Author: Laura Lee Rose

When the temperatures rise in the South there is only one place to be – in the shade. Since plants can’t get up and go to the shade, some of them would prefer being planted there in the first place.

Using containers is a great way to grow edibles if you have limited space. Keep in mind that containers may need more watering than an “in ground” garden. Window boxes and large pots are ideal for growing mini gardens of vegetables and herbs.

The signature plant in many southern landscapes is Azalea. These are southerners’ answer to peonies and lilacs even if they don’t smell good. They are beautiful and as varied as any group of plants, but when are they also Rhododendrons?

In South Carolina we celebrate Arbor Day on the 1st Friday of December, and that seems strange to some folks who are used to planting trees in April. The reason for planting in the fall or winter is that roots have a chance to establish for 5 or 6 months before the spring flush.

When we garden, even though it’€™s not rocket science, there is good science on which to base our plant’€™s needs. All plants need air, light, water and space to grow. This article is about amounts and timing of these needs.

Fall is a cheerful time of year, mostly, with beautiful wild flowers and gardens blooming across the state. I have been known to rave about beautyberry bush with clusters of purple berries growing close to the stems.

When designing a garden we want to look at the mature size of plants. It doesn’€™t do to have a sprawling tall plant at the front of a border or under a low window. Choosing the right plant for the right place is all about form, height, width, seasonal interest, and ecological services.

The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;...

We garden for a variety of reasons. I love flowers. I also enjoy the wildlife, insects, butterflies and birds that come to visit the flowers.

Lent is a time for letting go and getting ready (penitence and fasting). Unseasonably warm weather for the last month of winter has me wondering what’s in store.