Growing Gourds: From Ornamental to Practical Uses

Gourds are among the oldest cultivated plants, with origins in Africa and a history of use across the Atlantic for containers, utensils, and decoration. Today, gardeners grow a vast array of gourds—from tiny ornamental v

Allamanda Vine: Tropical Beauty That Needs Winter Protection

If you purchased a vine with large, glossy leaves and bright yellow flowers last summer, you likely have an allamanda. These tropical vines put on a stunning display during warm months, but they cannot withstand freezing

Wisteria Not Blooming? Juvenile Phase and Training Tips

Q: I have a 3-5 year old wisteria that has never bloomed. Whats wrong? It flourishes with leaves and branches everywhere. A: My bet: the wisteria is still in its juvenile growth phase. Most vines and trees spend years gr

Jackman Clematis (Clematis jackmanii): Popular Purple Vine for Mailboxes and Trellises

Clematis jackmanii Big, bold, beautiful, deep purple—this summer clematis is hard to miss, especially adorning its usual spot: a mailbox. Undoubtedly one of the most popular clematis species. Dozens of cultivars exist. E

Liriope (Monkey Grass) Care: Trimming, Control, and Weed Management

Cold weather leaves liriope (monkey grass) in tatters. Edging and borders become overgrown if not kept compact. Best trim time: January–March. If lawn mower adjusts to highest setting, it can remove old greenery—new spro

Moss Gardening: Encouraging Moss Instead of Fighting It

More than a few gardeners have decided to switch rather than fight—theyre purposely growing moss instead of eliminating it. Hundreds of lawn lovers demonstrate how easy moss is to grow. They have it in patches where they

Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis): Ornamental Grass Profile

Miscanthus sinensis Among the showiest ornamental grasses, a clump of maiden grass grows to 7 feet by late summer. The top is wider than the bottom—up to 8 feet wide from a 24-inch base. Stiff, arching leaves extend on a

Pampas Grass Care: Pruning, Blooming, and Division

Pampas grass is striking in fall with showy white seed heads. If not cut back each spring, it looks like an overgrown haystack. Tips: Q: When should I cut back my pampas grass clump? A: Cut back to 12 inches tall in Janu

Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera): Invasive Yam Vine Identification and Control

Q: Invasive Vine with Potatoes on Stems Q: I have a lovely but horribly invasive vine growing little potatoes on its stem. It sprouts and spreads like a demon—nearly taking over a 3-acre lot! What is it and what can I do

Poison Ivy Herbicides: Chemical Options for Control

Several herbicides kill poison ivy. Triclopyr (Brush-B-Gon) kills kudzu and brambles as well. Non-selective weed killers like Round-Up, Finale, or Next Day also work. With care, spot spraying can remove offending vines a

Poison Ivy Control: Identification, Herbicides, and Manual Removal

My neighbor and I acted as if surrounded by rattlesnakes: Ease your foot down slowly... now quick step right and hop onto that cinderblock! Wed struck out through woods to investigate land clearing, only to find ourselve

Yellow Archangel: Beautiful but Invasive—Eradication Takes Years

I believe Im finally rid of the infernal archangel. Years ago I found a plant perfect for my shady backyard: silvery green foliage, yellow spring flowers, described as a spreading plant tolerating heavy shade. No more bo

Poison Ivy Identification: Pictures and Look-Alikes

Poison ivy can be mistaken for other flora outdoors. Here are pictures of poison ivy and its mimics to help you identify leaflets of three to avoid. Note the leaflets of five in the third picture—five leaflets signify Vi

Pokeweed (Poke Sallet): Toxic Despite Tradition—Do Not Eat

DONT EAT POKE SALAD Auburn, June 18, 2002—Pokeweed is probably the best-known wild vegetable in America and Europe. However, Alabama Cooperative Extension food scientist Jean Weese says no part of this plant should be ea

English Ivy Dermatitis: Sap Allergy, Not Leaf Contact

My son spent a day helping a neighbor clear English ivy. The next day he woke with itchy, spreading blisters on his arm. He saw no poison ivy in the patch—so why the misery? Both English ivy (Hedera helix) and Algerian i

Bamboo Control: Barriers, Eradication, and Long-Term Vigilance

Technically, bamboo is a grass, but not one youd describe as a premier turf product. Spring shoots can grow 12 inches per day. Common fishpole bamboo tops out at 15 feet but can grow taller with ample water and fertilize

English Ivy Control: From Manual Removal to Chemical Strategies

I accompanied my sons class on an overnight trip to Rock Eagle. One classmate fascinated me: when I stood near him, he was a model of decorum; out of sight, he became a rascal—throwing milk cartons, smashing bottles, sta

Controlling Chickweed in Fescue Lawns Without Harming Seedlings

Fall tilling brought up dormant chickweed seeds that sprouted alongside my fescue. Warm winter weather caused the unwanted plants to explode across the lawn. My quandary: spraying the whole lawn with weedkiller might hur

Lichen Trivia: Peter Rabbit, Canaries, and Moose

PETER RABBIT? Heres a quick trivia question: What do Peter Rabbit, canaries, and moose have to do with lichens? Beatrix Potter, author of the Peter Rabbit tales, was also a respected biologist. She was among the first to

Invasive Pampas Grass Spotted on Georgia Highways

I live in Hall County and drive to work in Forsyth County, listening to your show every Saturday morning. In early September 2006, I heard you and Teresa Schrum discussing renegade pampas grass on I-85 between Beaver Rui