Identifying and Controlling Microstegium (Japanese Stiltgrass)

The Summer Weed That Refuses to Leave If you garden in the Southeast, you likely know this grassy invader by its frustrated nickname: That summer weed I can pull out by the handful, only to watch it return weeks later. F

UGA Plant Lists: Free Downloadable Guides for Georgia Gardens

University of Georgia Extension offers free, research-based plant selection guides: Landscape Plants for Georgia (trees, shrubs, grasses) Native Trees, Shrubs & Woody Vines Flowering Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs for Georg

Metro Atlanta Tree Removal Ordinances: Know Before You Cut

Tree removal in metro Atlanta isnt simple—every county and city has ordinances regulating if/when you can cut and whether replacement is required. Fines for violations are substantial. This article lists contact links fo

Growing Ornamental Kale and Cabbage for Winter Color

Why Theyre Popular Ornamental kale and cabbage (Brassica oleracea) are top winter annuals after pansies. They add unique texture, cover space quickly, need little maintenance, and are edible. Kale vs. Cabbage All orname

Deadheading 101: Remove Faded Flowers for Continuous Bloom

Plants stop flowering once they set seed. Deadheading—snapping off spent blooms just above the next leaf set—tricks them into producing more flowers. Works on petunias, cosmos, salvia, marigolds, and many annuals/perenni

Dividing Daylilies: Simple Steps for More Plants & Better Blooms

Daylilies are among the easiest perennials to divide. Early spring or fall: Drive shovel 12 inches from clump center, circle around. Lift entire root mass; shake off soil if dry. Identify fans (leaf clusters with own ro

Living Christmas Tree Tradition: Plant, Donate & Enjoy Songs by Sam Zamarripa

Sam Zamarripa started a family tradition: live Christmas tree indoors, then plant in landscape or donate to school/church. He shares two original songs: Lets Go Watch It Grow and Plant a Living Christmas Tree (audio link

Flowery Branch, Georgia: History from Cherokee "Flowers on the Branch" to Cotton Hub

Chartered 1874, Flowery Branch (Hall County) originated from Cherokee Anaguluskee (flowers on the branch) or Nattagasska (blossom creek). First house ~1875 near the namesake stream. Railroad depot (c. 1900) recently relo

Compost Tea: Science Says It Doesn't Work & May Be Risky

Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott (WSU) reviews the evidence: compost tea lacks scientific support for disease control and poses pathogen risks. Two Types, Weak Evidence Non-aerated (NCT): Passive steep. 34 studies on foliar dis

New Biocontrol for Invasive Microstegium (Japanese Stiltgrass): Bipolaris Leaf Blight

Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) is a shade-loving invasive grass. Researchers discovered a native fungal pathogen, Bipolaris sp. (similar to B. zeicola), causing leaf lesions, wilting, and 40% seed head reduc

Tree Pruning Without Fear: Timing, Three-Cut Method & No Stubs

Pruning doesnt hurt trees if done correctly. Two timing rules: Growing season: Remove up to 25% foliage safely. Winter dormancy: Remove 30–50% limb structure safely. Three-Cut Method for Large Limbs (USDA Forest Servi

Protecting Plants from Snow, Ice & Winter Wind: Emergency Prep Kit

Like a medicine cabinet for kids, assemble a plant first-aid kit now for January–February emergencies. Three injury types, three defenses: 1. Cold Injury (Tender Plants: Gardenia, Aucuba, Lantana) Kit: Black sheet plast

Planting Caladiums: Wait for Warm Soil for Tropical Success

Caladiums bring season-long color via foliage—deep red to pink to white. New sun-tolerant varieties expand their use. But theyre true tropicals: soil must be ≥65°F (preferably 70°F+) or bulbs may rot or refuse to sprout.

Arum italicum 'Pictum': Winter Foliage Star & Easy Seed Propagation

Arum italicum Pictum (Cuckoo Pint) delivers glossy white-veined green leaves all winter, a greenish-white spathe in spring, and brilliant orange berries by August. Its a perfect companion to hostas—tough, colorful, shade

Vegetable & Flower Frost Tolerance Tables for Spring & Fall Planting

Quick-reference charts for light frost tolerance: Vegetables HardySlightly TolerantTender Asparagus, Collards, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Pea, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Salsify, Spinach, Turnip Beet, Broccoli

Trees Don't Have Taproots in Clay Soil: Why They Topple in Storms

After a storm, a large tree flipped a car in a driveway. The root plate revealed the truth: in heavy clay, trees develop shallow, pancake-like root systems spreading beyond the drip line—no deep taproot. This broad but s

June Landscape Checklist: 50+ Tasks for a Thriving Summer Garden

A comprehensive June to-do list covering seeds, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, watering, propagation, and planting: Seeds & Propagation Collect foxglove seeds, scratch soil, sow, water. Root azaleas/roses by layer

Espalier Art: Train Trees & Shrubs into Living Sculptures

Espalier trains plants flat against a support in formal patterns—fans, cordons, Belgian fence, or custom designs. It saves space, eases harvest, and creates garden art. Inspiration: Pearl Fryars topiary garden in Bishop

Girdling Tree Roots: Spot & Remove Circling Roots Before They Strangle

A root circling the trunk instead of radiating outward is a girdling root. As both expand, the root chokes water/nutrient flow. Common in container-grown maples. Action Thresholds Less than ¼ trunk circumference affect

Patriotic Plants for July 4th: Fireworks, Sparkler, Rocket & More

Celebrate Independence Day with plants bearing festive names. Community-sourced list includes: Fireworks goldenrod (Solidago) & pennisetum grass Sparkler cleome Bottle Rocket ligularia Roman Candle tomato Route 66