Category: In the Garden

Yellowbells – Harbingers of Spring

Feb 18, 2019 | In the Garden

Forsythia is a genus of spring flowering shrubs that burst into bloom in early March before their leaves appear. However, they are best known by their common name of yellowbells. Yellowbells...

Winter Leaf Marcescence

Feb 13, 2019 | In the Garden

Have you noticed the persistent brown leaves still hanging on some deciduous trees long after their foliar companions have fallen? This usually becomes very apparent after normal leaf drop in early...

Gift Plants

Feb 11, 2019 | In the Garden

Consider living plants as an alternative to traditional cut flowers for Valentine’s Day this year. Cyclamen, kalanchoe, and miniature roses are all great alternatives. Cyclamen has heart shaped...

LENTEN ROSES

Feb 6, 2019 | In the Garden, Uncategorized

Lenten rose is one of the first perennials to flower each new gardening year. The plant’s name comes from its typical spring bloom time in northern climates that coincides with the religious season...

Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha)

Feb 4, 2019 | In the Garden

When I encounter paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) in late summer, I hear Tom Petty singing his 1981 release of “The Waiting”, where he sings that “waiting is the hardest part.” That’s what...

Pruning Muscadines

Jan 31, 2019 | In the Garden

Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are native to the Carolinas, making them a relatively low-maintenance fruit that is well adapted to our warm and humid climate. Gardeners experience very few...

The Dual Benefits of Rain Gardens

Jan 28, 2019 | In the Garden

Do you have an unsightly spot in your yard plagued by erosion? Or, how about an area that captures the majority of rain from your rooftop, driveway, or sidewalk? Rain gardens are the perfect...

If They Grow It, They Will Eat It!

Jan 24, 2019 | In the Garden, Vegetables

Convincing children to eat their veggies may sound like an impossible task, but a research study conducted by Parmer, et al. found that “second graders who participated in school gardening as part...

Microplastics: Small Plastics, Big Problem

Jan 17, 2019 | In the Garden

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,...

Japanese Camellias

Jan 10, 2019 | Holiday, In the Garden

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

Jan 7, 2019 | In the Garden, Landscape

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

Jan 4, 2019 | In the Garden

Luffas have magical appeal to kids, so growing luffa can be an exciting family or classroom project for your summer garden. Also known as dishcloth gourds or vegetable sponges, luffa are actually...