This collection features some of Barbara’s favorite photos from the HGIC Photo Blog over the years and serves as her final photo blog before retirement. From vibrant blooms and thriving gardens to fascinating insects and beautiful landscapes, these images capture many of the natural wonders she has shared throughout her career. As Barbara begins this new chapter, we invite you to enjoy this look back and celebrate her many years of contributions to HGIC.
After much thought, I have decided to retire from HGIC. Serving the people of South Carolina and helping them solve their horticultural challenges has been the highlight of my more than 50 years in the horticulture profession.
While this decision is bittersweet, it feels like the right time. I am excited to devote more attention to my own garden at Crooked Trail Farm. Thank you for the privilege of being part of your gardening journey and for making my job so rewarding. Julia Nichols, ©2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Weeping Rostrinucula (Rostrinucula dependens) and Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Vernal Witch Hazel (Hamemalis vernalis)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Bumble Bee (Bombus sp.) on Goldenrod (Soldiago species)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Delores Edwards Camellia (Camellia x 'Delores Edwards') and Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) with a Digger Bee (Anthophora sp.) and a Bee Fly (Family Bombyliidae)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) resting in a Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies (Papillio glaucus)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Orange Mountain Dandelion (Agoseris aurantiaca)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Katydid (Family Tettigoniidae) shedding its old exoskeleton
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Boxelder Maple Samaras (Acer negundo)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Red Lotus Hybrid Magnolia (Magnolia yuyuanensis x insignis)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Spike Winterhazel (Corylopsis spicata) and Carolina Red Wasp (Polistes carolina)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Immature Chinese Praying Mantid (Tenodera sinensis) on White Swan Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan')
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Scarlet Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) and Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos )
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Allium (Allium sp.)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Pinky Winky Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Pinky Winky') with Eastern Swallowtail Butterflies (Papilio glaucus)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Pink Darwin Hybrid Tulip (Tulipa x darwin)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
American Basketflower (Centaurea americana) and Bengal Tiger Canna Foliage (Canna x generalis 'Bengal Tiger')
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Pilot Peak in the Absaroka Range in Wyoming
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Japanese Maple Seedling (Acer palmatum)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Heirloom Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Green Lynx Spider ( Peucetia viridans) and Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Giant Coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Fowler’s Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) and Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Oleander seeds
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
DD Blanchard Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'DD Blanchard') and Honey Bees (Apis sp.)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Anchor Predatory Stink Bug (Stiretrus anchorago) on Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Don's Variegated Native Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum 'Don's Variegated')
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Cigar Cuphea (Cuphea ignea)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Cattleya Orchid (Cattleya sp.)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Carolina Anole (Anolis carolinensis) Molting
Barbara H. Smith, ©2021 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Pink Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus exaltatus)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) and Honey Bee (Apis sp.)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea llavea)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) on Chives (Allium tuberosum)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Monarch Egg and Caterpillars (Danaus plexippus)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2016 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Emmett's Pumpkin Full Moon Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum 'Emmett's Pumpkin Full Moon')
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson Extension
