HARDY HIBISCUS (Hibiscus moscheutos): How to Grow and Care for Hardy Hibiscus
Discover how to grow hardy hibiscus with spectacular midsummer blooms, plus care tips, pest management, and wildlife benefits.
Tag: Blogs
South Carolina Field Update (June 29, 2026): Heat For the 4th
South Carolina growers are harvesting abundant watermelon, peaches, berries, and summer vegetables as temperatures approach 100°F. This week’s field update covers heat safety, insect and disease pressure, regional crop conditions, and upcoming watermelon field day information.
The Power of Mass Planting in Landscape Design
Discover the benefits of planting en masse and learn simple strategies to create a cohesive, low-maintenance landscape.
June 29 Week 5 Garden Photos
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...
Creek Critters: Dragonflies
Discover how dragonflies live as aquatic nymphs and help indicate the health of South Carolina waterways.
South Carolina Field Update (June 22, 2026): Watermelon Season Is Here
South Carolina watermelon harvest is underway. Growers are managing increased disease pressure, insect pests, sunscald, and vascular wilt issues statewide.
June 22 Week 4 Garden Photos
“What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever...
Beat the Heat: Summer Garden Survival Tips for South Carolina Gardeners
Keep your South Carolina garden thriving through summer with smart watering, mulching, fertilizing, and heat-tolerant plant choices.
South Carolina Field Update (June 15, 2026): “Freestone” Peaches Are Coming In
Freestone peaches are now being harvested across South Carolina as disease and insect pressure continue to increase. This week’s field update covers anthracnose, gummy stem blight, cucurbit downy mildew, caterpillar outbreaks in greens, blackberry stink bug damage, and current harvest conditions across the state.
June 15 Week 3 Garden Photos
“In early June, the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” ~John Steinback~ Jacob Cline Bee Balm (Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline') Barbara H. Smith,...
HUMMINGBIRD FAVORITE: CORAL BEAN
Coral bean is a native flowering shrub with bright red blooms that attract hummingbirds. Learn how to grow and care for this pollinator favorite.
South Carolina Field Update (June 8, 2026): It’s Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Summer
Hot temperatures, rising humidity, and recent rainfall are accelerating crop growth across South Carolina. Growers should prepare for increased disease pressure, scout cucurbits for downy mildew, and stay on top of irrigation and crop protection as blueberries, blackberries, peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and other summer crops move into harvest.