Category: In the Garden

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...

Select Trees & Shrubs for Winter Interest

Dec 17, 2018 | In the Garden, Landscape

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

Dec 12, 2018 | In the Garden

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

Dec 10, 2018 | In the Garden

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...

Holiday Houseplants

Dec 3, 2018 | In the Garden

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...