This week, Nathan discusses some exciting new herbaceous perennial releases that can't wait to be grown in your garden!

The time between winter and spring is always an awkward time in the garden. This week, Nathan talks about ways to make your "pre-spring" garden really shine.

This week, with spring in the air, Nathan talks about ten of the things you ought to do now to get your raised-beds and vegetables garden prepped for spring planting!

This week, Nathan talks about what you should NOT be doing in the garden any time soon: pruning your "old wood" blooming plants! Nathan describes the difference between "old wood" and "new wood" blooming plants and lists out the special spring bloomers you shouldn't prune until after their flowers have faded. If her in doubt, remember, "If it blooms before June, do not prune...until after it blooms."

This week, Nathan talks about the 12 key features of contemporary garden style.

This week, Nathan celebrates Valentine's Day with you by bringing love into the garden! Join him as he talks about garden-themed gift ideas, the "love language" of flowers, garden activities to perform with your loved ones, and how our gardens truly do relate to our lives and relationships.

This week, Nathan helps you remember the things you've been forgetting to do in the garden over the late winter and also draws attention to some things you never even thought about doing.

This week, Nathan helps you add unique interest and pizzazz to your garden by employing some unique pruning techniques. Shaped shrubs, flattened fruit trees, and trees narrowed into tight hedges will all help your garden stand out from the neighborhood while adding some useful function as well.

This week, Nathan talks about new trends in gardening to try in your own landscape! From the new (and strange) bioluminescent petunia, to gravel gardens, modern meadows, kokodama and more, Nathan provides you with some novel and unusual ideas for your 2026 gardening year!

This week, Nathan talks about some things that you might consider doing soon-- taking and submitting a soil sample, working in some new fruit trees or managing existing one, verify if old seed is still viable, and install some of the world's shortest, reblooming azaleas.

This week, Nathan makes a case that wet, soggy soil isn't a crisis but an opportunity to grow some wonderful plants that don't bat an eye at the boggy side of life! With this water-loving native plants, you can create a beautiful garden space that dry soil just can't provide.

This week, Nathan takes a new gardening trend known as "Lemonading", explains what it is and how to employ it into your new 2026 gardening year! Happy new year!

What do you plan to get that gardening friend in your life for Christmas? With just a few days left to decide, Nathan helps you with some great gift ideas for that green thumb in your life. Maybe you should just gift one of these ideas to yourself!

This week, Nathan urges you to test your garden and see if it passes with a stellar grade! Using winter to assess the state of your garden is perfect because you really can see "through" the garden rather than just looking at it. With the 10 checkpoints Nathan provides, you will be able to take your garden from lackluster to filled with luster!

Why keep spending money on a cut Christmas tree that you know will be brown and crispy by the second day of the new year when you could be decorating a living tree that can be planted and enjoyed for the next one hundred years or more? Nathan explains how to take care of a living tree indoors over the holidays and provides you with a list of the top tree kinds to use! He then continues the conversation on evergreens and talks about native evergreens that can be used in a variety of ways including hiding that junk pile your neighbor keeps growing in your direct line of sight!

Right off the bat, Nathan talks about new blueberry varieites that are both dwarf and self-fruitful, meaning if you are limited on space, you can grow these tiny blueberry plants by themselves with no need for a pollinizing partner! Then he explains the benefits of planting "bare-root" plants over winter and why spraying your plants with dormant oil in the cool months can help prevent insect and disease issues over the next growing season. Lastly, if you need to divide, thin out, or transplant hellebores, Nathan explains when and how to do it.

This week, Nathan tackles some concerns that need to be addressed in fall. He explains what the "cold hardiness" of a plant is and how it helps dictate what you can plant in your area and how a plant will act over winter. He gives some guidelines for choosing a mulching material and how to properly mulch. Lastly, should we be pruning over winter? Nathan lets you know the best practices when it comes to pruning.

Fall is often a troubling time of year when it comes to knowing what you can and can't do or should and shouldn't do in the garden. This week, Nathan answers some of the most timely questions he get each autumn.

Last week Nathan gave you ideas for adding outstanding fall color to your garden with native plants. This week, we travel to other parts of the world and discover even more plants to enrich your landscapes autumnal color palette.

Are things looking lack luster in your garden this autumn? This week, Nathan helps you select native trees and shrubs that are going to light up your fall gardening world for years to come!

Sure all plants are pretty with their colorful flowers and textural leaves, but some of them have a dark side. This week, just in time for Halloween, Nathan discusses a list of plants that might seem cute and innocent on the outside, but hide secrets within that can be down right...fatal.

As gardeners it's important for us to cultivate the next generation of gardeners: our own children! This week, Nathan talks about creative and kid-intriguing ways to get the little ones interested in all things gardening.

Whether you have poor sandy soils or poor clay soils, both problems can be remedied naturally! This week, Nathan talks about practical things you can do this season and all year long to improve your plants' forever home: your soil.

If our gardens look like spring during spring, then shouldn't our gardens look like winter in the winter? This week, Nathan discusses ways to enjoy the "winter look" in your garden once temperatures have dropped and days have shortened. There is beauty in all of the decay.

This week, Nathan gives his annual update on the spider that has taken over the south: the East Asian Joro Spider!

Tired of the usual pansies over winter? Join Nathan as he talks about trying your hand at a different kind of annual winter garden!

As the mornings crisp up and the days soften, there's a quiet thrill in the air—the kind that tugs at every gardener's heart. Fall isn't just a season; it's a canvas for creating landscapes that don't just surround your home but elevate it. I'm Nathan Wilson, your gardening pal from The New Southern Garden Show, and today, I'm pulling back the curtain on designing outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of your soul. We'll chat about those sneaky signs that autumn is knocking (spoiler: your gardenia's yellowing leaves aren't dying—they're just packing for winter), and dive deep into bulbs, those underground superstars that deliver surprise blooms year after year.

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just dipping your toes into container gardening, this guide is your roadmap. Drawing from decades of hands-on designs, client stories, and my own trial-and-error plots, let's turn your yard into a memory-making haven. Ready to layer color, nook in surprises, and watch your home shine? Let's dig in.

Why Your Landscape Should Hug Your House (Not Hide It)

Picture this: Your home, that sturdy beacon of memories, standing tall against a backdrop of earth. Too often, we treat the yard like an afterthought—a spot for the grill or the kids' swing set. But here's the truth I've learned from countless consultations: The house is the star. Every shrub, tree, and flower should accentuate it, not compete.

Start with "lines of force." Imagine extending straight lines from your home's edges—the corners, window sills, door frames—out into the yard. These invisible guides dictate where to place elements. Want a blooming native dogwood? Tuck it toward a corner, at least 10–15 feet from the foundation to avoid foundation cracks or gutter shade. It's a fine tree (up to 25 feet tall), perfect for framing a two-story facade without overwhelming it.

For low windows, fill the soil-to-sill gap with a low hedge or groundcover. It softens those awkward voids, blending hard architecture with soft greenery. I remember my first big design gig in Cleveland, Georgia. A retiree had poured 40 years into her dream home overlooking misty mountains. The view? Stunning. The house? Spot-on. But she called me in tears: "Nathan, something's wrong." It was naked—no plants. A bare house feels cold, like unfinished siding and nails without a soul.

We fixed it fast: Low shrubs under windows, a dogwood at the corner, perennials in gaps. Suddenly, it breathed. Plants aren't just pretty; they're the love letter from your home to the world. They whisper, "Someone cares here." And trust me, from grandkids chasing fireflies to quiet evenings with a book, those outdoor memories rival the ones inside.

Quick Design Do's for Garden-Home Harmony:

• Prioritize the front door: No massive oaks blocking entry—save them for the sides of doors.

• Scale smart: Match plant height to home features (e.g., low-growers under windows, mid-sized trees at corners).

• Accent, don't distract: Use evergreens for year-round structure, blooms for seasonal pops.

Fall's First Hints: Yellow Leaves Aren't the Enemy—They're Packing for Hibernation

If you've strolled your garden lately, you've felt it: cooler nights, shrinking daylight, that golden-hour glow hitting earlier. Days are still balmy, but fall's whispering. Don't fret those interior yellow leaves on your gardenias or roadside tulip poplars—they're not perishing. This is translocation, the plant world's clever prep for dormancy.

Botanically, it's the "trans" (different) + "location" (place): Plants pull nutrients, sugars, and water from older leaves to store in roots and stems. Think bears bulking up before hibernation (minus the cave drama—I'm no wildlife expert, but you get it). Deer are grazing like mad right now, stocking fat for lean winters. Your plants? Same vibe. They're recycling, conserving for that spring flush.

Gardenias, those evergreen darlings, yellow from the inside out—tips should stay green, or check for pests. Tulip poplars follow suit. It's normal, especially with our dry spells. Hydrangeas crisping early? Stress-induced dormancy. October's our driest month in Northeast Georgia, but established trees and shrubs will tough it out. Skip heavy watering unless rain's scarce—winter's the wet season anyway.

When to Worry (and When Not To):

• Good sign: Interior yellowing on evergreens like gardenias—fall prep.

• Red flag: Tip yellowing or widespread die-off—could be drought, disease, or overwatering.

• Pro Tip: Containers need consistent moisture; in-ground perennials, shrubs, and trees? Let 'em coast.

Bulbs: Your Underground Allies for Non-Stop Garden Drama

Fall's my favorite season of the year—crisp air, foliage fireworks for a month. Fewer blooms, sure, but that's where bulbs swoop in like seasonal saviors.

Bulbs (or geophytes, if you're feeling fancy—“geo” for earth, “phyte” for plant) are nature's ephemerals. They hunker underground most of the year, then erupt in color. I've underused them until lately—planted crocus as a kid outside my parents' steps (some still bloom!), and now my own yard's getting surprise reticulated irises that doubled stem count by year two. They're forgiving, space-saving gems.

Why bulbs? Layer them by bloom time for succession: Late winter crocus into spring daffodils, summer lilies, fall lycoris. Nook 'em in shrub gaps, perennial borders, or annual beds—they vanish post-bloom, freeing space. Interplant with pansies or violas; bulbs push through come spring for double duty. They're the "forgot I planted that!" thrill every gardener craves.

Group by season:

• Fall Bloomers: Plant now for quick color (e.g., autumn crocus, lycoris, fall daffodils).

• Winter/Spring: Chill in soil now for February–April pops (e.g., daffodils, tulips, crocus, anemone).

• Summer: Skip fall planting—they hate cold, wet winters. Plant next spring. (e.g., dahlia, Asiatic lilies, gladiolus)

Mastering Bulb Planting: Depth, Dirt, and That Slow-Release Magic

Success boils down to prep. Research moisture needs—most hate soggy soil (rot city), but marginals love pond edges.

• Soil Setup: No “full till” needed, but loosen holes. Heavy clay? Work in organic matter. Mushroom compost's the “Cadillac” of soil amendments (per modern research)—nutrient-rich, drainage-boosting. Manure, leaf mold, or homemade compost work too. Fluff for soil tilth; bulbs thrive in loose, fertile beds.

• Depth Rule: 2–3x the bulb's diameter. A 1-inch bulb should go beneath the soil 2–3 inches deep. Too deep = no show; too shallow = critter snacks. Check tags, but err high—they self-adjust when needed.

• Orientation: Pointy end up (shoot side), basal plate (flat root base) down. Tubers? Whiskers (roots) down, eyes up. Unsure? Lay sideways—they'll right themselves. And be careful not to abuse the basal plate—it's the root-shoot divide.

• Fertilize Smart: Toss Bulb-Tone (Espoma's organic fertilizer blend) directly in holes or simply top-dress after planting. Slow-release, low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus—feeds roots first, then leaves and blooms. Won't burn and eco-friendly.

• Water: Settle soil in and around the bulb with a gentle soak—helps remove air gaps.

• Cluster: And don’t forget to cluster your bulbs like eggs under a hen! One lonely daffodil? Sad. Groups of 5–7? A spectacular drift! Space bulbs 4–6 inches apart for natural waves— or whatever the bulb bag recommends.

Your Fall Action Plan: Plant, Layer, and Join the Fun

Fall is your bulb bonanza window—grab from reputable sources now! Design with house lines in mind, embrace those fall time yellowing cues, and let geophytes (bulbs) layer your magic. Your home deserves that loving landscape touch.

Feeling solo in the soil? Join our New Southern Garden crew on Facebook or Instagram—share wins, woes, and pics. Hit www.newsoutherngarden.com for full episodes and inspiration. Gardening's better together. What's your first bulb buy this fall? Drop it in the comments below—now, let's grow well, together.

Nathan Wilson has hosted New Southern Garden for years, blending Southern expertise with practical tips for veggies, containers, ornamentals and more. A North Georgia native, he's designed landscapes from mountain retreats to urban plots, always prioritizing plants that build homes into havens.

Winter is coming. Get these herbs going now and they will provide you with delicious flavors all winter long.

If you've been growing and killing plants for years but want to try your green hand at something a bit more challenging, listen in as Nathan gives the advanced garden some new things to try.

Have you ever stuck a shovel in the ground and planted a plant? No? Then listen in, as Nathan talks about ways a new beginner gardener might get started.

Get out your shovel. It's time to do a little late summer planting. Nathan tells you what to plant right now.

Nathan continues the discussion on making your garden a place where ecology can bound and things need a little less attention and input from you.

Have you wanted to make your garden more self-sufficient and ecologically responsible? Nathan clues you in. Listen in.

Late summer. Yikes! What to do? Join Nathan as he gives you a heads up on what to do in the garden in the heat of summer.

Why not dedicate a whole show to growing bananas? Is it even possible to grow bananas in the southeast? Nathan explains it all.

We all think vegetables are tasty, but so do many insects. Join Nathan as he talks about the pests that might need a new pantry to live in.

Celebrate America's birthday by planting a few plants and crops that were important in America's history!

What's that wonderful smell? It could be your garden if you grow these fragrant plants. Let Nathan explain.

Need some help getting your summer garden in shape and looking good? Nathan's got some tips for you.

Native plants are great. Usually. But many times, you just don't see enough of the great ones in the garden center. Join Nathan as he reveals some of the best native plants that you might have never seen!

Hydrangeas are wonderful southern summer plants but they look so much better partnered with others! Join Nathan as he talks about some of the best companion plants for hydrangeas.

Join Nathan as he continues his discussion on how to grow your favorite summer vegetables!

Join Nathan as he talks about growing your favorite summer veggies!

Herbs are those special plants that provide delicious flavors and boast numerous uses. However, we tend to only focus on their tastes and fail to give them credit for their aesthetic beauty and flowering benefits to pollinators. This week, Nathan talks about some of the most beautiful, but also tasty, herbs to try in your garden this year. Don’t just send herbs to the “herb garden”, combine them with all the other wonderfully beautiful flowers blooming in your landscape!

Don't let the word "mint" turn you off from listening to this episode of New Southern Garden! Peppermint and Spearmint have been grown in gardens about as long as their stems spread from one end of your garden to the other. These mints are notoriously aggressive, but their "cousin" mints are not. The mint family of plants is full of diverse and beneficial plants that don't move into every crack and crevice they can find. Join Nathan as he discusses the wonderful side of the mint family and talks about why you should grow them These aren't your granny's mints!

Relationships can be complicated. But in the garden, they are welcomed! This week, Nathan talks about the unique and some times unusual matches between plants and other creatures. Join Nathan as he encourages you to increase the biodiversity in your landscape!

This week, Nathan talks about one of his favorite garden perennials: Baptisia (also known as False Indigo). This native spring-flowering plant is becoming more and more popular in gardens and for good reason. Baptisia is very drought tolerant, provides winter interest with its blackened seed pods, and is becoming more available in a variety of colors and styles. Jump on the Baptisia bus as Nathan tells you all about them!

Perennials are some of our favorite garden plants because they return year after year without replanting. Some of them even seem to live...forever! Join Nathan as he discusses the longest lived perennial plants you could grow. (One of them could live to be 100 years or more!)

Join Nathan as he gardens with artificial intelligence! The world is changing, so why not garden differently? Nathan puts AI to the horticultural test to see if it can provide gardeners with helpful but accurate gardening know-how.

Whether you are a new gardener or have been gardening for one hundred years, pruning can be intimidating but it can be necessary at times. Join Nathan as he guides you through trimming and clipping your way to a beautiful garden.

This week Nathan takes you on the wonderful journey of making your own compost! Compost is a great way to keep recyclable organic matter out of the landfill and into your garden to keep your plants growing well! If you're a lazy gardener like Nathan, you'll learn how to have nature make the compost for you with little work on your end. Keeping a compost pile or bin is easier than you might think!

Join Nathan as he starts off discussing what's going on inside your plants right now as they prepare for their first flush of growth this spring. It's a little bit of a botanical discussion, but it's pretty important stuff. Then, he reminds you to be careful with your peony buds as they begin to grow and gives you his top tips for growing them in the garden. Lastly, he discusses five great tiny and evergreen ground covers to fill all the cracks and crevices of your garden or use as a substitute for turfgrass. Groundcovers are often overlooked, but are super important to use and use well!

This week, Nathan encourages you to plant what’s blooming now! Late winter blooming plants are reminders that the gray days of winter will soon be surpassed by the warm spring nights. He talks about some of the classic and well-known bloomers such as forsythia, daffodil, hyacinth, and lenten rose. But he also discusses some once beloved but now almost forgotten selections like the super fragrant winter honeysuckle and the delightful ground cover winter jasmine. Join Nathan as he helps you choose plants that will be a long-lived reminder of the spring days around the corner!

This week, Nathan wraps up the discussion on his "Great Eight" vegetables to grow in your southern veggie garden! Whether you are a beginner gardener or not, Nathan walks you through the easiest vegetables you could possibly grow.

This week, Nathan begins a discussion on the easiest vegetables to grow in your southern vegetable garden. He starts by describing the growing conditions we have to deal with here in the southeast and also the concerns we may have with our soil types. Then, he goes crop-by-crop describing the easiest plants to grow in your garden, the best ways to start them, when to plant them, and how to harvest their delicious produce! Join Nathan next week as he finishes up the greatest and easiest vegetables to try out in your garden this season!

To put an end cap on Nathan's discussion about using color in the landscape, this week he groups some great perennial plants by the color they provide. He talks about bout the flower color and leaf color that these lovely plants can give your garden.

This week Nathan continues his discussion on the theory of using color in your garden. Join him as he gives you ideas on some of the most effective ways to use color in your landscape!

Color is the life of garden! Which colors we choose to use in the landscape will dictate the kind of atmosphere and mood we create in our gardens. Join Nathan as he discusses the theory behind color in the garden and practical ways to use it effectively!

This week Nathan takes you through the second half of the Best Management Practices for the garden, informing you which jobs should be done now and which should be done later.

Timing gardening activities is critical. Somethings need to be done over winter while others really need to wait for warmer weather. This week Nathan takes you through Best Management Practices for the garden, informing you which jobs should be done now and which should be done later.

Looking for something to do in your garden this month but not sure what to do? Join Nathan as he gives you a garden to-do list for January!

Join Nathan as he talks about a ton of new plants you can find in your local garden center and plant nursery this spring!

This week, Nathan discusses vines that will provide vertical interest and flowers in the sky for your garden. Every garden needs some kind of vine somewhere and Nathan walks you through a list of great options for your space!

This week, Nathan talks about the plants that go hand in hand with Christmas. He talks about how to grow these beautiful plants that really know how to wish you a "Merry Christmas!"

As we get deeper and deeper into winter, Nathan talks about plants that might help warm things up a bit in the garden: nearly tropical, but hardy plants. Join Nathan as he talks about plants that can give you a feeling of a tropical place, but have no problem surviving through winter!

Mistletoe is quintessential with Christmas, but it is one strange and unusual plant. This week, Nathan talks about the history, folklore, and botany behind this parasitic plant we know as "mistletoe."

We always think about decorating our interiors for the Christmas season, but how often do we intentionally "decorate" the garden and landscape for Christmas? This week, Nathan gives you ideas that go beyond decorations to get your garden into the holiday spirit.

This week, Nathan talks about how to grow the most popular herbs used in turkey stuffing and dressings. Get ready to grow and bake your own!

Join Nathan as he gives you tips and ideas for keeping your vegetable garden going all winter!

If you have a garden that is surrounded by tall trees, don’t forget to plant something underneath them to add some mid-canopy interest! This week, Nathan talks about trees that are great to plant underneath other trees. Many of our favorite ornamental garden trees are found naturally growing beneath the shade of larger trees and we can recreate the whimsical beauty in our gardens that nature has already provided. Be sure to take notes about the trees that interest you and might make great additions under your existing trees.

Nathan always says that some gardening products only work in the store…to get you to buy them! This week, Nathan dispels the great marketing tactics of some of the worst garden products you could possibly waste your money on. He discusses the science behind why these products don’t work and encourages you not to purchase them. Save your money to buy some new plants instead!

This week, Nathan goes to the mail bag to answer your questions! He answers a question regarding how you might fill new raised beds with quality growing mixes on a budget. Then, he gets to answer a question about himself…all about some of his favorite plants! Thanks for sending in your questions to New Southern Garden and we hope our answers help you to grow well!

On this week’s episode, Nathan talks about common indoor and outdoor plants that might be a bit scary! Nathan talks about plants that might cause skin reactions, some that cause even worse symptoms, and even some that could be fatal! Plants are great partners both in the house and in the garden, but be sure to learn about their personalities before getting too personal!

In this episode, we dive into the essential gardening tasks for October. We start by clarifying first and last frost dates, helping you prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. The conversation shifts to saving those precious late-season tomatoes before the frost arrives. We then explore the delightful process of planting strawberries for a sweet future harvest, alongside tips on harvesting and curing sweet potatoes and winter squash. Finally, we discuss the importance of planting cover crops, emphasizing how they protect the soil from erosion and enrich it with vital nutrients and organic matter. Tune in for a quirky yet informative look at October gardening!

In this episode, we explore the heartfelt concept of creating a memory garden to honor deceased loved ones. We delve into selecting meaningful plants that resonate with cherished memories, discussing options like fragrant flowers, resilient trees, and calming herbs. The conversation extends to how to design an entire garden space that serves as a tribute, incorporating elements that reflect the personality and spirit of those we've lost. Listeners will gain insight into thoughtful plant choices and creative layout ideas that transform their outdoor spaces into serene, commemorative havens. Join us as we celebrate life and memory through the art of gardening!

In this episode of New Southern Garden, we dive into the enchanting world of wildflower meadows, focusing on how to create one from both seed and plant plugs. We kick off with essential soil preparation techniques, emphasizing the importance of testing and amending your soil for the best results. Next, we discuss the ideal planting times, highlighting the benefits of spring and fall planting windows.

The heart of the discussion revolves around the vibrant flora that thrives in a wildflower meadow. We share our favorites, including coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and butterfly weed, all of which attract pollinators and provide visual appeal. The episode is packed with tips for successfully establishing and maintaining your meadow, ensuring it flourishes throughout the seasons. Join us for this wild journey into the colorful chaos of wildflower gardening!

In this episode, we dive into the world of perennial plants that bring vibrancy and life to your garden in the fall. We explore three key characteristics that make these plants stand out: their stunning fall flowers, vibrant fall color, and evergreen leaves that provide year-round interest. Listeners will discover top picks for each category, as well as tips on how to incorporate these beauties into their autumn landscapes. Tune in to get inspired and elevate your garden game with plants that shine even as the days get shorter!

In this episode, we dive into the world of gardening with clay soil, tackling the challenges and opportunities that come with it. We explore the best perennial plants that thrive in these dense, nutrient-rich conditions, showcasing options that are both resilient and stunning. Listeners will learn about soil preparation techniques to improve drainage, the importance of mulching, and how to select perennials that won't just survive but flourish in clay environments. Don’t miss out on these top picks that can turn your clay garden into a vibrant paradise!

In this episode of New Southern Garden, we dive into the world of invasive insects, exploring how these uninvited critters can wreak havoc on your garden. Our host, Nathan Wilson, discusses identification tips for common invasive species, their impact on local ecosystems, and effective strategies for managing infestations. With a quirky twist, we share surprising facts and stories about these pests, alongside practical advice to help gardeners protect their plants. Tune in for a blend of information, humor, and gardening wisdom that will empower you to combat these garden villains!

This week, Nathan brings you a plant family reunion! Knowing which plants are related to others is an important tool for gardeners to know since many closely related plants can share the same pest issues and cultural requirements. You might be surprised to learn which of your garden plants are actually plant cousins!

This week, Nathan discusses some of the garden veggies you should plant now (or soon) to be sure to get a delicious harvest this fall. He talks about the time frame for planting and days to harvest for each crop to make sure you schedule your planting so that you have vegetables ready to eat when you need them!

This week, Nathan wraps up our discussion on drought tolerant plants for your garden with some awesome perennials that won’t disappoint with a beautiful show even in some of the driest summer days.

This week, Nathan continues the discussion on drought tolerant plants and it’s all about shrubs that can handle dry conditions!

This week, Nathan talks about the importance of planting drought tolerant plants in the south and starts off with a list of great trees that can handle the "dry times."

Plants need best friends too! This week, Nathan talks about reasons why you might consider “companion planting”— or growing a bunch of different types of plants closely together. Later, he discusses some great plant combos that might help fend off bad bugs and increase the population of good ones.

Just because the heat is ramping up doesn't mean that the gardening should be slowing down! This week, Nathan talks about a somewhat random list of gardening topics that should be taking place in your summertime oasis this month!

Shrubs are a vital component of any well-designed landscape and garden. This week, Nathan talks about ways to stylize your garden with shrubs. He walks you through distinct garden styles, such as Japanese, Cottage, and Tropical, and describes different shrubs that can help you achieve that look and atmosphere. Start using shrubs creatively today to create a “sense of place” that can last a lifetime!

Bring nature into the back garden by making your spaces more attractive to wildlife! Nathan talks about the essential components your garden needs if you want to provide a space for wildlife to live and thrive!

This week, Nathan answers your gardening questions! Should you mulch before or after you plant? Nathan has some good ideas to help you make mulching a little easier. Can you make more perennial plants from cuttings now? Listen to find out. And what about roses that are being attacked by Japanese Beetles? Nathan talks about organic options to controlling both the adult beetles and the larvae living beneath the soil. Send us your gardening question for our July Q&A Week at www.newsoutherngarden.com or on Facebook and Instagram!

Need more plants but not able to spend a fortune? Join Nathan as he talks about growing your own perennial plants from seed! He talks about some of the easiest varieties to grow from seed and how to save your own seed on existing plants to grow even more!

Attract plenty of pollinators and add an abundance of colorful blooms to your summer garden with these easy-to-grow annual flowering plants!

What's the latest craze in gardening trends? Low maintenance! Actually, it's been the latest craze for decades. With the busyness of life, it's hard to dedicate copious amounts of time working in the landscape...as much as we might love doing it. This week, Nathan gives you some ideas in reducing the amount of time spent on pruning, weeding, and working with your lawn. Hopefully, these tips will give you more time to enjoy your garden instead of just working in it!

This week, Nathan talks about the native plants in his garden! Native plants are those plants which originated from the area in which they are grown. In this case, Nathan discusses plants that would have been growing in the southern United States before the settlers came over and brought plants from other parts of the world. Native plants are great for eco-friendly gardening and are a great food source for local pollinators and other insects. If you are looking to create a garden that blends well with the naturally occurring environment, plant some of Nathan’s favorite native plants today!

The vegetable garden and fruit orchard start to "rev up" production in May. Join Nathan as he provides a few tips for dealing with disease and insects, training vining plants, and more in the edible garden.

Hydrangeas are a staple in the southern garden. Of course they look great all alone, but the garden is a place of combining plants together with unique characteristics to create outstanding combinations. Join Nathan as he talks about plants that help hydrangeas look even better!

It's nearly hydrangea season! Hydrangeas all over the south are budding up and showing off! This week, Nathan talks about the main hydrangea groups you will find in the garden and describes tried and true varieties but also some awesome new ones!

April showers bring May flowers! Join Nathan as he walks you through his garden and talks about what's blooming.

This week, Nathan answers Cheryl's question about flowering annuals that the deer won't eat! She tried begonia, but they were munched on like lunch time at the Shoney's salad bar. Nathan talks about a long list of plants that the deer MIGHT not eat. After all, if they're hungry enough, right? From salvia, lantana, verbena, and dusty miller to alyssum, nasturtium, ageratum, and angelonia, there are surely plenty of annuals you can enjoy that the deer won't!

Do you feel cursed with clay soil? Many folks do. This week, Nathan assures you that you can grow great gardens in clay soil. He discusses preparing the bed to deal with water movement, digging appropriately in clay, and choosing the best plants for the space. With a little thought and attention, a clay-based soil CAN produce a wonder garden space. There is hope!

This week, Nathan talks about some of the easiest and more challenging fruits to grow in your home orchard! From blueberries to blackberries and apples to muscadines, Nathan gets you started on your fruity journey.