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 […]
Calhoun County Gardening – The Power of the Yucca: A Bold and Beautiful Rock Garden Favorite
Calhoun County, AL – Did you know there are more than 40 species of Yucca? Some varieties can grow up to ten feet tall, while branching types resemble small trees. Yuccas thrive in USDA zones 4 through 11, making them suitable for a wide range of climates. Even in cold weather, they remain evergreen and undamaged. […]