Story and Photos By Yvonne Lelong Bordelon Native swamp spider lily (Hymenocallis occidentalis) is a moisture-loving perennial plant that sports clusters of 6-8-inch, ghostly white, richly fragrant flowers. The gorgeous spring blooms also attract pollinators, including hummingbirds, and the plants are highly deer resistant. Who could ask for more? In the wild, this easy-to-grow member …
Don’t forget the animals By Dan Gill Although we gardeners mostly focus on plants, we must admit that animals are also a part of our gardens. Many of the animals that inhabit or visit our gardens are never noticed, some are noticed and appreciated, some are decidedly not welcome, and some are tolerated with affection. …
Non-traditional ways to use annuals in the landscape Story and Photos By Jennifer Williams Driving through most neighborhoods across the country, you can see that we have all been told the same thing about annuals – Keep it simple: Plant your annuals near the front of your flowerbeds, pick one or two options and colors, …
By Yvonne Lelong Bordelon The beautiful fragrant flower clusters of native Piedmont azalea put on a show in early spring just as the leaves are emerging. These hardy, deciduous shrubs, which grow along creeks, swamps, bluffs, and in moist flatwoods, can form colonies and will also hybridize readily with other native Rhododendron species. In the …
Common garden plants grown for their color on and off the stalk Story and Photos By LeeAnn Barton Long before modern chemical dyes were introduced in the late 19th century, nature was the source of color. Fabrics and tapestries with rich color date back millenniums and some survive even today and are extremely treasured. It …
Broad thoughts on narrow beds By Margeaux Emery Are you considering adding a narrow bed to your landscape or renovating one already in place? If so, congratulations – you’re about to open a treasure box of creative gardening choices and opportunities. Whether the bed is a foundation planting or intended to enliven a shady patio, …
Getting the best plant for your money By Helen Newling Lawson Shopping for new plants is fun, but it can also be costly. Luckily, there are a few simple guidelines that can help you buy wisely and make the most of your plant dollars. First: Find a reputable nursery. They will do a lot of …
Attracting pest-devouring beneficials to your garden Story and Photos by Kristi Cook I don’t know about where you live, but in my neck of the woods fall brings swarms of Asian lady bugs, clinging desperately to my home, vehicles, trees, kids, and even pets. They creep their way into my windows, nestle deep inside every …
If you’re running out of space to grow … look up By Margeaux Emery Plant lover, plant lover, how does your garden grow?” If you answer, “In leaps and bounds and spill-arounds,” you might just be running out of space. This common plight of avid gardeners begs for creative solutions. One of the simplest is …
20 organic gardening hacks to improve your veggie production By Yvonne Lelong Bordelon Using organic gardening techniques in your vegetable garden is the best way to improve food quality and increase your vegetable production while supporting the ecosystem by aiding pollinators. These organic garden hacks will help you incorporate sustainable methods into your landscape. Stayin’ …
