Calhoun County Gardening – Climbing Vines for Beauty and Balance in the Garden
Calhoun County, AL – Climbing vines add vertical beauty and structure to any garden, and among my favorites are clematis varieties. The Jackmanii Deep Purple Clematis is a standout, producing vigorous new growth each spring from dry root plantings. Another favorite, the City of Lyons Clematis, displays delicate white blooms with soft pink tones. The […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Concrete and Color: A Collector’s Guide to Timeless Garden Art
Calhoun County, AL – Since 1989, one dedicated garden art enthusiast has been curating unique pieces from estate sales and antique malls, with a focus on materials built to last. While plastic art is often avoided—except for the newer, sturdier resin—metal and concrete works remain the most sought-after investments. Concrete garden art, in particular, stands […]
Calhoun County Gardening – From Blank Canvas to Blooming Beauty: A 7-Year Garden Transformation
Calhoun County, AL – even years ago, I stood in my backyard, face-to-face with two majestic, century-old maple trees. Aside from them, the yard was a blank canvas—no landscaping, no shade in the front yard, and endless potential. As a passionate gardener, I followed what many in our community might consider a natural first instinct: fill […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Overcoming the Heat: Tips from the 2025 Garden Season
Calhoun County, AL – The 2025 gardening season brought a unique set of challenges, beginning with excessive rain, flooding, and moldy soil. These early spring conditions made it difficult for many gardeners to get a strong start. When heavy rain is expected, I prefer to plant in pots and raised beds. This helps promote drainage and […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Dahlia Dinner Plate Secrets: How to Grow Stunning Summer Blooms
Calhoun County, AL – Dahlias are my favorite summer flowers—especially the dazzling dinner plate varieties that can produce blooms up to 10 inches across! These enormous blossoms quickly fill a vase with their vibrant charm. Dinner plate dahlias can grow up to five feet tall and require dedicated staking and tying. I recommend starting early in […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Build a Lasting Landscape: Why Shrubs and Grasses Are Garden Essentials
Calhoun County, AL – The quickest way to make a lasting impact in your landscape is by installing permanent shrubs and grasses. These plants form the backbone of any garden because they are perennials and offer long-term value. Investing in perennials saves money over time and supports your landscaping goals for years to come. Colorful blooms […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Sowing for the Swarm: How Pollinator Blooms Boost My Garden Every Spring
Calhoun County, AL – Every spring, once the danger of frost has passed, I sow my favorite seeds. Before planting any vegetable crops, I focus on sowing flowers that attract pollinators. I want bees and butterflies to swarm my garden before the vegetables begin their journey, and I’ve found great success in my harvests because I […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Floral Reflections: A Lifelong Journey Through Seasonal Design
Calhoun County, AL – I began floral design in my teens, working part-time for a florist. I was trained in making football corsages for homecomings, funeral wreaths on stands, and creating greenery backdrops for floral arrangements. In 1998, as I embraced organic gardening, I began incorporating a wide range of both annual seeds and perennial […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Growing Corn in Small Spaces: Tips for a Beautiful and Bountiful Garden
Calhoun County, AL – Gardeners can have small spaces and still grow corn. The first priority is full sunshine—no semi-shade. The second is to create quick-growing pollinator plants. I sow squash seeds and flower seeds like Blanketflowers next to the corn. These pollinator plants help boost your corn’s success, and they grow quickly. In small areas, […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Garden-to-Table Safety: Saltwater Soak Secret to Cleaner, Crisper Vegetables
Calhoun County, AL – Like many gardeners, I rinse my freshly picked vegetables in clean water—but I also take an extra step that’s made a big difference in both cleanliness and texture: a saltwater soak. Here’s the simple recipe I use: 1 gallon of cool water and 1 cup of salt. I soak my vegetables for […]