Author: Sue Watts

Pollinator Week – Bee Discoveries

Jul 11, 2022 | In the Garden, Uncategorized

During pollinator week (June 20 -24), I spent time hunting for native bees in the South Carolina Botanical Garden. Native bees are powerhouse pollinators and of critical importance to plant life and...

Birds in the Landscape

Jun 6, 2022 | In the Garden, Wildlife

As a gardener, one of my main goals is to develop a landscape that provides a safe habitat for birds (and other wildlife). I have added plants to provide food and shelter and have been gratified by...

Lyreleaf Sage

May 5, 2022 | In the Garden

It’s now late April, and I am enjoying these breath-taking vistas of Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrate) in the Arboretum of the South Carolina Botanical Garden (SCBG). This native perennial has put on an...

An Ecology of Spring Wildflowers

Apr 7, 2022 | In the Garden

Spring wildflowers are garden stars in the wooded area of South Carolina Botanical Garden’s Natural Heritage Trail from February to May. The spring herbaceous layer is exceptionally diverse in...

Trout Lilies

Mar 7, 2022 | In the Garden

Every walk in the woods is a treasure hunt as spring ephemerals begin to break through the soil surface. I am almost positive that this trout lily was not up yesterday, but today it is in full...

A Fascinating Discovery 

Feb 3, 2022 | In the Garden

Nature is always intriguing, often beautiful, but occasionally it is rather creepy and somewhat gruesome. We found this little insect body under a tree on the Natural Heritage Trail at the South...

Celebrate the Trees That Make Your World Better

Dec 6, 2021 | In the Garden

Arbor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the trees that make your world better! While National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, the first Friday in December (December 3, 2021) is South...

Leave the Leaves for the Fireflies

Nov 1, 2021 | In the Garden

In the hot summer months, do you love sitting outside watching the fireflies (or lightning bugs) flash in the landscape? If you do, then there is something important you need to know related to fall...

Native Plants for Wildlife: Resources for Home Gardeners

Oct 11, 2021 | In the Garden

Over the past few decades, support for planting natives in our gardens has grown exponentially. Experienced gardeners know that planting “the right plant in the right place” makes the upkeep of that...

Ravenel’s Swamp Rattlesnake Master

Sep 21, 2021 | In the Garden

I just love this plant! I think it’s the color and texture that I find so attractive. The silvery-grey, spiky foliage contrasts with rounded bright blue flower heads. Wherever it is in the...

Spiderwebs

Aug 19, 2021 | In the Garden

At this time of year, I start seeing spiders and spider webs more frequently. I might leave my house and walk through a web or see a web glistening in the sunlight as I drive to work. Although they...

National Moth Week

Jul 22, 2021 | In the Garden

Did you know this week is National Moth Week? July 17 – 25, 2021, marks the tenth anniversary of National moth week. This program started in New Jersey but now has a global reach. The goal this year...