Planting Fescue in Mid-March: A Viable Spring Option

Missed the ideal fall window for seeding fescue? Mid- to late March offers a solid second chance. The key is preparation: aerate the lawn first to create plenty of holes for seed-to-soil contact. Then broadcast the seed

How to Find a Qualified Arborist in Rockdale County

Need a certified arborist in the Rockdale County area? With so many excellent professionals in the metro region, the best approach is to consult the Georgia Arborist Associations online directory at georgiaarborist.org.

Hellebores Bounce Back After Winter Freeze

If your hellebores (also known as Lenten roses) looked wilted and frozen after this winters severe cold snaps, dont panic. These tough perennials have a remarkable ability to recover. In my own garden, the plants collaps

Weed Control in Newly Laid Zoysia Sod

Zoysia sod planted in November isnt fully rooted yet, so avoid broadcast herbicides. Instead, spot-treat weeds by brushing glyphosate onto foliage with a foam paintbrush. Once the zoysia greens up fully in May, apply a s

Assessing Cold Damage on Encore Azaleas

After two harsh winters, your Encore azaleas may look dead—leaves brown and fallen. Wait until mid-May before giving up. Some varieties are more cold-sensitive due to their parentage. Avoid fall fertilizing or pruning, w

Best Shallow-Rooted Companions for a Young Kousa Dogwood

Under a newly planted kousa dogwood, choose shallow-rooted perennials that wont compete with the trees establishing roots. Excellent options include dwarf mondo grass (forms a solid green carpet), green n gold, carex, an

Replacing Mismatched English Ivy with Uniform Cuttings

If newly purchased English ivy has smaller, purple-tinged leaves (likely Atropurpurea), it wont match your existing large-leaf green ivy. The solution: remove the odd variety and propagate cuttings from your original pla

Effective Slug Control for Container Gardens

Copper paint on pots wont deter slugs—it lacks enough metallic copper. Instead, try these proven methods: sprinkle iron phosphate baits (like Sluggo) which are pet-safe; set out beer traps in saucers, refreshing every tw

Transitioning Overwintered Angel Wing Begonias Outdoors

When moving angel wing begonias outside after winter, dont rush to remove old foliage. If leaves are still green, keep them until night temperatures consistently reach the 50s. Then place the plant in bright shade, ferti

Newspaper Mulch and Termites: What You Need to Know

Newspaper is an excellent weed barrier, but some gardeners worry it attracts termites. The truth? Termites are drawn to any cellulose material touching the soil—fallen limbs, sticks, and yes, newspaper. If your home has

Planting a Trio of Dogwoods for a Multi-Colored Canopy

Planting white, pink, and red dogwoods close together can create a stunning fused canopy. Prepare an eight-foot-diameter circle of loosened soil. Position the three young trees in a triangle with trunks about eighteen in

Transplanting a Mature Hydrangea with a Delay

Moving a mature hydrangea is straightforward even if you cant replant immediately. Soak the root zone until soggy, then lift the plant with a spading fork to preserve as many roots as possible. Wrap the root ball in damp

Reviving a Fig Tree After Cold Damage

An eight-year-old fig tree that suffered winter dieback often responds with a flush of vigorous, upright shoots—juvenile growth that produces few figs. The key is patience. Avoid pruning again; let those new branches mat

Dealing with Chickweed in Your Spring Vegetable Garden

When you head out to plant your spring peas and find the bed completely blanketed in chickweed, dont panic. This common cool-season weed is easy to manage if you act quickly. Start by pulling as much of the green chickwe

Growing Paperwhites from Seed: A Long-Term Project

Those green seed pods behind spent paperwhite flowers hold potential—but its a gamble. Many forced varieties are sterile; pods may form without viable seeds. If yours ripen to yellow/brown, collect the seeds and store co

Controlling Weeds and Briars Around a Cabin: Glyphosate and Organic Options

Managing weeds on acreage without destroying the earth means targeted, informed choices. For periodic clearing around a cabin, glyphosate (Roundup, Killzall, Kleen-Up) remains a low-toxicity option when used as directed—

Is Dame's Rocket Illegal in Georgia? Understanding Invasive Plant Lists

Dames rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is banned in several states for invasiveness, but Georgia doesnt classify it as illegal. The only plants prohibited by state law are marijuana and possibly Oriental poppy. However, not

Transplanting Cedar Trees: Red Cedar vs. Leyland Cypress for Wildlife

Youve spotted young cedar trees in nearby woods and wonder if theyre worth transplanting for birds. Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) wins hands-down for wildlife value. Its dense foliage provides exceptional cover, and t

Why Horticulturists Spell It "Crapemyrtle" and "Bermudagrass"

Is it crepe myrtle or crape myrtle? The answer reveals how plant professionals prioritize clarity over convention. Most horticulturists, following Dr. Michael Dirrs Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, write it as one word:

Pet-Safe Weed Prevention for Bermudagrass Lawns

Having a puppy means rethinking lawn care. You want a lush bermudagrass lawn without exposing your furry friend to harsh chemicals. The secret isnt more herbicides—its building such vigorous grass that weeds cant gain a