African Iris (Dietes bicolor): Identification and Care for Georgia Gardens

We saw these flowers in San Francisco and Napa Valley. What are they, and can they grow in Georgia? Identification: Dietes bicolor This Iris family member is Dietes bicolor, also called African iris or fortnight lily.

Kousa Dogwood Bark Flaking: A Normal, Ornamental Feature

The bark is peeling off my dogwood, but the tree looks healthy. I see only tiny ants. It blooms white 2–3 weeks after other dogwoods. Should I worry? No Concern—Its a Kousa Dogwood You have a Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa

Identifying Yellow Passionvine (Passiflora lutea): A Common Weedy Vine

I have a thin, non-woody vine with ivy-like leaves, small green passionflower-type blooms, and round fruit between pea and cherry size growing over an azalea. What is it? Identification: Yellow Passionvine Its Passiflor

Growing Hops in Georgia: Trellis, Containers, and Real-Gardener Experiences

Can Hops Grow in the Southeast? Hops were once a major crop in the Northeast but moved west due to mildew and mites. In Georgia, they grow vigorously from perennial roots. A container on a deck is likely too small for th

How Deep Does the Ground Freeze in Georgia? Implications for Plants and Pipes

How deep does the ground freeze in Georgia? This affects what I can grow and how deep to bury irrigation pipes. Good News: It Barely Freezes Theresa Schrum reports that in most of Georgia, the ground does not freeze at

Pumping Irrigation Water from a Stream or Pond: Feasibility, Permits, and Costs

I have a creek 12–22 inches deep behind my property and want to pump water 150 feet to irrigate my lawn. What type of pump do I need, and is this practical? Calculate Your Water Needs A lawn needs about 600 gallons per

Hickory Horned Devil: The Harmless Giant Caterpillar of the Regal Moth

We found a huge green caterpillar near Lake Hartwell and took it to a second-grade Show and Tell. The kids loved it! Is it dangerous? What kind of moth does it become? Meet the Hickory Horned Devil This spectacular cate

Diagnosing and Managing Cercospora Leaf Spot on Leyland Cypress

I have a 25-foot-tall Leyland cypress hedge planted on 4-foot centers. It was healthy until this summer, when needles began dying at one end. The damage starts at the bottom near the trunk and moves upward and outward, w

Tree Reforestation Requirements for DeKalb, Fulton, Forsyth, and Cobb Counties

I need to know which tree species and sizes are approved for reforestation requirements in DeKalb County, and ideally for Fulton, Forsyth, and Cobb counties as well. I was told this information is available online, but I

Growing Plumeria (Frangipani) from a Cutting: Care, Dormancy, and Blooming Tips

Two years ago, I brought a plumeria cutting back from Hawaii. It rooted well and grew large green leaves at the tips of its Y-shaped branches, but it hasnt bloomed. The plant has become tall and leggy, needing support, a

Mowing Bermudagrass Correctly: Common vs. Hybrid Varieties

Understanding Grass Anatomy At soil level sits the crown (brown), above it the stem (brown/yellow), and above that the green blade. Mowing removes the top third of growth. For common bermudagrass, the stem is about an in

Plumeria Leaf Loss in Winter: Can You Prevent It?

Why Plumerias Drop Leaves Indoors A plumeria grown outdoors in summer and brought inside for winter drops all its leaves annually. This is normal—the plant goes dormant in response to lower light and cooler indoor temper

Hops Vine Yield: What to Expect Per Plant

Average Hops Production Each of the four to six vines arising from a single hill produces four to six ounces of dried hops. This estimate helps home brewers plan their garden space and harvest expectations. Further Read

Fertilizing Bermudagrass: Why Water Is Essential After Application

Dont Fertilize Without a Water Plan A homeowner with a healthy bermudagrass lawn asked whether to lime and fertilize when no rain is forecast for days. The answer: fertilizer must be watered in to reach the root zone. Wi

Potato Varieties for Georgia: Why 'Shepody' Failed and What to Plant Instead

The Problem with Shepody in the South A gardener planted 12 lbs of Shepody seed potatoes, only to harvest a handful of marble-sized tubers despite vigorous vines. The issue? Shepody was bred for Canadas cool, sunny summe

Growing Aspidistra (Cast-Iron Plant): Shade Requirements and Transplanting Tips

The Cast-Iron Plants True Preference Aspidistra, often called cast-iron plant for its toughness, is frequently seen looking ragged—spotted, bleached, or floppy. The secret to a lush, healthy clump? Deep shade. A visit to

Hercules Beetle Identification: Male vs. Female and Fascinating Behaviors

Identifying the Hercules Beetle A homeowner in Carroll County brought home a large beetle found at a convenience store, wondering what it was. The insect is a female Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus). Sexing these beetle

Managing Armyworms in Your Lawn: Identification and Control

Understanding Armyworms Armyworms are caterpillars that feed primarily on grasses, making them a common pest in pastures and lawns each year. The moths that lay the eggs cannot overwinter in northern Georgia; instead, th

Centipedegrass Decline: Mowing Height, Fertilizer, and Pre-Emergent Impacts

Three Primary Causes of Decline Centipedegrass decline—progressive thinning and bare patches in established lawns—typically stems from three manageable factors: incorrect mowing height, excessive fertility, and pre-emerg

New Rabbiteye Blueberry Varieties: Sources for 'Vernon', 'Ochlockonee', 'Alapaha'

Superior Selections from UGA Breeding The University of Georgia blueberry breeding program has released outstanding rabbiteye varieties with improved yield, fruit quality, and harvest timing. Vernon, Ochlockonee, and Ala