Category: In the Garden

Fertilization of Peach Trees

Mar 23, 2020 | In the Garden

When fertilizing peach trees in a backyard setting, consider tree age and growth rate, soil/tissue analysis, as well as location. Since peach trees do not produce fruit during the first two years...

Virginia Bluebells

Mar 19, 2020 | In the Garden

Are you looking for an early-season, shade-loving perennial that has blue flowers and is also a native perennial wildflower? Then Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are an excellent choice to...

Tips for Fertilizing Pecan Trees

Mar 16, 2020 | In the Garden

There are two approaches to fertilization. First, have the soil analyzed by a reputable lab and follow the scientifically based recommendations. The second often referred to as “a general...

Rain Gardening Ideas

Mar 9, 2020 | In the Garden

Recently, an impressive amount of rain has fallen in South Carolina. With excess rainfall, also comes an increased potential for stormwater runoff. A landscape feature that can help mediate...

Pruning Hydrangeas

Mar 5, 2020 | In the Garden

Many people get confused about when to prune hydrangeas. It is essential to know which species or cultivar you have to determine when to prune. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) set flower...

Just Say ‘No’ to Pre-Emergent Herbicide and Fertilizer Combination Products!

Feb 27, 2020 | In the Garden

As winter gives way to spring, gardeners get that familiar itch to get outside and begin preparing for the coming growing season. With so many tasks to do, it is easy for well-intentioned gardeners...

Dealing With Spring Drainage

Feb 24, 2020 | In the Garden

Winter is the perfect time to install a drainage solution to remove standing water in the yard by adding surface drains, French drains, or both. Removing excess standing water helps with disease...

The Buzz About Pollinators

Feb 20, 2020 | In the Garden

Red maples, lavender henbit, and yellow dandelions are blooming, all early signs that spring’s explosion of color is merely one month away. Why is spring so colorful? What mysterious force drives...

Is It Time To Prune My Trees And Shrubs?

Feb 17, 2020 | In the Garden, Landscape

Many early spring flowering trees and shrubs begin to break out of dormancy in late February. However, gardeners often miss the beautiful tree or shrub flower show because they pruned too early....

General Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids

Feb 13, 2020 | In the Garden, Indoor Plants

Orchids are becoming increasingly popular with many home plant hobbyists because of their beauty, long-lasting blooms, and affordability. A favorite among many is the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis...

Early Spring Vegetables

Feb 10, 2020 | In the Garden, Vegetables

February is the time for planting early vegetable crops. Garden peas (Pisum sativum L), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) can be planted in the Piedmont region from mid to late February and will...

Sharing Nature with Children: Junior Naturalist Program

Feb 6, 2020 | In the Garden

“Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart. If we are going to save environmentalism and the environment, we must...