News Filed Under Lawn and Garden

Coreopsis, our state wildflower here in Mississippi, is getting the spotlight it deserves at Mississippi State University’s South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville.

During a recent visit to their trial gardens, I had the chance to check out several varieties currently being evaluated.

As the Fourth of July approaches, many of us are preparing to celebrate with patriotic decor, fireworks and gatherings with family and friends. Why not extend the celebration into the garden with plants that proudly show off our nation’s colors?

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the backyard bluff gardens of Paul and Donna Ingram, perched high above the winding Mississippi River in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

There are a few plants that bring both beauty and function to the landscape, and pineapple guava is one of those rare gems that does it all.

During a recent visit to Paul and Donna Ingram’s garden in Vicksburg, Mississippi, I was inspired by how beautifully they’ve showcased this remarkable plant.

Vegetable producers across the Southeast are invited to the 2025 Vegetable Field Day on July 23 at the Mississippi State University station in Verona, Mississippi.

Deciduous plants are those that shed their foliage at the end of the growing season. I recently had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful collection that Warren County Master Gardener Beattie Williams has curated.

While there were several standout selections in her garden, one that immediately caught my eye was Virginia sweetspire. This is a native shrub that offers something beautiful for every season.

The peaceful backyard garden of Beattie Williams in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is a master class in the use of raised beds in a home landscape.

What’s that itch? Chiggers, also known as redbugs, are tiny mites that can cause significant discomfort during the warmer months in Mississippi. Here's how to lessen your chances of coming into contact with these critters and some tips if you do.

Yellow-blooming plants bring a bright, cheerful energy to my garden. There’s something about that bold splash of golden color that lifts the spirit and catches the eye, especially after the gray tones of winter.

In Grenada, Mississippi, Devo and Rosemary Lancaster have a couple of showstopping yellow bloomers in their landscape.

If you grow your own vegetables, you will likely see at least a few pesky insects that want to feed on your plants. Slugs are one of the pests you may be noticing now.

While visiting the home of Devo and Rosemary Lancaster in Grenada, Mississippi, I was impressed by their creative use of ground cover plants throughout the landscape.

Did you know yellow squash is in the pumpkin family and are 95 percent water? 

In response to the continued expansion of screwworm flies into southern Mexico, the U.S. suspended live animal imports from Mexico on May 11, 2025, halting imports of feeder cattle from Mexico.

I’ve always been drawn to plants with maroon-colored leaves. There is something alluring about the way their deep hues add layers of depth, contrast and intrigue to a landscape.

Rich maroon foliage grounds a garden, making surrounding colors pop while adding a touch of drama and elegance. Let’s take a look at some standout plants.

Tomatoes are a popular crop, both for commercial growers and home gardeners. Even the best tomato growers run into problems along the way! We put together a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you spot a few of the most common tomato troubles gardeners see. 

While in Grenada, Mississippi, speaking at the Garden Clubs of Mississippi’s 26th Annual Convention, I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous white-blooming plants that graced the town’s gardens, parks and neighborhoods.

One of my favorites is the native flowering dogwood, and it is one that I do not see as often anymore in south Mississippi. This plant, known scientifically as Cornus florida, is a cherished understory tree throughout the South with blooms that are truly iconic.

The last group of native plants I want to highlight during Native Plant Month are those that pollinators can’t resist. Some of my favorites in this group are liatris, coreopsis, gaillardia and gaura.

These plants are beautiful and bring life to my garden through the pollinators they attract. With the right care, they truly thrive.

Next up in my series celebrating April as Native Plant Month are those that thrive in sunny landscapes.

One of my favorites is yarrow, a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that does especially well in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, yarrow is very low maintenance and even thrives in poor, sandy or rocky soils.

I often get asked which plants thrive in the shade, so today I want to discuss some native selections that do just that.

During a recent visit to a nursery in New Albany, Mississippi, I came across some unique native plants that are perfect for partially to fully shaded areas. These plants brighten spaces, support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.

One of my favorites is Golden Ragwort, known scientifically as Packera aurea. It is a versatile perennial in the daisy family that provides year-round interest.

April is Native Plant Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the beauty and importance of native species. Native azalea is one of my favorites, and it is currently putting on a spectacular show.

Throughout this month, I’ll highlight other native plants that thrive in our region.