January Week 5 Garden Photos
“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle.” ~Luther Burbank~ Diane Witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane') Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension Camellia...
Tag: Blogs
The Dual Benefits of Rain Gardens
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!
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...
New Year, New Habits
Are you the person who every year swears that this is the year they are going to eat healthy and get in shape, but by February you’re back to your old habits? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most...
January Week 4 Garden Photos
The camellias are in full bloom at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. Camellia japonica 'R.L. Wheeler' Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension Camellia x 'Charmain' Barbara H. Smith, ©2019...
Microplastics: Small Plastics, Big Problem
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,...
Q & A of the Week – Fruit Cake Storage
Q: The holidays have come and gone, but some of us still have leftover food lingering around, and others are stocking up on post-season grocery sales. We got an HGIC call this week from a gentleman...
Chainsaw Safety: Always Use Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Operating a chainsaw is inherently dangerous. The chain moves at 55-60 miles per hour, or about 88 feet per second. The teeth on the chain are designed not to cut but to remove material. Accidental...
January Week 3 Garden Photos
“Study nature. Love nature. Stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright~ Camellia japonica 'Purple Dawn' Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension There's...
Japanese Camellias
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
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
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...