Calhoun County Gardening – From a Blank Canvas to a Backyard Garden
Calhoun County, AL – When I first stood in my backyard, I found myself face-to-face with two majestic maple trees, each more than 100 years old. Aside from those beautiful old trees, the yard was essentially a blank canvas. There was no landscaping and very little shade beyond what the maples provided, but there was endless […]
Calhoun County Gardening – A Garden Grown for Pollinators
Calhoun County, AL – Every spring, once the threat of frost has passed, the growing season begins with a focus not on vegetables, but on the flowers that help make a successful garden possible. Before planting vegetable crops, I sow flowers specifically chosen to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. By establishing a pollinator-friendly environment early […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Garden Art Adds Personality and Surprise to the Landscape
Calhoun County, AL – In the landscape designs of many gardeners, garden art is selected to serve as a focal point. Whether the style is rustic or modern, casual or conservative, the right pieces can add personality, color and interest to an outdoor space. My preference is country cottage rustic. I enjoy relaxed, colorful choices in […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Summer Heat and Spring Rains Test Alabama Gardens in 2026
Calhoun County, AL – The 2026 gardening season has presented Alabama gardeners with an unusual combination of weather challenges, beginning with excessive spring rainfall, flooding, and waterlogged soil. Those early conditions made it difficult for many home gardeners to establish healthy vegetable gardens before the arrival of summer heat. When periods of heavy rain are expected, […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Finding Beauty in Every Season: A Gardener’s Approach to Floral Design
Calhoun County, AL – For many gardeners, flowers are more than just plants—they are a way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. One local gardener and floral enthusiast has spent decades cultivating both blooms and creativity, using seasonal plants and natural materials to create simple yet striking floral arrangements. Her interest in floral […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Country Cottage Gardens Blend Beauty and Function in One Charming Space
Calhoun County, AL – For many gardeners, a relaxed Southern gardening style offers the perfect balance of beauty, practicality, and personality. Country cottage gardens embrace rustic elements such as weathered fences, old sheds, and vintage farm décor while blending colorful flowers with productive vegetable plants to create a landscape that feels both welcoming and lived-in. One […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Build a Stronger Landscape with Shrubs and Ornamental Grasses
Calhoun County, AL – Creating a beautiful, long-lasting landscape starts with investing in permanent shrubs and ornamental grasses. As perennials, these plants provide year-round structure, texture, and lasting value, making them the foundation of a well-designed garden. While annual flowers add seasonal color, shrubs and grasses offer dependable beauty that returns year after year, saving both […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Shade Gardening Tips for Creating a Lush and Colorful Outdoor Retreat
Calhoun County, AL – For gardeners looking to establish or enhance a shade garden, selecting the right mix of plants can create a landscape filled with texture, color, and year-round interest. Many gardeners begin with dependable shade-loving favorites such as hostas, elephant ears, ferns, caladiums, and coleus. Among the most popular choices are Albo hostas, which […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Dahlia Success Starts Below the Soil
Calhoun County, AL – Gardeners looking to add stunning color and large blooms to their landscapes should understand that dahlias require consistent care and proper planting techniques to reach their full potential. Dahlias are often considered the “divas” of the flower garden. While they can produce an abundance of spectacular blooms, they are unforgiving when […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Yuccas Bring Height, Beauty and Low-Maintenance Appeal to Home Landscapes
Calhoun County, AL – Yuccas are among the most striking and resilient plants found in home landscapes, offering year-round greenery, dramatic height, and exceptional drought tolerance. With more than 40 species of Yucca, these versatile plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 11, making them well-suited for a wide range of climates. Some varieties can […]