Category: In the Garden

Every spring, I visit local garden centers, searching for colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds. I like to combine these flowers in containers and place them where I can watch hummingbirds...

What is this flower that was found growing on a rock in the middle of a river? This is a rocky shoals spider lily (Hymenocallis coronaria). This species is endemic to the Southeast and grows only in...

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day later this week! Parts of the state received some much-needed rain over the past several days. Hot weather is causing many crops to come to...

Coastal Region – Christopher Burtt Water is essential. This time of year can bring inconsistent rainfall, and with the heat, supplemental irrigation may be needed. Make sure to water deeply...

What is wrong with these blueberries? This week was a trick question. Nothing is wrong with these blueberries! This is a variety called Pink Lemonade that, when fully ripe, has a deep pink color. I...

The heat continues throughout the state. Small fruits and peaches are being harvested in great quantities as disease and insect issues continue to develop in certain vegetable crops. See details...

“Is this snake poisonous?” I get asked this question a lot, and my answer is no. The snake isn’t poisonous, but it could be venomous. One of my biggest pet peeves is when a TV commercial or movie...

Would you like to add another native plant to your perennial or pollinator garden? One of my favorites is Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis). It’s part of the Asteraceae family and is native to the...

What kind of caterpillar is feeding on this buckeye leaf? This is the caterpillar of the morning glory prominent moth (Schizura ipomaeae). While the adult moth is rather nondescript, the caterpillar...

More hot, dry weather is in store for this week. Disease and insect pressure continue to increase as watermelon, small fruit, tomato, and peach harvest continues. See details below. Check out the...

If you’re looking for a beautiful native plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, Stokes’ Aster (Stokesia laevis) is a good choice. I spent an hour in the Perennial border in the...

What caused the galls to form on this pecan leaf? These galls were caused by an insect called the pecan leaf phylloxera (Phylloxera notabilis). These are tiny aphid-like insects that feed on...