Evercolor Series Japanese sedge Story and Photos by Hubert P. Conlon whatgrowsthere.com Indigenous to the dry woodlands and rocky slopes around Honshu Island in Japan, variegated sedges have been greatly improved. The Evercolor series, the result of breeding efforts at Fitzgerald Nurseries in Kilkenny, Ireland, is a collection of six varieties that are evergreen in …
Plant collector and protector Story and Photo by Katie Jackson Tucked behind two houses on Woodfield Drive in Auburn is a hidden garden where both history and plants are nurtured and protected under the watchful eye of Ken Rogers. Rogers, now a retired conservation agronomist, grew up on a Jackson County farm where his gardening …
‘Purple Fountain’ beech Story and Photos by Andrea Dee ‘Purple Fountain’ beech is a standout ornamental tree with a uniquely slender upright form and graceful weeping branches. Smooth dark plum/purple foliage hangs like ornaments draping downward. This handsome specimen provides a dazzling four-season show of color in the landscape: leafing out copper in the spring …
Story and Photos by Andrea Dee A rich, golden-leafed form of cutleaf stag horn sumac makes a bold statement in the landscape. Its upright branching form shows off draping deeply serrated chartreuse to yellow foliage and contrasting rose-hued stems. As if that isn’t dramatic enough, the foliage flames orange to red during the fall before …
‘Millenium’ ornamental onion Story by Russell Studebaker The Perennial Plant Association chose Allium ‘Millenium’ as the 2018 Perennial Plant of the Year. This herbaceous perennial and relative of the garden onion was bred by Mark McDonough, horticulture researcher from Massachusetts, and introduced by Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, N.C., in 2000. ‘Millenium’ (yes, the name was …
Some plants are just as interesting after the blooms have faded Story and Photos by Mark K. Stickley-Godinez One looks like a small green crown, another like the jester’s hat. This one appears like a beautiful swirling cloud, while the next one is a solid puff of white. My mother called this kind porcupine eggs …
15 “cool” plants you can grow in Louisiana Story and Photography by Richelle Stafne I love visiting other people’s gardens to see what they are growing. It’s especially fun when I find new and interesting plants, or plants that I had forgotten. Even in my own garden it brings joy to hear someone say, “Ooh, …
7 of the most reliable species for Southern landscapes Story and Photos By Hubert P. Conlon Magnolias (Magnolia spp.) represent a diverse group of magnificent flowering trees and shrubs. Most bear huge showy blooms in purple, red, pink, yellow, white, and every shade in between. Choose from magnolias that are deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen in …
Rediscovering an old favorite Story and Photos By Garry McDonald Working on a university campus, I can’t help but notice the changing whims of fashion. Lately, the trend among young men is khaki walking shorts, polo shirts, and white crew socks and white sneakers: exactly what we wore on campus in the early 1980s. Like …
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 …
