Hamamelis spp.) are large shrubs that have several desirable attributes, and offer year-round interest in the landscape. Three species have their origins in North America (H....
Serviceberry
Downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) is a deciduous, small tree or shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae) with a native habitat stretching from Maine to Iowa, south to northern Florida and...
Landscaping Over Septic Drain Fields
Many homeowners in South Carolina want to know what can be grown, if anything, over their septic drain field. As an increasing number of people move into rural areas throughout the state, this issue...