Southern Gardening

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Coach’s Cedar Creek Farm in Lucedale where I was awestruck by the brightly blooming Amstel begonias growing in one of their greenhouses.
These begonias, also known as Rieger begonias, are a unique blend of tuberous and wax begonias.

I recently had the pleasure of exploring Mr. Jim Smelley’s impressive camellia collection with some of the Pearl River County Master Gardeners. I began thinking about how these beautiful plants with their gorgeous blooms could be the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for plant lovers.

Did you know there is a tree that produces fruit in late winter and early spring? That tree is the loquat, and as I drive around Mississippi on these cold winter days, I have noticed many of them in gardens and landscapes. With their evergreen elegance and delectable fruit, loquat trees add a bit of subtropical charm.

I absolutely love looking for different types of plants for my landscaping. In home landscapes, the usual suspects like hollies, ligustrums, azaleas and camellias often take center stage. While these are excellent choices, there’s a world of possibilities waiting for those willing to explore the realm of conifers.

In the world of ornamental shrubs, Distyliums are a hidden gem, prized for their evergreen foliage, adaptability and understated charm.

Violas are amazing annual plants that can survive our cold winters and grow well in both landscapes and containers. It’s no wonder they are a popular choice for gardeners in Mississippi.

Violas are also known as Johnny jump-ups because of their ability to produce seeds prolifically and pop up unexpectedly in gardens.

I find it challenging to keep the landscape vibrant and colorful during winter, but incorporating plants with vibrant berries can add a pop of color to the winter scenery. The Savannah holly, which is a hybrid of the native American holly, is one of the best options to bring that berry color to Mississippi gardens.

Happy New Year! As we embark on a new year, gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike are gearing up for a fresh season of growth, color and the promise of a bountiful harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned green-thumb gardener or a novice with dreams of a flourishing garden, the new year is the perfect time to sow the seeds of your botanical aspirations. Let’s explore essential tips and resolutions to help you cultivate a vibrant and thriving garden in the coming months.

Snapdragons are some of the most beautiful plants that grow in cold weather. They may not seem like holiday plants, but their festive colors make them a great selection.
These annuals love the cold fall, winter and spring weather we have in the South. Their colorful flower spikes brighten up any landscape, making them important additions to dreary winter scenes.

Merry Christmas! While I take time to be with loved ones, the garden is not far from my mind. I’m dreaming of a winter wonderland with enchanting, cold-hardy plants.

As the new season settles in, casting its chilly embrace over gardens and landscapes, many plants surrender to the frosty grip, leaving behind a muted canvas of browns and grays.

If you would like to add plants that will provide color to your winter landscape and are also edible, I recommend planting some ornamental kale. Ornamental kale, also known as flowering kale, is a stunning and unique addition to any garden or landscape. With its colorful leaves and striking appearance, it is a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Poinsettias are classic holiday plants, known for their vibrant red and snowy white hues. You may not know that there are also many colorful versions of this popular plant that can add a unique and festive touch to your holiday decor. I love the many different colors that range from pink and coral to yellow and marbled. Today, poinsettias can be found in a variety of shades to suit your preferences.

Reflecting back on Thanksgiving, I feel thankful for the opportunity to grow plants that share their large, beautiful flowers with me. I think plants with big flowers have a bold presence that adds interest and value to any landscape. While they may have a shorter flowering period compared to those with small flowers, do not underestimate the impact they can have.

During a recent visit to the Mississippi State University Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crystal Springs, I stumbled upon two striking plants that were in full bloom and showing out. While admiring their beauty, I noticed that bees were equally drawn to these plants. What caught my eye was the Caryopteris plants.

Fall is a great time to start planning for the upcoming spring season. If you’re thinking about making some changes to your landscape, have you considered bringing in a new color? Purple is a regal, attention-grabbing color that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your garden or landscape.

A dreary November landscape can get a gardener dreaming of spring, and if you’re like me, you’re already thinking about plants that will add a splash of color to the landscape next year.

I love cool-season gardening. It’s a fantastic way to keep enjoying fresh and healthy produce even as the temperatures begin to drop, and days get shorter. The cooler months are perfect for growing several crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, kale, lettuce and spinach.

I recently admired some gorgeous ornamental peppers that were still popping with color despite the state starting to get some cool weather. Did you know that you can grow ornamental peppers in spring, summer, fall and winter? They are a great way to add color and spice to your home or garden.

I absolutely love promoting great plants that are perfect for our gardens and landscapes. Some of these plants are those Mississippi State University grows as part of a testing program for plant breeders.

Vincas are one of the most beautiful and versatile plants I have ever come across. With their vibrantly colored petals, drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature, these plants are perfect for any landscape.