Weed of the Month – Annual Bluegrass
That bright green, grassy weed in your lawn this month could be annual blue grass (Poa annua). It is a cool season annual weed that grows in moist, compacted, even shady locations. It is a prolific...
Category: In the Garden
Microplastics: Small Plastics, Big Problem
Most items that are an integral part of our daily routine are made of plastics. Plastic is an incredibly versatile and durable material, which is why it is so popular today. Furniture, containers,...
Chainsaw Safety: Always Use Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Operating a chainsaw is inherently dangerous. The chain moves at 55-60 miles per hour, or about 88 feet per second. The teeth on the chain are designed not to cut but to remove material. Accidental...
Japanese Camellias
Japanese camellias (Camellia japonica) are one of the most recognized evergreen shrubs planted in Southern gardens. As the common name implies, these beauties are native to the Orient. The first...
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...
Growing Luffa
December may not seem like the time of year to think about growing luffa gourds, but by planning ahead now, you could be gift wrapping your luffa sponges as holiday gifts next year! Luffas 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...
Poinsettia Care
Poinsettias are a classic holiday plant used to decorate homes from November to December. When South Carolinian Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, introduced the poinsettia to the...
Plant A Tree
December is the month we celebrate Arbor Day. So, consider planting a tree in honor of this day. Start by selecting the right plant for the site. First, analyze the chosen site by checking the soil...
How to Make a Stunning Magnolia Wreath
Magnolias have long been a symbol of the South. Making a stunning magnolia leaf wreath for the holidays is both fun and easy. The leathery leaves hold up well without water. Choose magnolia leaves...
Holiday Houseplants
What better way to enjoy this time of year than use it as an excuse to buy more plants! Poinsettias, amaryllis, paper whites, cyclamen, Norfolk Island pines, Christmas cactus, kalanchoe, rosemary...
Forcing Amaryllis
It isn’t necessary to be a botanist to choose a good amaryllis bulb. A little botanical knowledge about amaryllis, however, ensures gardeners buy productive bulbs for a beautiful floral display....