Calhoun County Gardening – The Charm of Tickseed: An Old-Fashioned Pollinator’s Delight
Calhoun County, AL – Tickseed, often called an old-fashioned pollinator seed, carries both beauty and purpose in the garden. Its name comes from the dried seeds, which resemble tiny insect legs. To improve germination, it’s best not to sow Tickseed too deeply. I prepare the soil with a metal rake, lightly mist the area with water, […]
Calhoun County Gardening – The Resilient Beauty of Zinnias: Tips for Growing and Enjoying These Vibrant Flowers
Calhoun County, AL – Most gardeners agree — it’s hard to find a bad zinnia. With their wide variety of heights, colors, and styles, these hardy blooms brighten gardens all season long. A few years ago, I tried a packet of “Scarlet Flame Double Zinnia” seeds, and I was hooked. Their vertical, sturdy stalks grow 4–6 […]
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 […]