How to attract more butterflies to your garden

© Dawn Gagnon Photography 2013

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.

1. 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.
   
   
2. Plant flowering shrubs, trees and vegetables in groups to help bees and butterflies pollinate easily. This also creates a grand impact visually as well.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.

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How to grow and care for Dogwood trees

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.

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The Eastern Redbud tree for your garden

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

For more information on Southern gardening, see: The Southern Garden

The Confederate Rose

Photography by Dawn Gagnon

Many may be under the impression that the Confederate Rose is a member of the rose family. However, one look at this magnificent plant in person and you will soon discover it has very little to do with any actual rose as we know it. The Confederate Rose is actually a member of the Hibiscus family. Other names for this flowering plant are: cotton rosemallow.

 
Some interesting characteristics of this plant have to do with the blossoms, in early morning they are white, and by mid day the blossoms turn soft pink and in the evening, the flower turns deep pink. There is a variety of this plant that have blossoms that turn red in the evening. This variety is called, “Rubra” and is stunning. The plant grows fast and needs a place in the garden that will allow it to grow properly.

The blooming season of the Confederate rose is usually from summer through fall. Propagation by cuttings will take root ideally in the Spring time however, the Confederate rose can be propagated almost any time of the year, making it a favorite among 

In areas that experience a frost, the Confederate rose will not reach it's full potential in height, which can be almost twenty feet tall. However, keeping the plant to a 5-8 foot height will yield more flowers typically. The flowers themselves are massive measuring any where from 5 inches in diameter to larger and real show stoppers when the plant is in good health. The plant is flexible can handle partial shade or full sun and likes a rich soil, but has been known to thrive under less than ideal conditions.

Lovely Hydrangeas for your garden

© Dawn Gagnon Photography 2014

One drive through any South Carolina neighborhood and you are sure to see one flowering shrub during the summer months that stands out, the Hydrangea.  With massive, vibrant blossoms that range in color from white, to blue to violet and pink, there are few show stoppers that can rival this plant in full bloom. Many are under the impression that the Hydrangea is a native flowering plant from the south, however its true origins are native to southern and eastern Asia and North and South America. 

© Dawn Gagnon Photography 2013

© Dawn Gagnon Photography

One may assume because they see so many Hydrangeas thriving that the Hydrangea plant is an easy one to grow. To some extent the plant is easy to grow, however like many flowering shrubs, the Hydrangea has its preferences and must be “happy” where it is planted to do well.  Hydrangeas are full sun to partial shade plants that seem to prefer moist, well-drained soil.  Tip: For those living in the south, the Hydrangea seems to enjoy similar soils that the Azalea enjoys, although the Hydrangea can use a bit more sunshine than shade loving Azaleas.

© Dawn Gagnon Photography

Organic matter incorporated into the soil helps the Hydrangea thrive. The Hydrangea is a welcome sight in the summer months and enjoys growing in zones 5-9, however some types can tolerate zone 2 as well. The plant itself can grow fairly large so always factor in the placement of this beautiful addition to your garden, it needs plenty of spread room. The level of acidity in the soil affects the coloration of the blooms of the Hydrangea, typically, an acidic soil produces blue blooms, while a more alkaline soil yields a pink blossom. 

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A look at the Carolina Jessamine

Image by Vicki's Nature via Flickr

 
One trip to South Carolina during the late months of December through April, and you will notice a delicate yellow flower on a very vigorous vine, the sweet smelling wild Jessamine, South Carolina's own state flower. Whether it is clinging to a pine tree in the forest, or completely covering an old fence post, one thing is obvious, this plant is a symbol of perseverance.

Adopted officially as the South Carolina state flower by the General Assembly in 1924, the yellow Jessamine was found a deserving representative of the South Carolina landscape.
The vine sap, and nectar of this beautiful wild growing vine has toxins similar in molecular structure to strychnine related alkaloids and no part of the plant should be consumed. In spite of that, it is harvested for its perfume, which is quite difficult to reproduce otherwise, and some herbalists use the plant for ailments of varying descriptions.

Mocking birds love the heavily intertwined nature of the stems from this vine and set up nests in them regularly. It is a popular flower in gardens in the south east and make excellent fence covers, it will readily climb trellis's, arbors and walls. It can be an effective means for deterring deer as they will not consume the plant. When planted around fencing it will discourage deer from coming onto the property to consume vegetables and fruit.

A note from the author: I grew up picking, smelling and giving bouquets of these lovely flowers to my mother from out of the woods behind our home. Not once did I ever get any skin irritations, or suffer any ill effects from this plant. Therefore, I would not worry greatly about having this lovely sweet smelling plant in my own yard. With a little caution and common sense this can be a lovely addition to many landscapes.

Other articles by this author:

• Top 3 South Carolina home and living articles
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Create a “Memory garden” for Mother's Day

Image via Wikipedia

Mothers rarely expect expensive gifts on Mother's Day. Most mothers really just want some of your time. However with Spring in full bloom in South Carolina, adding lovely things to your mom's garden might be a wonderful gesture, a constant reminder of your love. Planting and gardening together may be a great way to start a lovely tradition that the whole family can participate in and enjoy.
Starting a “memory garden” for your mom that the whole family can contribute to every year is a fun and warm way to spend time with mom. You can even improve on a garden mom already has established. Whether it is Mother's day, mom's birthday, Christmas or any other occasion or anniversary, your mom will love seeing the “memory garden” you and your family create over the years. Be sure to use low maintenance plants, so it will be easy for mom to maintain and make sure to stop by occasionally and help tend to it.
 
There are plenty of wonderful shops that specialize in wonderful gardening items in South Carolina. For a full list of wonderful nurseries from all over South Carolina, see : The Helpful Gardener. For a list of wonderful ways to make mom's garden beautiful check out these suggestions:

Image via Wikipedia
1. Jackson and Perkins gift certificates- Mom will love being able to use her gift  certificate to purchase some of the beautiful roses, flowers, and garden accents from Jackson and Perkins. Jackson and Perkins is world renowned for their spectacular roses and if you visit Edisto Memorial Gardens during the month of May, you will be able to see Jackson and Perkins roses growing in one of their many official test gardens.
2. Spring Hill Nurseries- One great source of giving a living gift to your mom and making a memory garden is by visiting Spring Hill Nurseries online and taking a look at the customer rated flowering trees. Flowering trees are beautiful to look at and mom will enjoy your contribution to her memory garden. Spring Hill has great prices and tons of information, and delivery available so you can give your mom a great gift any time of year.Image via Wikipedia
3. Herbs in a pot- If your mom has limited space consider a container garden that will be easy to maintain and can be replenished regularly. There's nothing like a home cooked meal flavored with herbs cut fresh from your garden. The best part is that you don’t need to cultivate an entire backyard plot to grow enough herbs to use in meals – a simple container on a deck or patio can provide herbs all season, as you need them. Here’s how to create an herb container garden. Read more here: Herbs in a Pot
   Image via Wikipedia For more gardening suggestions and inspiration, see: The Southern Garden.
   

 

 

 

 

 

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• The Stella D'Oro lily: a keeper for your southern garden

The Stella D'Oro lily: a keeper for your southern garden

Image via WikipediaA Southern garden would not be complete with out including this wonderful daylily. The gorgeous, fragrant Stella D'Oro daylily is a keeper. This compact bloomer offers year after year beautiful gold trumpets of fragrance. It does best  in sunny to partially shaded locations. It is also a versatile grower, and can do well in zones 3-9. With such flexibility, the Stella D'Oro can do well in many areas of the United States. Disease and pest free, it is a no fail plant for even the palest of green thumbs.


Here is the run down on this wonderful lily and why you need them in your garden this summer.


Botanical Name: Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'
Form: Herbaceous perennial
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade/Full Sun
Height/Habit: 15 - 24"
Spread: 18 - 24"
Spacing: 18 - 24"
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9(-40° F)
Foliage Type: Strap like, medium green. Dormant in winter.
Flower Form: Trumpet-shaped 2 - 3" flowers.
Flower Color: Deep, golden yellow

Flowering Date: Peak in late spring/early summer, sporadically throughout the summer with a heavier repeat bloom in fall

Planting Requirements: Able to plant anytime the ground is workable. At least one month before a severe freeze going into winter.

Soil Requirements: Adaptable to most soils except water-logged heavy soil.
Growth Rate: Fast
   
Unique Characteristics: Showy, deep golden yellow blooms on dwarf day lily plants are perfect for a front border location. The initial blooming begins in late spring to early summer with a profusion of blooms followed by sporadic blooming throughout summer and into early fall.

Pruning: To remove spent flower stems to tidy up plants.

Time of Pruning: Throughout the summer.

Additional Information: Stella d' Oro translates to 'star of gold'. 1985 Stout Medal Winner, the highest award for a day lily. If you like to order online, you can find great deals from Spring Hill Nursery. Spring Hill Nursery is currently offering a deal on all orders of $100.00 or more, a free Perennial grab bag. Check it out today!

Blooming shrubs and trees for your southern garden

In South Carolina, as well as other parts of the southeast, Springtime cues the shrubs and trees to produce magnificent blooms and blossoms galore. Here are a few that are well worth the money to have in your yard, especially for zone 8 areas and warmer.

Oleander

Oleanders are a poisonous shrub, but when used in a landscape for beautiful focal points are perfectly safe to handle, and trim. This shrub tolerates drought, heat and requires little care aside from pruning on a yearly basis. They can grow up to 20 feet tall, and thus need to be kept to a manageable size. The flowers are beautiful and fragrant and usually begin blooming in May. Trim branches with gloved hands and never use the wood for a barbecue. These shrubs are seen all over the south, along road sides, old homesteads, and many are seen en route to Beaufort SC as you cross bridges to go to the near by islands. A beautiful addition to a yard, if shown proper care and respect.

Crepe Myrtle

 Crepe Myrtle shrubs come in a variety of colors, is easy to grow, drought and heat tolerant and some blossoms of some varieties are fragrant. These shrubs are not very expensive, can be trimmed to remain a shrub or trained to become a tree. They come in white, reds, purples, pinks and are a gorgeous easy growing show stopper in bloom.

Cornicus Florida (Dog Wood)

 This flowering tree has beautiful white blossoms in Spring and red berries in the winter. It is easy to grow if you live in an area with moist acidic soil. Many grow wild in the woods in the southeast and can live in low light conditions. They do benefit from morning sun though. Many are thrive best in homeowners yards and not in areas where intense heat and drought would be.

Azaleas 

 Few shrubs can offer the brilliance and promise of Azaleas. The blossoms completely cover the shrubs in early Spring. Some varieties are now able to bloom several times a year. This shrub loves shady, acidic, well drained soil that has rich composted material. They can be planted at the base of trees, and also planted en masse in a shaded area where other things will not flourish with low levels of light. That being said, most Azaleas do well with morning sun and respond well to regular watering. Easy to care for and beautiful to look at these shrubs grow large and can live a long time. A great choice for the novice gardener in southern areas of the US.

Yoshi no Cherry Tree 

The Yoshino Cherry tree is a beautiful small sized tree that is great in zones 5-8. The blooms are  beautiful clustered and showy,fragrant and arrive in Spring.  They prefer a moist yet well drained soil and generally do well in full sun. Well worth the investment for your yard as few trees can complete with these beautiful trees that also attract many birds to your yard.

Magnolia Grandiflora/Southern Magnolia/Bull Bay  

This is the flowering tree of all trees. A common fixture in the south and in many southern landscapes, the Magnolia is a magnificent giant flowering tower capable of reaching nearly a hundred feet in height. One of the largest blooming trees around, the Magnolia is slow growing, and able to produce dozens of large, fragrant blossoms during the summer months. Once the flowering season is done, the blossoms leave behind large pods that produce brightly colored red seeds. Birds and squirrels are particularly fond of these and having a Magnolia in your landscape will definitely attract wildlife. Don't expect seeds to be produced in trees younger than ten years of age.

Taking a look at beautiful Gardenias

Photograph by Dawn Gagnon

If you are looking for a beautiful shrub for your South Carolina yard, you can't go wrong with the lovely Gardenia. Gardenias are a flowering shrub that belongs to the coffee family. There are at least 142 species and the blossoms, growth habits and sizes vary. Beautiful to look at, and with a heavy floral scent that is to die for. This shrub is an evergreen and adapts well to the South Carolinian soils and environment. Zones 8-10 are ideal locations for a gardenia to flourish.

The crisp white blossoms begin appearing around late May and will continue for several months.Some shrubs can grow up to 6 feet in height and also grow in similar feet width wise. Some are small compact varieties that will grow close to the ground and have smaller blooms. Most are noted however, for the strong scent.
Gardenia plants generally prefer a sunny location in the garden with some afternoon relief ideally. They like a soil ph level ranging around 5 to 6.





Even though they enjoy a moist soil, take care not to plant larger varieties in confined locations as they are subject to a variety of diseases and pests. One pest in particular is white flies. Prune bushes when they are dormant, and for bushier growth, snip the tips in dormant times.

Feeding and fertilizing should be done with a fertilizer that also is recommended for Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Most areas where these grow, gardenias will grow as well. A heavy mulch bed with lots of pine straw are sure to help retain soil moisture and provide composted acidic rich soil.

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