When to Prune Gardenias: Timing for Maximum Blooms

Gardenias bloom on both old and new wood, but the ratio varies by cultivar. According to nursery expert Ted Stephens: August Beauty – Flowers in August on current seasons wood; spring blooms come from previous years gro

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick: The Story Behind the Contorted Filbert

Harry Lauders Walking Stick is the folk name of contorted filbert, Corylus avellana L. Contorta. Notes contributed by B. J. Thomas, found on E-bay: Sir Harry Lauder (1870-1950) Sir Harry Lauder, popular singer and entert

Hibiscus Identification & Care: Tropical, Hardy & Confederate Rose

The hibiscus genus (Hibiscus) belongs to the diverse Malvaceae family, which includes cotton, okra, and kenaf. Gardeners commonly encounter three types, each with different needs. Tropical Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis) Ide

Holly Pollination Guide: Male & Female Plants for Berry Production

Hollies are dioecious—male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Only females produce berries, but they need pollen from a compatible male nearby. The good news? One male can pollinate several females, and some spe

Hydrangea 'Lady in Red': A Striking Lacecap with Maroon Foliage

Few shrubs generate as much excitement as Lady in Red hydrangea. This patented selection of an Asian species (Hydrangea macrophylla Lady in Red) features deep maroon leaves, bright red stems, and delicate red lacecap flo

Changing Hydrangea Flower Colors: From Pink to Blue and Back

The old saying lime makes em pink, sulfur makes em blue holds true for French hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla). Soil pH directly affects flower color by controlling aluminum availability. How Soil Chemistry Works Acidi

Pruning Bigleaf Hydrangeas After August: A Careful Approach

While July is the ideal time to prune bigleaf hydrangeas, life sometimes gets in the way. If you missed that window, dont worry—you can still prune later in the season, but with extra caution. Step-by-Step Late Pruning S

Hydrangea Flower Color: The Chemistry Behind Blue and Pink Blooms

We know life depends on chemistry—we may not understand it, but life goes on. For hard-core understanding of why hydrangeas are blue or pink: Maintaining Blue in Blue Hydrangeas Carl Rosen, Extension Soil Scientist, Univ

Planting Juniper on Slopes: Soil Amendment and Terracing for Success

Juniper is reputed tough but not immune to poor soil. Common problem on steep banks: top plants fine, middle peaked, bottom dying. Usual reason: soil drier at top, soggy at bottom. Bank soil usually not amended before pl

Lilac Success in Georgia: 'Miss Kim' Proves Adaptable

Just wanted to send a picture of my lilac growing in Henry County backyard. Im a transplanted Northerner missing lilac scent in spring. Know from your show you tell people lilacs usually cant grow here, but they can! Thi

Loropetalum (Chinese Fringe Flower): Varieties, Hardiness, and Cultivar Confusion

Loropetalum, Loropetalum chinense, Chinese fringe flower, versatile shrub in witch hazel family. Usually round shrub. Varieties range 3–10 feet tall with arching branches bearing soft 1–2 inch leaves. Older common form:

Nandina Pruning: Stair-Step Method for Leggy Plants

Nandina, heavenly bamboo, has jointed multiple stalks vaguely resembling bamboo but never mistaken for fishing pole material! Two major landscape pluses: tolerates shade well, bright red berries appear for Christmas. Old

Oakleaf Hydrangea Wilt: Root Rot vs. Vole Damage

Armillaria root rot common in oakleaf hydrangea plantings. Initial symptom: wilting of one or more previously healthy shoots. Irrigation doesnt help; within weeks rest of branches wilt, plant dies. Poor drainage usually

Growing Oleander in Containers for Northern Climates

Oleander is beautiful along Georgia coast and Florida in summer. Red, pink, yellow flowers cover plants most of season. Although oleander tolerates light frost, not considered hardy in Atlanta. Grow outside in large pot

Carefree Rose Varieties: Disease-Resistant Selections from Texas A&M Trials

My favorite cereal improved again—now Try It Hot! Mother tried hot fifty years ago—tasted same cold or warm. Boiling water warmed chilly kitchen—thats what we kids got daily. Would that oatmeal kept roses as healthy as R

Fertilizing Shrubs: Timing, Rates, and Application Tips

Easy to forget shrubs, perennials, annuals need regular feeding during growing season. If fertilized only at planting, plants starve six weeks later. Response: few flowers, weak growth, more susceptibility to insects and

Moving Shrubs: Minimizing Transplant Shock for Successful Relocation

Two of my sons best buddies moved to South Carolina last summer. Familiar part of family life for years—trepidation at farewell. How would my son miss them? How would they adapt? How would we adapt to absence on soccer t

Planting Shrubs: Proper Hole Preparation and Root Loosening

Shrubs in plastic pots may be planted 12 months a year. Evaluate site suitability. Soil test for specific plants now saves problems later. Avoid water puddling areas or under downspouts to eliminate root rot. Dig hole th

Propagating Shrubs from Cuttings: Summer Rooting Technique

Early July excellent for collecting cuttings from favorite shrubs to root. Azalea, camellia, holly easy to propagate by rooting. Several techniques; heres one for many broad-leafed shrubs: Also see Fine Gardening Magazin

Shrub Pruning Guide: Rejuvenation, Tip Pruning, and Avoiding Hedge Trimmers

As spring approaches, forsythias first yellow blooms remind gardeners theyve put off pruning. Plants pruned for different reasons: shrub roses annually for new growth making big blossoms; sprouts around fruit tree bases