K.I.S.S. Shrubs – The Lazy Gardener’s Shrubs
While native grasses and forbs are my favorite lazy gardener plants, native shrubs rank as must-haves for an easy and attractive landscape. All native or introduced shrubs are generally carefree...
Author: N. Jordan Franklin
K.I.S.S. the Lawn: The Lazy Gardener’s Lawn
Turfgrass… Blah. Amiright!? Kidding, but I have a confession to make. Once upon a time, I got a degree in Horticulture… Turfgrass. A golf course summer internship quickly determined that maintaining...
Be a Lazy Gardener and K.I.S.S. for Healthy Plants
Most people know K.I.S.S. is an acronym for Keep It Simple Silly (or something very similar). K.I.S.S. is great because you can apply it to just about any situation in life. Horticulture is no...
Small But Mighty Golden Alexanders
Several years ago, upon taking a deeper dive into native plants, I kept hearing about a plant named Zizia. Everyone raved about its prowess as a pollinator workhorse in the garden. I decided I must...
Let’s Go Wild!
I read a recent article in Forbes magazine introducing a new book, Wild: The Naturalistic Garden by Noel Kingsbury. It nudged me to share a gardening concept that I have grown more passionate about...
A Broken Record
When I was a child, my Mama would often say, I feel like a broken record! after reminding my brother and me several times of tasks we did not complete. As a parent, I now know firsthand the...
This New Year, Try Horticulture!
Here, at the beginning of 2022, some of us may resolve to make meaningful life changes. At midnight on December 31st, marketing campaigns switch from ‘indulge in holiday cheer’ to ‘new year, new...
Should I Water My Plants in the Winter?
It should go without saying that water is vital for plant survival. Plants use water for photosynthesis, transporting water-soluble nutrients, and maintaining turgidity. Turgidity is the water...
Getting to the Root of Plant Problems
When plant problems occur in the landscape, gardeners often blame insects or diseases. While some plants are more susceptible to pest problems than others, many issues arise when plants are planted...
When Plants and Powerlines Collide – Native Shrubs Under Ten Feet
Utility companies have the thankless task of maintaining the right-of-way for above-ground utility lines to keep the power on. Gardeners and residents often gasp in horror upon seeing the tree and...
It’s Shrub and Tree Planting Time… Mind Your Roots!
It is hard to believe it is already mid-September. While many folks get excited about spring in the garden, experienced South Carolina gardeners know that autumn is the sublimest of seasons. Crystal...
Nostoc
Nostoc is a dark blue-green, jelly-like organism sometimes found in soggy home lawns. While the organism’s discovery can be alarming for homeowners, it causes no harm to plants or animals. The...