The Southern Garden

Shades of Purple and Blue in Your Southern Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 14:50:00 +0000

Note to the reader: These plants were all photographed in a Botanical Garden in Columbia South Carolina which is zone 8a.

Spanish Blue Bells

(Hyacinthoides hispanica)

If you're looking for something to plant where other plants wont grow, while adding a lovely splash of blue Spanish Blue Bells may be the solution. These lovely bell shaped flowers point downward and each stalk produces around 12-15 flowers. These flowers are known for their ability to reproduce and spread in all types of soil, sun or shade and are ideal for a novice gardener.

Wisteria

Wisteria is a member oddly enough of the legume family and they are absolutely beautiful with flowers resembling clusters of grapes. They have ropey climbing wood vines and are used to add color to fences and trellises. They can have a light smell or a pungent one depending on which type you buy. In the southeastern US this vine is often seen wrapped around the trunks of pine trees and in roadside ditches flanking dense forests. You can also find them in other parts of the world such as Canada, Japan, Vietnam, China, Korea and in the middle east. If you have lots of pets this plant could be toxic to them so use caution.

Larkspur

(Ranunculaceae)

Delphinium

There are over 300 species of Larkspur so you will definitely have no problems finding this beautiful plant in your local nurseries and home and garden outlets. The come in both annual and perennial varieties. They originate throughout the Northern hemisphere and are considered a toxic plant to humans and pets, so research this plant thoroughly before planting in your garden, especially if you have toddlers or pets that like to sample everything.

Bengal Clock Vine

(Acanthaceae.)

Known also as Thunbergia Grandiflora, the Bengal Clock Vine is a plant by many names including Blue trumpet vine. It is a native of India, but it is found in a lot of areas of the world, including China, Nepal, Burma etc. It can grow up to 30' and grow on woody vine stalks.

Carolina Bird Watch: The Carolina Wren

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 14:16:00 +0000

If you love to garden, chances are you love nature in general and that includes our lovely winged friends that visit our gardens, always adding lovely tunes and keeping insects in check. Since this blog is about the southern garden I decided it was high time to start sharing with my readers the lovely bird photographs I have taken through the years and also a little information on them as well. Today we will be highlighting quite appropriately, the Carolina Wren.

Carolina Wrens can be best identified by their white brow strip located just above their eyes, their long pointed beak and up turned tail. They are typically a warm brown color and quite small. They eat a wide variety of insects and are not particularly skittish of human beings.

I have had them land on my front porch just within several feet of where I am sitting. They tend to fuss a little but that no doubt is due to the fact they were nesting which they do all summer.

Males and females tend to mate for life and nest in many odd places. Their nests are shaped differently than other birds often having an enclosed structure with a side entrance.

This baby Wren flew out of his nest after outgrowing the tiny space shared with several siblings. This little fellow allowed me to pick them up and move them to safety.

Yellow in the Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:09:00 +0000

Double Flowered Japanese Kerria

Dawn Gagnon Photography © 2023

Gorgeous flowers are everywhere beginning in Spring, and every year I stumble across this lovely flower. The real issue is, I haven't a clue as to what this flower is, however after a quick google image reverse search I was finally able to find out. With that being said, I was delighted to inherit this lovely flower in my yard and will update its care and growing information soon.

Dawn Gagnon Photography © 2023
Yellow Chrysanthemums
Garden mums aka Chrysanthemums are available are various times of the year and come in a myriad of colors. We see them primarily in the cooler months and they are usually paired with orange and reds for a splash of fall color before winter sets in. These flowers adorn doorsteps and even can be found in pumpkin planters. Either way if your garden needs bright yellow en masse during the cooler months you can hardly go wrong here. They are beautiful.

Keeping those plants alive!! Spotlight: The Confederate Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 18:30:00 +0000

Confederate Rose

(hibiscus mutabilis)

© Dawn Gagnon Photography 2017

The Confederate Rose is not a rose but a large growing flowering shrub that produces large ruffled blossoms that are pink. It also goes by the common name "cotton rose" and it is seen widely across the southern US hence the most common name Confederate Rose. It is a member of the Mallow family, but unlike many varieties of Hibiscus you may find in nurseries, this variety will set root in your garden and comeback year after year in a beautiful display of glorious white and pink blossoms. If you don't have much frost, this plant is vigorous and can grow upwards to 30 feet, so when planting be sure to give it room to grow. Even where there is some frost this plant once established does very well.

So how do we keep this lovely plant alive? Well it needs space, good air circulation, moisture but with good drainage. The soil needs to be fertile and in full sun. Past that, this plant will do very well in zones 8 and warmer. It can even withstand drought, and another added bonus is it is deer resistant, so if you live where deer can be a problem and they've attacked your roses, try this lovely flowering shrub instead.

3 Easy Care Roses

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:50:00 +0000

White and Yellow Lady Banks Rose

Now if you have a place with room to grow, lets say an eyesore you'd like to obscure, or an old fence you'd like to cover, the Lady Banks Rose may be a good fit. A vigorouse grower, the Lady Banks Rose, whether its the yellow or white will over you some help. They can cover a sunny corner with lovely miniature double blooms in Spring. Need a perfect climber for an arbor and don't want to wait a long time, then this rose is awesome for that as well. The best feature of a Lady Banks Rose? Disease and pest resistance. The most important thing to do in caring for this rose is to make sure it gets a lot of water in hot weather. Other than that, this one thrives with little assistance.

KnockOut Rose

The Knock Out rose has been around for a while now, and it is a good starter rose for those looking to try their hand at rose growing. While this rose variety is disease resistant and pest resistant, that doesn't mean it can't get diseases or pests. To really get these roses to live up to their name you should water regularly, prune well during the winter, mulch, and feed. Because they can be heavy bloomers they need a good dose of feeding.

Wild and Carpet Roses

One of the best choices for a rose is a wild rose. Now if you're lucky enough to live close to the country where wild roses tend to grow on road sides and abandoned homesteads, then you need not do anything but grab a shovel and dig one up. Wild roses are strong, resilient and can take drought, disease and pests on the chin and comeback fighting. However, if you don't live anywhere like that there are awesome varieties that are just like the beautiful pink wild roses that we've talked about, the Carpet Rose. Carpet roses offer all the vigor and rampant blooming that wild roses offer and are virtually carefree. If you have a fence that needs personality, or a boring spot in your yard the lovely Carpet rose will not let you down. Perfect for those who don't want to have to do a lot of work with roses.

Gerbera Daisy Mouse Pad

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Sat, 04 May 2013 13:09:00 +0000

If you love gardening as much as I do, then you may be like me and love to not only garden but fill your home with garden treasures. Why should all the beauty be outside? I love to bring the garden in with my photography and also love to share my love with my readers too. If you love gerbera daisies, there are a lot of gifts I have for you, check out the link below.

http://www.zazzle.com/gerbera_candy-144145866872482764?CMPN=addthis&lang=en&rf=238409482662567802

Fast growing trees for your zone 8 or warmer garden

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:57:00 +0000

The Riverbirch

Now the River Birch doesn't offer flowers, but it does offer one advantage over many trees, it can grow 2-3 feet a year. If you purchase a River Birch that is already 5 feet or taller you may end up with a nice shade tree of 15 feet in no time. The River Birch is an interesting specimen in your yard for other reasons as well with its distinctive peeling bark. It adapts well to many soil types and is wind and ice resistant. This is good news even for those in zone 8, as there is the odd ice storm on occasion and windy months as well. Also beneficial to the homeowner, this tree is drought tolerant which is always an issue in zones 8 and warmer.

Sweetbay Magnolia also known as Magnolia Virginiana

Can be found growing in many forests throughout the south. Unlike the large Magnolia Grandiflora, Sweetbay Magnolia offers you all of the lovely benefits without the long wait. Sweetbay Magnolia grows in stalks from the ground up and offer quick shade. One benefit in addition to their fast growing, and lovely scented blossoms is that you can easily take this plant and create many plants from its base.

These lovely trees/shrubs like an acidic soil, full sun to part shade and are extremely disease and pest resistant. They can grow up to 20' in height and 20' feet wide if you don't thin and separate the new shoots that come up. These shoots make new trees when transplanted which makes this a great investment for your zone 8 or warmer garden. The scent of the smaller blossoms is intoxicating in the evening especially. For those living in zones 5-9 the Sweetbay offers exotic and lush privacy.

Lombardy Poplars (Photo credit: wallygrom)

Lombardy Poplar

These trees are fast growing, up to 5 feet a year, tall and column shaped. They reach a mature height of up to 60 feet and can be a great way to create a soft barrier between properties, or used to block unpleasant views like a busy road. They thrive in zones 4 through 8. Lombardy Poplars also are a great windbreak as well and are relatively inexpensive. They prefer a loamy soil with good drainage and a location that has full sun to do their very best growth wise.

Roses and their care

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:50:00 +0000

Roses are some of the most beautiful and loved garden favorites in the history of gardening. They require some care to really enjoy their true beauty. It is always a good idea to do a little research on which roses will do the best for you in your zoning area and garden. Another important aspect you must factor in with deciding to grow roses is, what kind of a gardener are you? Are you just starting out? Do you have experience with growing roses? Do you have the time and resources it requires to grow a wide variety of roses? These are very important factors to consider before diving into the gardening world of roses. Here's a few articles that will help you make some of these decisions.

Rose pruning

How to correctly prune your roses

Roses are a beautiful addition to any garden but they do require some maintenance to keep them looking beautiful. In the south our roses start giving us beautiful color a little earlier so knowing the proper time and way to prune them is key to having a great show of color. Proper pruning and dead heading your roses is one part of the maintenance that must be done every season. Here are some basic steps to follow for pruning your roses. See the link at the bottom of this article for information on rose pruning.

Disease Resistant roses

The Knock Out Rose

There is one flower that is quite a challenge in most gardens, even in the south, and that is roses. High temperatures, drought, and humid nights, often prove to be the enemy when growing roses. Finding one that is a good fit for your yard is important. The Knockout Rose may the one of the best to meet this challenge. This is a great rose to ease into the rose gardening experience, especially for novice gardeners that are just beginning to get their hands dirty. See the link below for a full write up on the great qualities of the Knockout Rose.

Rose Garden Festival

If you love touring rose gardens around the country and love to participate in festival activity, there is a wonderful opportunity annually to visit Orangeburg, South Carolina's Edisto Memorial Gardens which hosts some of the most beautiful rose specimens in the world. This festival is held annually and there is a website to visit in the link below if you'd love to come to the Edisto Memorial Annual Festival of Roses.

Gardeners Photograph your hard work

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 21:42:00 +0000

You toil and toil to propagate a lovely garden, but do you photograph your hard work? It is imperative that the world see your creative side as well. A gardeners hands and eye for beauty and composition are not unlike any artist or professional photographer.

Vivid pink Azaleas (Photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)

Grab your cameras and commemorate your accomplishments. If you have some you'd like to share with this site please let me know through a comment and I will happy to help you display your talent and your artistry through the lens of your camera. Remember, a picture speaks a thousand words.. :)

Red blossoms on a branch (Photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)

Flowers All Year Calendar 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:34:00 +0000

For sale, 2013 Calendar, lovely flowers all year long, not just in Spring and Summer Calendar. Makes a wonderful and thoughtful gift for Mom, Grandma, Aunts, and Sister.

Flowers All Year 2013 Calendar by DawnellasDesigns

Awesome and easy greenhouses

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:30:00 +0000

A greenhouse (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you love gardening you're probably the type that would love to have your own greenhouse. Whether you love starting your own seeds or you need a designated space to work in, greenhouses are great places to do what you love best. Here are some great new ones currently out there in the market.

1. Gardman R687 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse

What I love about this is it is great for those working with limited space. I can see this being used indoors, on a back porch or even in a sun room. Super handy, super cute and under $40.00 Click on the image to check this one out.

2. Spring Gardener Gable Greenhouse
This green house is portable, inexpensive and great solution for those who do container gardening especially when there is an early frost and you need to protect your hanging baskets and container plants. At a cost of under $200.00 it can be a great green house for those just starting out with gardening. Click on the image to check it out.

3. Greenhouse 15'x7'x7' Arch LARGE Green Garden Hot House

Now this green house is definitely for the no frills gardener that has a big garden and needs the extra space to start those seedlings off early. With measurements of 15'X7'X7' it's big enough to house a lot of plants especially if you make good use of the vertical space this one allows for. This one is inexpensive to at under $130.00 click on the image to check it out.

Growing bigger tomatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:24:00 +0000

A scanned red tomato, along with leaves and flowers. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you would like huge tomato plants you may be missing out on this handy little tip. Those living in the South know that having a large root base and plenty of warm sun and water produce big healthy tomato plants. Here's a great tip if you buy your tomatoes already started.

If you purchase tomato plants that are already about 8 to 12 inches tall, strip all the leaves except for a few off of the top. Every leaf you remove will form a root which will create a huge root system on a young plant. The bigger the root system, the bigger the plant, the more tomatoes you'll yield.
On a raised bed dig a hole big enough to accommodate your tomato plant. Remove your plant from its container and if the plant is root bound loosen by hand the roots at the base.
If you want to ensure better root production, you can apply rooting hormone to your plant prior to placing into the ground.
Lay your tomato plant down sideways, yes, side ways and cover with a few inches of soil and compost leaving an inch or two below the cluster of top foliage. Do not bury too deep the warmth from the sun and quick absorption of water will help promote root production faster.
At the neck of the plant just below the cluster of leaves at the top, wrap a 3-4 inch piece of newspaper around the plant. This will protect the plant from pests since it is the only part exposed.This will help prevent tomato cut worms from feasting on your newly planted tomato bush.

How to attract more butterflies to your garden

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Butterflies are lovely little garden visitors that help pollinate your flowers and vegetables. Attracting them to your garden is easy if you plant plenty of flowers they love and follow a few simple tips. South Carolina is home to many varieties of wild flowers and butterflies. See this list below to attract them to your garden.

Avoid using too much pesticides. Even though we love butterflies they are an insect and as such are vulnerable to the same pesticides all insects are. Use natural and organic means of pest control when possible and be mindful of those that kill caterpillars.
Plant flowering shrubs, trees and vegetables in groups to help bees and butterflies pollinate easily. This also creates a grand impact visually as well.
Allow for some naturally blooming wild areas in your garden. While you may not think it an attractive area of the garden, you can always add to a wild section of a yard by adding additional wild flowers to it. Butterflies in particular need an undisturbed area to make nests for a butterfly friendly environment to flourish. If needed, add butterfly houses to your garden area.
Flowers that produce great quantities of nectar are more likely to have your garden teaming with butterflies. Flowers such as Peacock Butterfly Bush, Coreopsis, Asters, Phlox and many others are especially attractive to butterflies.
Have a decorative dish with damp, water logged soil in the garden. Be sure to keep it damp with water as butterflies will drink from this. They do not drink from standing water.
Lovely rocks and garden sculptures in the garden make ideal places for butterflies to rest. An added bonus to attracting butterflies is that in most cases the same things attract hummingbirds as well.

How to build a bird feeder/plant hanger

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:27:00 +0000

Getting the most out of your focal point requires a little imagination and ingenuity. Adding function to an otherwise decorative item makes it even more valuable. Birds will love this beautiful feeding station, and you'll love how lovely this plant hanger is for a focal point in the yard.

Items you'll need:

* 1 rounded shovel
* 1 level
* 1 metal bird feeder, we used a lantern style
* 1 4X4 pressure treated post
* 1 bag of ready mix cement
* Phillips head screw driver
* 4-6 plant hangers with their hardware for attaching to post
* 1 pint of paint (optional and your color choice, stain can also be an option)
* 4-6 hanging flower baskets
* birdseed

Pick a spot in your yard or garden that you want to be a focal point. Make sure you have easy access to it though, because you will need to fill the bird feeder on occasion.

Dig a hole 2 feet deep into the ground. Place two feet of your post or more if you like it lower, into the ground. Pack some dirt around the sides to stabilize and have someone hold it for you. Make sure to use your level on all sides so that it is perfectly straight.

Add one bag of Ready mix cement into the hole.

Fill the hole with water. Let the post set for 5-6 hours. Once cement hardens, cover the hole completely with any remaining dirt.

Now attach your Lantern style bird feeder to the top by drilling holes and securing with the screws that come with your bird feeder.

Paint or stain your post in any color you desire and allow to dry. This time will vary depending on weather conditions/humidity..etc.

Once your post is dry, you are now ready to attach your plant hangers. I put mine at varying levels to showcase the hanging baskets that I wanted.
This is a long term beautiful focal point for any area of your yard that needs a little something extra.

Please note:

* Bird seed will fall into your hanging baskets so keep an eye on the grass that sprouts in your baskets.
* You can also hang wind chimes and birdhouses from this post just primarily for decorative looks.
* Try planting a climbing rose at the base, or a Mandevilla vine to train up the post for an even more dramatic effect.

Weed remedies that use no poison

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Dandelion (Photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)

If you're like me, you really hate to use any chemical in your yard. You never know what kind of an impact it can have on your lawn, other plants, pets or even ground water. If there are gentler ways to rid ourselves of weeds, I am all for it. Here's a few suggestions:

1. Pour hot - near boiling water on the weed- This is an effective way to kill single isolated instances of weeds in your yard.

2. Pour a mixture of 1 part lemon juice to one part hot water on the weed.

3. Use salt mixed with hot water. Once cooled and salt has become diluted add to a spray bottle and spray entire weed with the solution. The ratio is 1/2 cup salt to 3 cups water.

4. Fill spray bottle with ordinary white household vinegar and spray weeds thoroughly.

5. As a weed preventative, some have had success using corn gluten meal. It is supposed to stop the weed seeds from germinating.

6. For really difficult weeds try a stronger vinegar solution currently called Weed Pharm. See Amazon link below. It actually has 20% more acetic acid than your regular household vinegar and is still safe for use.

Spring time in the South

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:55:00 +0000

How to correctly prune your rose bushes

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Photography by Dawn Gagnon

Roses are a beautiful addition to any garden but they do require some maintenance to keep them looking beautiful. Proper pruning and dead heading your roses is one part of the maintenance that must be done every season.

1. Prune your rose in early spring and once all danger of frost has past.

2. Make sure you have clean, sharp by-pass pruners and thick gloves. Some roses like the Joseph Coat are extremely thorny and can really cause a lot of damage to your hands and arms.

3. During the growing season, prune roses by looking for the first set of five leaves where you'll see a leaf bud. Prune just above this bud at a 45 degree angle that will assure the new growth will grow outward from the plant and not inward. This can be done as you dead head your roses.

4. Remove all dead and dying wood and any spindly canes that are less than the diameter of a pencil. Also look for sucker growth. These are canes that shoot out from the base of your plant under the main bud union. The main bud union is where all the main canes of the rose bush emerge from. Anything growing and shooting out from under this is a sucker and should be removed completely.

5. If you have a problem with cane borers, it is suggested that you can cover fresh pruning cuts with basic white school glue to prevent infestation.

6. Once roses go dormant for the year and have been exposed to several hard frosts, cut the rose down to one third of its original size and only leave three to four healthy canes for best results. Add a thick layer of fresh mulch.

DIY network's newest “Dirtiest Landscaping” sweepstakes is here

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:28:00 +0000

If you love watching any of the great shows on the DIY network, be sure to enter their latest sweepstakes. The details of this latest sweepstakes are the winner receives $50,000.00 cash to create the backyard of your fantasies. With a grand prize of $50,000.00 and other giveaways, it is hard to resist entering this sweepstakes.

If you have a landscape that is in dire need of help, this sweepstakes can be the chance of a lifetime to finally get everything you ever dreamed of for a back yard oasis. Your own little slice of paradise. Just think of what you can do with the sum of $50,000.00 to create your perfect yard. Maybe all your yard is missing is a swimming pool, or perhaps you have one that would be beautiful flanked with palm trees and gorgeous tropical flowers and landscaping. The possibilities are endless.

Those who enter will also be eligible for six additional prizes of Sears gift cards in the amount of $1000.00. The Sears gift cards will be given away weekly so if you want to enter you may enter once a day through May 4^th, at 5 pm eastern standard time.

To enter simply click on this link: DIY Network Dirtiest Landscape Sweepstakes Entry Form
For more on home improvements see: Dawns Decorating Solutions.
For more on gardening see: The Southern Garden

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How to grow and care for Dogwood trees

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:17:00 +0000

If you have been bitten by spring fever, you have probably made a trip to your local nursery and or hardware store that sells gardening supplies and flowers. One tree you may have wondered about is the ever present southern bloomer, the Dogwood trees. Lining many streets, and prominently blooming in yards all over the south, the Dogwood tree is a favorite for many homeowner.

Dogwoods can be found throughout the south eastern portion of the United States growing under a thick canopy of taller trees in forests. Dogwoods can be a fickle tree if it isn't happy with its growing conditions so there are a few things that need to do to insure that this tree will thrive in your landscape.

Soil
The soil should be acidic and when planting be sure to plant the root ball slightly above ground level. Replace the soil from the hole dug with a prepared garden soil specifically for acid loving plants,shrubs and trees.

Light
Remember many flowering Dogwoods can be found growing in shady forest locations, so they like a shady environment in your yard too. Try to find a spot that has dappled sunlight, and if you plant them among other trees, try to make sure these trees produce natural mulch on the ground since this will keep the soil moist and provide lots of leaf mold for the Dogwood tree.

Watering
Newly planted Dogwoods should be watered on a weekly basis and during dry periods water regularly.
When first planted be sure to water, wait until absorbed, and water again. Repeat this.

Fertilizing
Dogwoods need a good start in order to thrive in your landscape. Be sure to give new plants a slow release fertilizer to ensure the best possible start.

Pruning
Dogwoods require very little pruning. You can prune them after they have flowered using good quality pruners if you want to manage their overall shape, but too much pruning can invite disease to your new plant and if its not necessary avoid doing any pruning until your Dogwood is well established, one or two years after planting. Be sure to prune damaged and dead branches on your Dogwood. Keep an eye out for disease and pests and be sure to remove any of these beforehand.

Growing Camellias in your southern garden

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 01:06:00 +0000

Pink Camellia (photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)

One shrub you will find beloved by many a southerner is the lovely Camellia bush. Camellias are sturdy small shrubs that produce vivid blossoms appearing October-March. They have thick dark green glossy leaves and the flower heads are similar in size to a rose. Camellia blossoms can come in a myriad of colors from white, soft pinks, vivid reds and in Southern parts of China yellow.

Growing conditions:
Camellias can be grown in full sun, partial or even full shade. Dappled shade is perhaps ideal especially for white flowering forms. Camellia shrubs are known to thrive quite well underneath Pine and Oak trees due to the naturally acidic soil around these types of trees. Basically, a Camellia will grow well wherever a n Azalea will thrive. When planting a Camellia bush, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and once the bush is centered in the middle of the hole be sure to fill in the hole with compost, and a good prepared soil mix.

Zone hardiness:
Camellias can grow in zones 7-9. Many new cultivators have developed varieties that can tolerate zones further north.

Pruning:
Camellias can be pruned almost any time of the year but ideally can be pruned lightly after it is done blooming.

Watering:
Newly planted Camellias do well with regular watering that keeps the soil moist. Do not over water or keep the plant soggy. Normal annual rainfall is well tolerated, however, when there is extremely hot and dry weather a Camellia should be watered during those times to keep it healthy.

Pests and diseases:
Camellias are prone to tea scale. Tea scale are small insects that have cotton like masses underneath the leaves and the presence of yellow blotches on the top side of leaves. If left untreated the bush will not thrive. Use of a systemic insecticide is preferred. Camellias can become subjected to root rot as well if it is grown in soil that is too damp or is over watered.

Weeds in your garden

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 +0000

If you have been dismayed by the presence of weeds in your garden, there are some things you can do to eliminate their taking over.
1. Use pre emergent herbicide
2. Make sure your lawn is completely dry between waterings to slow weed growth
3. Don't cut your grass too short, weeds germinate in the top most layer of your garden soil. Grass that is allowed to grow to 2 to 3 inches will inhibit weeds from thriving.
4, When establishing your lawn, use weed free seed.
5. A healthy lawn is one of the best defenses against weeds, Use Root Maximizer, Kelp Meal and EM-1 for best results with your lawn.

How to keep Boston Ferns alive all summer

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Boston Ferns (Photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)

Boston Ferns are some of the most beautiful easy to grow hanging plants around. During the hottest months, they can dry out and die without proper care. The most important thing they need is in the form of lighting and watering. Once you figure out what they need they are a welcome addition to any yard, porch or landscape.

Step 1
First things first, once you get your fern home from the store you want to stick your finger in the soil and go around the perimeter of the pot. If you feel a lot of roots, and very little soil your plant is probably root bound and needs a larger pot. Go atleast two sizes up, and use a good potting soil mix with a slow release feed.

Step 2
After repotting your fern, hang it in a an area out of direct sunlight. It thrives on a area that has some shade and good circulation. Keep your Boston ferns looking their best with a trim and keep them free of debris and dead fronds.

Step 3
Give your fern a good drink of water after re-potting. Boston ferns need really good drainage, and at the same time are thirsty plants. To keep them beautiful big and lush all through the hot months is to water every two days. Drenching them with a sprayer is the best way to ensure they have gotten a good dose of water. An occasional shot of liquid fertilizer or feeding will keep them going too.

Oak trees in danger in South Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Tree with sunlight streaming (Photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)

Trees in the south have to be strong. They face environmental stresses that can take them down quickly or have them struggling for centuries. Many diseases prey on trees that have been damaged from lightening strikes, wind, heat, and low rainfall averages.

Oak trees are no exception, and botanists and homeowners alike have seen an acceleration of death taking place with the giant oak trees and it is due to the fungus hypoxylon canker. Unfortunately, once there is signs of this fungus present on your tree, it is too late to do anything to save the tree.

If the tree is large and next to a structure, it is a good idea to have it removed as the fungus will eventually make the branches weak and damage to any surrounding structures will occur.

Caring for Azaleas in your garden

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 18:59:00 +0000

Gorgeous pink Azaleas (Photo credit: dawnella66)

Azaleas can be a truly spectacular show of color in your landscape. While they aren't the most difficult plant to care for, they do have a few requirements that will ensure better results. There are very few yards in the south that don't have at least one Azalea. If you are a novice gardener, this shrub may be the one to try out. Inexpensive and usually easy to grow, it's an easy way to add beauty and color to your landscape.

Research Azaleas before you buy. A little research can go a long way when it comes to investing in your landscape. Ask questions from your local nurseries and find out which variety you are most likely to have success with.
Plant Azaleas in a partially shaded location. Ideally it is best to plant Azaleas in early Spring or Fall. Azaleas do well in zones 6 through 8, however many have success in slightly cooler and warmer zones, when they apply more specific care to the shrub.
Make sure dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball of your Azalea.
To ensure a good start, replace garden soil from your newly dug hole with Miracle grow garden soil mix specifically for all types of deciduous, evergreen, and flowering trees and shrubs.
Azaleas prefer an acidic soil with a ph level at about 5.5. Have your soil tested if you aren't sure.
Once your Azalea is planted, be sure to give it a long deep drink of water. This eliminates air bubbles and settles the fresh soil. Water like this every day for about two weeks to help your Azalea settle into its new environment.
Add your mulch. Use fine shredded pine bark mulch, and/or pine straw around the base of your Azalea. Leave a little space between the base of the plant and the mulch.

Bright red Azaleas (Photo credit: dawnella66)

Tip: Drive around your immediate neighborhood area and observe what results others are having with their Azaleas. If you see great results, take note of where the Azaleas are located. If you feel extra friendly stop and ask your neighbor what variety they are growing. Make sure to compliment their yard Most gardeners love the positive feedback for their efforts and don't mind sharing their advice with you.

The Eastern Redbud tree for your garden

noreply@blogger.com (Dawnella) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Eastern Red bud tree

One tree that will bring a beautiful boost of color to your spring garden is the Eastern Red Bud tree also known as the Judas Tree. This is the state tree of Oklahoma and with good reason. It is a beautiful and welcome site that Spring is on the way with its lovely bright purple flowers that arrive early in the Spring. One lovely trait of these trees in addition to the purple blossoms are the beautiful, large heart shaped leaves.

A small tree with a sturdy upright trunk which divides into stout branches that usually spread to form a broad flat head. Found on rich bottom lands throughout the Mississippi River valley; will grow in the shade and often becomes a dense undergrowth in the forest. You will see these trees growing in abundance in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and eastern Texas.

The Eastern Red bud is hardy as far north as zone 4, grows rapidly and an ideal ornamental tree. It has low water requirements and displays a high tolerance to salt and alkali soils. One variety that you may want to check out when selecting a Red bud tree is the beautiful weeping Red bud tree which is available at the *link at the end of this article.

Red bud care and specifications:

Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Height: 30 ft
Spread: 25 ft -30 ft
Form: rounded
Type: deciduous tree
Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 20 inches
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Moisture: Grows best in moist soil
Flowers: Purplish-pink small and grow along the branch

Caring for Red buds:

Soil type: Red buds can grow in almost any garden soil, preferring soil that is a little on the moist side.

Lighting: They do well planted near other trees that can filter some of the sunlight so that they have a partial shaded environment.

Pruning: Pruning lower branches helps the the Eastern Red bud develop a lovely crowned top and always remove dead, damaged limbs. Pruning should be done in late Winter or early Spring before the blooms appear.

Fertilizing: Slow release light fertilizer

Diseases and pests: Red buds are sometimes prone to caterpillar infestations and do well to have a preventative spraying of borer spray. Fungicides can also be used where there may be leaf spots and can be applied mid to late Spring ideally.

*Spring Hill Nursery Lavender Twist Weeping Red bud

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