Home Gardening Advice

There are some age-old theories about how to change the color of your Hydrangea blooms that have been used by gardeners for centuries. These practices include adding things like metal or coffee grounds to the soil to alter the hue when hydrangeas bloom. The truth is, the coloring of your distinct plants comes from the pH level of the soil. Moreover, the shade depends on how much aluminum it is soaking up from the earth. Some tips to change the…

When you think of your southeastern United States garden and landscape, consider the fragrant beauty of gardenias. Gardenias are well-suited to the Carolinian climate as they are drought-resistant and require little care to thrive in this hardiness zone. Whether you are looking for an extensive hedge or a simple shrub, gardenias can be found widely in cultivars that will fit the space perfectly. Keep an eye out for these Gardenias at your favorite nursery or greenhouse:   Extra-large Gardenias. ‘First…

The southern United States is the perfect grow-zone for azaleas; these beautiful flowering plants are a member of the rhododendron family, a shallow-rooted plant that provides spring and summer flowers and year-round foliage in mild climates. How and when should you prune azaleas? Consider the following advice:   Prune prior to the blooming season. When pruning your azalea to encourage growth, the best time to prune is before spring growth starts; this ensures that you will still see flowers during…

Enjoy a taste of summer well into the fall by planting citrus trees now; many delicious citrus fruits are native to Charleston and thrive in the southeastern US climate. When you visit your local garden center, ask the planting professionals about some options that you have when it comes to citrus.   Some hardy and widely available citrus for your landscaping include:   Red Navel Oranges.   Red Naval Orange are an excellent choice for the Carolinas with a peak…

Part of the beauty of perennials is the year-round color and ability to completely change your garden or bed with endless combinations and variations. Some may bloom for a few weeks and other perennials will last the whole season. This spring, plant perennials, with attention to those that will re-bloom in the mild climate and warm temperatures of the southeastern United States.   Six must-plant perennials this spring are:   Dianthus. Dianthus is a blooming perennial that you might imagine…

The southeastern United States can get a lot of rain in the winter and spring, which makes raised beds a prudent option here. Raising your garden beds also makes them a lot less back-breaking to maintain, while keeping wildlife and animals away. When looking for raised bed ideas, think about things that you might already have that could create the perfect framework for your beds- at little to no cost! Talk with a landscape professional about the best plants to…

Want some outdoor color that won’t wane when the weather turns cooler? Camellias are an excellent option, that will thrive and become hardy in most climates and regions. Furthermore, Camellias make excellent borders, screens, and hedges to protect and secure your property, while providing some obscurity for enhancing privacy, too.   Three Camellias that will look wonderful in your winter landscape are:   Camellia ‘Pink Icicle’. The lovely pink icicle Camellia yields 4 ½ -inch blossoms that are a luscious…

Plant something that will not only bring you joy to look at, but that will yield something that may become a part of your everyday diet. The southeastern US is the perfect grow zone and climate for Satsuma trees. Satsuma oranges are thin-skinned, which makes them easy to peel. They are a member of the mandarin orange family, which are delicious, often seedless oranges that are also great to use in cooking.   Some of the amazing perks of Satsuma…