Calhoun County Gardening – From Churt to Charm: A Seven-Year Journey of Yuccas, Pathways, and Garden Creativity
Calhoun County, AL – Seven years ago, I faced a challenge in my yard—a stubborn patch of white, milky churt. Too hard for a shovel or tiller, the area seemed impossible to work with. Yet, what began as a frustration turned into an opportunity when a hole dug with a front loader scoop became a natural […]
Calhoun County Gardening – Fall Blooms Bright: 3,000 Dahlias to Dazzle Visitors at Longleaf Botanical Gardens
Calhoun County, AL – Fall is just around the corner, and the gardens at Longleaf Botanical Gardens (LBG) are preparing a spectacular seasonal showcase. Cooler September and early October temperatures signal the peak blooming season for dahlias, and this year’s display promises to be one of the most impressive yet. In 2024, more than 2,000 […]
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 […]