The Southern Garden

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Great lilies to plant in your southern garden

Description: Panther lily (Lilium pardalinum) ...

South Carolina has an ideal environment for planting many different species and types of lilies. These varieties listed below are also well suited for planting zones 4 , up to 9 making them lovely and ideal choices to plant this Spring in your garden for years of enjoyment.

Dreamcatcher Carpet Lily

Photograph of a Stargazer Lily en ( Lilium ori...

Dreamcatcher Carpet Lily is more compact version of taller Lilies. It is ideally grown in containers and along borders in your yard. Every year the plants produce more flowers than they year
before.
Botanical Name:
Lilium 'Dreamcatcher'
Form:
Hardy bulb
Sun Exposure:
Partial Shade/Full Sun
Height/Habit:
15 - 18"
Spread:
6 - 9"
Spacing:
6 - 9"
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8 (-40° F)
Foliage Type: Dark green, lance shaped, 3-4" long in whorls around sturdy stems.
Flower Form:
Full upright flowers. Several flowers per stem.
Flower Color:
Pink
Flowering Date:
Early to mid summer
Planting Requirements:
In the garden, 5-6" deep and 9-12" apart. In pots and containers 5-6" deep and 5" apart.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil but will tolerate heavier soils.
Growth Rate:
Moderate

Unique Characteristics:
Border lilies are referred to as the 'garden charmer'. Extremely suitable for planting in containers or front position in a border.

Pruning:
Don't remove leaves until they have died down in fall. They help provide nourishment to the bulb for next season's blooms.

Time of Pruning: Fall

Commander in Chief Lily

This gorgeous lily has deep scarlet red blooms that grow up to 48 inches tall
in your garden. This lily produces a ton of blossoms and loves both full sun or part shade making it an extremely versatile plant for your garden.

Botanical Name:
Lilium 'Commander in Chief' (Asiatic)
Form:
Hardy bulb
Sun Exposure:
Partial Shade/Full Sun
Height/Habit:
3' - 4'
Spread:
15" - 18"
Spacing:
10" - 12"
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9 (-40 degrees F)
Foliage Type:
Dark green, lance shaped, 3" - 4" long, 1/2" - 3/4" wide
Flower Form:
Large upright facing flared flowers in bold terminal panicles
Flower Color:
Scarlet (dark red)
Flowering Date:
Mid summer
Planting Requirements:
Plant with 4" of soil above the bulb
Soil Requirements:
well drained is important.
Growth Rate:
Moderate once established. It takes 6 - 8 weeks for a good root system to develop
Unique Characteristics:
Strong growth and extremely hardy. It has 6-8" diameter flowers that are scarlet red.
Pruning:
Cut back spent flower stems by 1/3
Time of Pruning:
After flowering in Fall
Unique Characteristics:
Border lilies are referred to as the 'garden charmer'. Extremely suitable for planting in containers or front position in a border.
Pruning:
Don't remove leaves until they have died down in fall. They help provide nourishment to the bulb for next season's blooms.

Double Tiger Lily

English: Lilium lancifolium, Liliaceae, Tiger lily, flower. The fresh, blooming plant without bulb is used in homeopathy as remedy: Lilium tigrinum (Lil-t.) Deutsch: Lilium lancifolium, Liliaceae, Tiger-Lilie, Blüte. Die frische, blühende Pflanze ohne Zwiebel wird in der Homöopathie als Arzneimittel verwendet: Lilium tigrinum (Lil-t.) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This beautiful orange lily has been an old time favorite for gardeners throughout generations, and many will continue growing and existing long after the old homestead has perished. This double blooming variety has more than 25 petals per flower, blooms in midsummer and can grow up to 48 inches tall.

Zones:
4-9
Light:
Full Sun to Partial Shade

Botanical Name:
Lilium lancifolium flora-pleno

Form:
Hardy bulb

Sun Exposure:
Partial Shade/Full Sun

Height/Habit:
30 - 48"

Spread:
9 - 12"

Spacing: 9 - 12"

Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9 (-30 degrees F)

Foliage Type:
Narrow, lanceolate leaves 4" long, thick and glossy.

Flower Form:
Approximately 3-6" orange flowers with black/dark brown spots.

Flower Color:
Orange

Flowering Date:
Mid summer

Planting Requirements:
Plant 6" deep and 9 - 12" apart.

Soil Requirements:
Well drained soil, but will tolerate heavier soils.

Growth Rate:
Moderate

Unique Characteristics:
On old time favorite Lilium which was first introduced in 1870. Perfect for cut flower gardens. More then 25 petals per flower. A very special classic Lily!

Pruning:
Don't remove leaves until they have died down in fall. They help to provide nutrition to the bulb for next season.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Growing Oleander in your southern garden

Oleander a toxic beauty...

One shrub you are likely to see here and there throughout South Carolina is the Oleander shrub. Because of its specific liking for hot drought climates, it is a good choice for the landscape. However there are important things to know about this plant before you decide to plant.

Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants in the world and contains numerous toxic compounds, many of which are deadly to people, especially young children, they are also poisonous to animals. That being said, most animals instinctively avoid consuming this plant.

Oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, toxic in all its parts. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. It is so widely cultivated that no precise region of origin, perhaps in southwest Asia, has been identified as its country of origin.

It is seen widely planted in areas throughout the southern region of the US on old abandoned landscapes and also in many highway landscape plantings. Despite its well-recognized toxic potential, the oleander has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It was used by primitive people as arrow and dart poisons.

Image via Wikipedia

Although Oleander and all of its parts are poisonous to humans and animals if consumed, it is not without it's predatory insects. Oleander can be infested by scale insects and mealy bugs. Plants thrive in good loamy soil, and it is not difficult to have good specimens if attention is paid to resting and cutting them back after flowering, and subsequent shaping and feeding when growth is active.

Good well-ripened shoots arc essential for free flowering, so they should be fully exposed to air and light. Propagated by cuttings of mature wood, which are often rooted in water. This method is convenient and easy for the gardener to attain success.

Oleanders are well suited for the Southern climate being drought tolerant and heat loving. This being said, as with many shrubs and flowers grown in zones 8 and up, a little afternoon shade will do well for the plant.

To handle this plant safely and keep it well cared for, it is recommended that the homeowner use thick rubber gloves to prune, cut back or plant. If your skin does come into contact be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after doing so. Do not use the wood cuttings to burn in fireplaces or for grills outdoors.

Flowers of Nerium oleander in our front yard i...

Image via Wikipedia

Oleanders may be infested with mealy bugs, soft scale and white or oleander scale. To control all these, fumigate greenhouses or spray plants repeatedly with nicotine or pyrethrum and soap. In Fla. a fungus often causes witches brooms (which see) on this host.

The plants are stunted and flower production ceases. Prune out all brooms together with 12 in. of the branches on which they are growing; then spray with 3-3-50 bordeaux mixture. Burn all prunings. This flowering shrub is a stunning plant and easy for most gardeners to grow.

By simply applying common sense and ordinary care, this shrub can be a beautiful part of your southern garden.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Pier 1 Imports can add style to your garden

If you are getting a taste of Spring fever like we are in South Carolina, then it's time to make a trip to your local Pier 1. Pier 1 has some of the most tasteful old world garden accessories and furnishings to create those beautiful little Vistas all throughout the garden. All of these wonderful pieces are in stock at the Pier 1 Stores located throughout Columbia, SC now.
Take a look at these suggestions:
We can't all live in France, but we can certainly create a french inspired garden complete with these lovely furnishings:

Jardin De Marie Trellis

How wonderful is it to sit under a garden trellis that is covered in wonderful roses? Well this trellis has seating as well and will be a beautiful addition to any garden landscape.

Jardin De Marie Trellis
$399.95

Jardin De Marie Armchair

For beautiful seating in french elegance, how about creating a little spot on your patio or in your garden for this lovely chair?
Jardin De Marie Armchair
$149.95

Angelique Foam Dining Cushion

Want some extra comfort that has plenty of color in case your green thumb fails you? Why not add these great indoor/outdoor cushions for your lovely french inspired garden chairs?
Angelique Foam Dining Cushion
$24

Jardin De Marie End Table
To enjoy your iced tea, you need a lovely matching table like this Jardin De Marie End Table..
Jardin De Marie End Table
$129.95

9 foot Pagoda Umbrella
Needing a little shade with a little punch of color?
See: 9-Foot Pagoda Umbrella
$199.95

Outdoor Perched Bird Table
For adding a little rustic charm, add this adorable table with the twig-like legs with the extra little birds perched on them. It doesn't get anymore charming than that.
Outdoor Perched Bird Table
$199.95
Copper Outdoor Clock
An outdoor clock can add style and purpose to a blank wall, or a privacy fence. Check out this awesome Copper Outdoor clock.
Copper Outdoor Clock
$99.95
Metal Plant Stand

Metal plant stands never ever go out of style for that touch of elegance on a deck, patio or even the front stoop. See this charming outdoor embellishment:
Metal Plant Stand
$69.95
To view these items in a video see:
Pier 1 and your garden

For more home and living decorating ideas and inspiration, visit :
Dawn's Interior Decorating Solutions

Pier 1 Imports can add style to your garden - Columbia home and living | Examiner.com

How to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders

There are many crafty ideas involving keeping squirrels out of the bird feeder. Some work, some don't and other ideas just aren't practical. If you live in South Carolina, pay a visit to Wild BirdsUnlimited in Columbia, and check out their squirrel proof feeders and great selection of bird feed too. There are certain things you can do that will keep the squirrels away from your bird feeders. Try these ideas.

Buy weight sensitive bird feeders- Certain bird feeders are built with ports on them that are weight sensitive. Each perch that the bird lands on is calibrated to the weight of a standard songbird. When a larger animal grabs onto the perches, they push downward, seeming to break away from the ports, and bring a metal cover down over the seed openings. A squirrel simply can not gain entry. For a sample of this type of bird feeder see: Perky Pet Breakaway Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder .
Feed the squirrels- Make sure to leave feed out specifically for the squirrels. There are a number of wonderful squirrel feeders, and some designs are basic enough that you can make them yourself. Squirrels love bird seed, and dried corn on the cob to feast on.
Spice up your seed- Make bird seed less desirable to the squirrels by adding Cayenne pepper to the mix. While completely harmless to birds, squirrels can't tolerate it and will not eat the seed. Also try mixing safflower seed in with the regular seed, squirrels are not a fan of this type of seed. This may wear off in time so try number 4 if this doesn't work long enough.
Peppermint- Place peppermint oil or even round/ ground up peppermint candy around and in the bird seed/feeder. Squirrels don't like the smell and will be turned off by it.
Grease your pole- If your bird feeder is on a pole, use WD-40 or Vaseline on the pole, the squirrels can't climb up it. For more tips and gardening info, see: Dawn's Secret Garden

Saturday, January 8, 2011

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.

Great plants for the novice southern gardener

Crepe Myrtle photograph by Dawn Gagnon

When we buy our first home, there is usually an urge to put our own touches on it to make it truly our own. Either we start painting, or we add some special touches to the yard to improve it. Luckily there are some plants that a novice gardener can feel pretty confident about having success with. In Southern states like South Carolina, finding plants that can stand up to our somewhat harsh zone 8 conditions can be a real challenge. This list will give you a few to try that should be able to fill the bill.

Easy to grow and care for plants for the new southern gardener...

Crinum Americanum aka Swamp Lily

Swamp Lily-Photograph by Dawn Gagnon

A relatively large growing lily, this plant can produce unique and exotic blossoms during the summer. Easy to grow, and very tough, this lily is a easy plant for any southern garden. Flowers are fragrant, come in a variety of colors such as pink, purple and white and will give you blooms until Autumn. They prefer moist soil, and full sun but can endure some drought.

Canna

English: Canna hybrida flower and foliage. Pictured in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Français : Pied de Canna (variété ‘hybrida’). Photo prise dans la province de Kilimanjaro, en Tanzanie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cannas are tall, tropical and fast growing. They spread readily so be sure to plant them with that in mind. Flowers grow on top of long spikes in the midst of wide green leaves. They are usually a great plant to place in the background of shorter growing flowers. Beautiful along fences, and stunning colors, this plant is fairly easy to grow providing they get enough water. Put out a few beer traps at the base of their bed though, snails love this plant.

Black Eyed Susan

Image via Wikipedia

These beautiful flowers thrive in hot conditions and will not be afraid of the tough growing conditions most plants crumble under. If you enjoy an informal wild and casual garden these beauties can't be beat and you will no doubt have success with them as a first time gardener. Buy plants from a reputable garden center and follow the directions and get ready for some pretty results come summer.

Lantana

Lantana- Photograph by Dawn Gagnon

Lantana are beautiful and great for covering bare spots in any garden setting. They have vivid colors and can tolerate harsh growing conditions often seen in the south. Heat, and drought do not seem to affect this plant and they have a pungent aroma to boot. Bright colors of yellow, orange and red, among others will set your garden off and once they are planted, very little worry is in order. They will come back year after year and do their part in your garden to make it lovely. Butterflies will love this addition to your yard as well.

Phlox

English: Garden phlox Français : Phlox paniculé Latina: Phlox paniculata (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Phlox are low growing, colorful and fragrant and start blooming in the early part of the summer months. They are most aromatic in the evening time. Many times this versatile, easy to grow flower is seen planted on either side of walk ways and as a border around garden beds. For beauty and ease of care, this lovely flower is a sure winner for the southern gardener.

Liriope

Liriope- Photograph by Dawn Gagnon

Liriope aka Monkey Grass, Spider Grass and Border Grass

This is a tough little plant. Once established this border plant will definitely hold up. It does well along walk ways, flower beds and is seen all over southern landscapes. Make sure you plant these attractive plants where you want them to be permanently because they will not be easy to get rid of. A great way to line a flower bed.

Day Lily

English: A red and yellow Daylily. Daylilies fall into the Hemerocallis genus plants. This color combination is generally called a Red Magic lily. Français : Une fleur d'hémérocalle rouge et jaune. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are few negatives that can be said for this adaptable perennial. They can grow in almost every zone in the US and you may have seen them even along roadsides. They spread easily, have stunning varieties of flowers and can endure heat and drought conditions with little problems. Once planted, these plants will not fail to give you blooms year in and year out. They require no special care, and will make any novice gardener seem like a pro. They are beautiful planted along fences, as a backdrop to low growing flowers and will fill a garden in no time.

The Southern Garden

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Sunday, April 17, 2011

Great lilies to plant in your southern garden

Dreamcatcher Carpet Lily

Double Tiger Lily

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Growing Oleander in your southern garden

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Pier 1 Imports can add style to your garden

How to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Top Articles on your southern garden

Blooming shrubs and trees for your southern garden

Great plants for the novice southern gardener

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Search This Blog

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Dreamcatcher Carpet Lily

Double Tiger Lily

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Saturday, January 8, 2011

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