Calhoun County Gardening – Vertical Elegance: How Climbing Vines Transform the Garden

Calhoun County, AL – Climbing vines add striking vertical beauty and structure to any garden, transforming ordinary spaces into layered landscapes filled with texture and color. Among the most reliable and rewarding varieties are clematis selections, known for their vigorous growth and breathtaking blooms. One standout is the Jackmanii Deep Purple Clematis, which produces strong […]
Calhoun County Gardening – From Two Maples to a Thriving Shade Garden: A Journey in Patience, Creativity, and Resourceful Gardening

Calhoun County, AL – Two photographs from 2018 capture the humble beginnings of what is now a flourishing shade garden—an area that once held only two century-old maple trees. Through years of journaling and hands-on experience from 2018 to 2026, this shade gardening project has evolved into a thriving landscape filled with texture, structure, and […]
Calhoun County Gardening – From Garden Notes to Garden Beds: Favorite Seeds to Sow for a Vibrant Spring

Calhoun County, AL – As winter settles in, many gardeners turn to seed catalogs and greenhouse dreams. For one local gardener, however, the season begins by searching through years of carefully kept garden notes. The goal is simple: select the favorite seeds that will bring color, height, and life back to the landscape in spring. […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Why I Stopped Pulling Weeds Too Early—and Why You Might Want To, Too

Calhoun County, AL – Through trial and error, I’ve learned that pulling weed roots too early can actually create bigger problems later. It feels productive in winter, but early weed removal can backfire in ways that aren’t obvious until spring. During the winter months, weeds often appear before many perennials have a chance to emerge. […]
Jacksonville Farmers Market Seeks Vendors and Volunteers for Upcoming Spring Season

Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville Farmers Market is preparing for its upcoming spring season and is currently seeking both vendors and volunteers to support the market’s operations. According to Jacksonville Farmers Market Director Summer Sherman, the market is inviting participation from farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, flower growers, egg producers, and individuals offering locally grown or produced goods. […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Planting With Purpose: Why Sun, Shade, and Soil Make All the Difference

Calhoun County, AL – Seasoned gardeners often smile when recalling early lessons learned the hard way—especially the simple truth that full-sun plants must be planted in full sun. Many of us learned this rule through trial and error, but it remains one of the most important fundamentals in gardening. Plants such as lilies, irises, cannas, […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Encouraging New Gardeners to Grow: Exploring Simple, Flexible Gardening Options

Calhoun County, AL – Gardening doesn’t have to begin with rows of tilled soil or large in-ground plots. For those new to growing their own food, there are many accessible and flexible ways to get started—no matter the size of your space or experience level. One easy option is container gardening. Potted vegetables can thrive on […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Gladiolus Care 101: Resting Corms for Stronger Stalks and Bigger Blooms

Calhoun County, AL – Seasoned gardeners know that gladiolus corms can safely overwinter in the ground in USDA hardiness zones 7–10 without freezing. However, experienced gladiolus growers also understand an important long-term truth: corms need periodic rest. Every four to five years—or sooner—gladiolus corms should be dug and rested. When left in the ground too long, […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Winter Is the Gardener’s Secret Season for a Stress-Free Spring

Calhoun County, AL – December in Calhoun County, AL, can bring temperatures dipping into the teens, yet winter is far from a dormant season for gardeners. While the pre-spring months often include many days above freezing, those milder winter stretches provide the perfect opportunity to prepare for the growing season ahead. Winter is an ideal […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Golden Candlestick: A Tropical Showstopper for Bold Southern Landscapes

Calhoun County, AL – Golden Candlestick plants are quickly becoming a favorite among Southern gardeners, and it’s easy to see why. Each seed pod contains an impressive 40 to 60 seeds, making them generous reproducers for anyone hoping to expand their garden. Seeds are typically sown in the spring after the final frost, and by mid-summer, […]