Yellow in the Garden

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

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.

Awesome and easy greenhouses

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.

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 build a bird feeder/plant hanger

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.

Caring for Azaleas in your garden

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.

1. 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. 
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. Make sure dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball of your Azalea.
   
   
4. 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. 
   
   
5. Azaleas prefer an acidic soil with a ph level at about 5.5. Have your soil tested if you aren't sure.
   
   
6. 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. 
   
   
7. 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.

Related articles

• The Confederate Rose
• How to grow and care for the eastern Red bud tree
• Spring Hill Roses grand opening

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

Spring Hill Roses Grand Opening

Joseph's Coat Rose

If you love the convenience of ordering plants online then you may want to consider adding Spring Hill Nursery to you list of possible gardening resources. *Spring Hill Nursery has a long history beginning in 1849 in North Dayton, Ohio by its founder Peter Bohlender. Spring Hill Nursery was originally a wholesale operation, but as the years advanced became a mail order nursery.

If you live in South Carolina and enjoy the beauty of roses, consider a trip this May to Orangeburg, SC and enjoy the *Edisto Memorial Gardens Rose Festival. It will inspire you to try a few roses in your garden. If you are chomping at the bit to get into your garden and plant some beautiful roses, you're in luck.

The grand opening of **Spring Hill Roses online website is currently running a sale on some of the most popular and beautiful roses seen anywhere. Spring Hill roses are shipped bareroot and ready to be planted with simple instructions to insure that your rose performs to your expectations. One rose in particular to take note of is the ***Twilight Zone rose with is stunning showcasing a deep purple blossom with a lemon and clove scent.

In addition to offering competitive prices and a wide selection of some of the most exotic and beautiful roses in the world, the ****Spring Hill Nursery site also can supply you with gardening needs like fertilizers, and gardening gadgets galore. Spring Hill offers a free catalog so you can peruse at your leisure and a newsletter for those who like to receive exclusive deals and offers.

*Edisto Memorial Gardens Rose Festival
**Spring Hill Roses
***Twilight Zone Rose
****Spring Hill Nursery

Related articles by this author:

• The Confederate Rose 
• The Southern Magnolia 
• Gardening tips for zone 8 in Autumn 

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.

Ornamental grasses

Ornamental grass like this Pampas grass are popular landscape features

Ornamental grasses add interest, texture, color and versatility to any garden landscape. Ornamental grasses are particularly great for growing in poor soil, drought conditions and in full sun. Some of the most beautiful varieties can fill in bare spots in a landscape where little else will grow. Try these varieties.

Pink Muhly Grass

This is a beautiful example and grows in clumps of narrow foliage in Spring and Summer, then in late Summer it becomes a real show stopper in the landscape. Plumes of pink grow and flourish above the foliage, maintaining their vibrant color until the end of Fall. Extremely easy, thriving despite heat, humidity, drought, even poor soil! Birds will enjoy these plants as well and will enjoy the seeds. Grows 3' tall and 2 1/2' wide.

This plant is particularly ideal for the southern garden:

Zones:6-9
Light:Full Sun
Height:18-36
Bloom Time: Late Summer to Frost

Select Blue Festuca

You will no doubt notice this plant in the garden, stunning blue and silver foliage will definitely rival less impressive plants but will highlight and add beauty to other flowers in the garden. Growing 8-10" tall, this grass is ideal in rock gardens and also will grow well in containers. It grows with lovely and numerous flower spikes from early to midsummer. Drought-resistant.

Zones 4-9

Light: Full Sun

Diamond Grass

This plant's name comes from the way the morning light  sparkles as it catches the dew. Feathery grass is a lovely backdrop for any landscape. This stately grass has a graceful upright habit. It even performs well in shade, which is a rare find for ornamental grasses. A wonderful focal point for beds, borders or even pots! Grows up to 4' tall.

Zones : 4-10

Light: Full sun to full shade

Height: 4'

blooms: Late Summer to Fall

Related articles by this author:

• How to grow and care for the eastern Red bud tree
• The Confederate Rose
• Spring Hill Roses grand opening

The Southern Magnolia

This is the queen of all flowering 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 dinner plate sized, fragrant blossoms during the summer months.

Image via Wikipedia

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. If you love supplying wildlife with a great source of shelter and food, the Magnolia fills the bill.

Image via Wikipedia

Lumber from all three species is referred to as “magnolia”, and can be found in some types of furniture, boxes, pallets, venetian blinds, sashes, doors and used as veneers. Southern magnolia has yellowish-white sapwood and light to dark brown heartwood that is tinted yellow or green. The wood has a straight grain and tightly space rings and is an attractive choice for veneers.

Image via Wikipedia

The wood is ranked moderate in heaviness, hardness and stiffness; moderately low in shrinkage, bending and compression strength; it is ranked moderately high in shock resistance. Its use in the southeastern United States has been supplanted by the availability of harder woods. Symbolic of the south, the Magnolia grandiflora is the state tree of Mississippi and the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana. The flower was also used as an emblem of the Confederate army in the US civil war.

Image via Wikipedia

Southern magnolia grows in warm temperate to semitropical climates. Average January temperatures along the coast are around 50° to 55° F in South Carolina. Temperatures below 15° F or above 100° F are considered unusual within the species natural habitat. A well established and healthy southern Magnolia can often withstand more extremes in temperatures than the younger ones.

Image via Wikipedia

Because of its showy flowers and big glossy evergreen foliage, southern magnolia is considered by many to be a highly prized tree. That being said, don't expect grand results for many years if you are purchasing one. It takes a long time for the to fully reach their glory in size, and flower production. However there are many who consider the tree a nuisance due to the fact it's leaves are very bothersome as mentioned earlier the large older trees drop leaves (many) and the seed pods in great numbers and can cover a massive portion of the yard it is planted in.

photo by Dawn Gagnon

In many urban areas where other species do poorly, the Magnolia can grow because of its resistance to damage by sulfur dioxide. The seeds are eaten by squirrels, opossums, quail, and turkey. Red Cardinals particularly love the seeds produced by this tree. Once a Magnolia has been established in your yard, it will withstand anything nature can throw at it. These trees are tall, strong, and require little care. Just make sure you have a rake...you're going to need it.

Image via Wikipedia

The Magnolia is a tree that speaks to southerners on a deep level, it not only is a symbol of the south to many, but there is something about it's strong willed, defiant nature that seems to almost define the southern constitution, and our southern men. Its beauty and sinfully subtle fragrance lingers a hint of our southern belles. The southern Magnolia is a piece of living history, and should be respected as such.

Related articles by this author:

• Blooming shrubs and trees for your southern garden
• Top Articles on your southern garden
• Top three flowering plants for your southern garden
• The carefree Peony for your southern garden
• Create a "Memory garden" for Mother's Day

Zone 8 gardening tips for Autumn

Image via Wikipedia

If you live in South Carolina you know that the cooler weather is all but here. Many of us

spend a good deal of time and money winterizing our homes, however, our gardens, even in zone

8 need some winterizing and planning ahead too. Here's a few tips for tending to your zone 8 garden and lawn right now before winter sets in.

Start covering your perennial varieties of bulbs and also strawberries now in their beds for the winter.

Plant winter- and spring-flowering bulbs

During the cooler months, it is an ideal time to go ahead and either plant

grass or make improvements to lawns.

If you enjoy ornamental grasses like Pampas or other varieties, now in zone 8 is the time to

get it in the ground.Image via Wikipedia

Winter perennials that bloom should be planted now.

Plant bare root roses, trees and shrubs right now to ensure they winter over in your yard.

If you have a vegetable garden going and are interested in planting a winter veggie crop now is the time to put those seedlings in the ground.

For a list of some interesting plants for zone 8, check out HGTV's link.

For more on Southern gardening, see: The Southern Garden

Related articles by this author:

• The carefree Peony for your southern garden
• Slugs in the garden
• Taking a look at beautiful Gardenias
• Lovely Hydrangeas for your garden
• Great lilies to plant in your southern garden

Slugs in the Garden

Image via WikipediaThis is just a quick tip and for many people with a garden in South Carolina and elsewhere this may be old news. However, there is always the novice gardener to think about and passing on good information on gardening is what a good gardener does.

One pest that may slither into your garden is the slug. There are a ton of  plants a garden slug love to munch on such as Hostas, and many low growing leafy plants. However a slug will climb to any height to satisfy their late night cravings. Ways to know if you have a slug infestation is the key in knowing the best way to get rid of them or at least keep them from doing too much damage.  The tell tale damage of slug damage is smooth edged holes on the leaves and fruit of your plant. Since there are a few other pests that also leave holes, slugs leave a silvery, trail on the ground around the base of the plant.

If you still aren't sure, one sure way to detect the presence is via setting an easy trap for them. There are many ways but this one is pretty much no fail confirmation, and once set will catch many. Simply take a small container fill it with beer, some advise using only "stale" beer but I have found fresh beer works just as well. Pour into your small container just enough to fill in half to three quarters of the way from the top edge.  Put the container down into the mulch or soil around the base of plants that you suspect slugs have been eating on and make sure to place a twig or a large leaf on the edge of the container, so the slug can easily climb right in. Sort of a beer pool that the slug can dive into. The leaf or twig serves as a ramp for the slug to slither into your trap. The slug will go right into the beer and there he will die a happy death. There is no escaping for the inebriated slimer.

That is one safe method, and some others swear by using a glass container filled with cornmeal which you simple turn on its side at the base of the plant. The slugs will slither inside and eat the cornmeal. They will die after eating. Using natural safe ways to combat pests in the garden assures you of  keeping the wanted visitors safe as well. Give these two tips a try and see how they work for you.

Related articles by this author:

• Lovely Hydrangeas for your garden
• How to keep your lawn green naturally
• The Southern Magnolia 
• Ornamental grasses 

Mulching your summer garden

South Carolina environments can either be a plants best friend or worst enemy depending on what type of soil you have. Making amendments to your soil may be the only way to yield any good results from your growing efforts. There are many types of mulch that is available free or for purchase for you southern garden.

Bark Mulch

Image via WikipediaThis type of mulch typically has to be purchased somewhere and although it comes in a wide variety of colors to aesthetically enhance your garden it does have a few draw backs. Bark mulch is fairly pricey, doesn't decompose as quickly as some. Some types of bark/wood mulch can attract pests such as roaches and termites. Make sure not to place it too close to your homes foundation. Bark mulch is also susceptible to molds and fungus that could if touching the base of your plant kill it.

Pine Straw

Image via WikipediaPine straw mulch has been a southern favorite for many many years throughout the south. It is lightweight, easy to use, is readily available and allows for air circulation. As time goes by pine straw breaks down rather quickly and decomposed into the soil requiring more applications. Like bark mulches pine straw does harbor insects, and it is not uncommon to find roaches and other types of pests underneath a batch of pine straw.

Synthetic mulch

Synthetic mulches retain their color, come in a wide variety of colors and do not decompose over time like organic mulch. Ideally suited for beds that are close to the foundation of your home due to inability to rot or mold. Black plastic landscaping material is great up against the home, and placing synthetic mulch that mimics shredded bark mulch is a great choice. As with any type of plastic, it can become very hot in summer so make sure there are sufficient holes to allow for rain and airflow. With vegetable gardens, it is generally best to avoid synthetic mulches since there is ongoing debate on the chemicals of synthetic mulch leaching into the ground and because they are not biodegradable, there is no telling where it could end up years down the road.

Gravel and stone mulch

Image by James Bowe via FlickrPossibly the best choice for overall weed suppression especially if used in conjunction with plastic landscape fabric underneath. Stone may absorb heat on the top, but usually maintain a cool temperature underneath. Make sure to use porous landcaping fabric. If water is puddling anywhere in the bed, you may not have enough holes, add some easily with a pitch fork or other garden tool.