Darlene Underwood is a Mississippi master gardener, national accredited flower show judge and Garden Clubs of Mississippi third vice-president. Reach her at darlene.underwood@att.net.
It’s the height of summer, and especially given the extreme heat, your plants need some extra attention. Here are some gardening tasks you’ll want to take care of this month: 1. We have enjoyed blooms in our gardens for weeks, and some annuals are showing signs of slacking off due to the heat, depletion of […]
As we enter the hottest months of the year, your plants and flowers will require special attention. Here are some tasks to address this month to ensure they remain healthy and thriving this summer and beyond: Since July is usually our wettest month, turn off or reduce watering frequency of your irrigation system when not […]
One secret to great food is seasonings. The fresher they are, the better the taste. Herbs have a long and storied history. Many voyages were made to discover routes to faraway lands for spices. Used for food and medicine, only the wealthy could afford them at one time. Seasonings such as cinnamon, cassia, cardamon, ginger […]
April showers bring May flowers, or so it’s said. I know the showers we’ve had this spring are bringing flowers and sprouting shrubs, and my grass is growing so fast that my lawn-mower blades barely have time to cool off. One thing to note: daylilies will be at their peak this month. Lasting only one […]
It’s an exciting time for us garden lovers! April is the optimal month to plant warm season bedding plants, whether vegetables or ornamentals. Some varieties do better in our area than others. Remember that just because they’re available locally doesn’t necessarily mean they will thrive in our summer heat. Always consult the Mississippi State University […]
Spring awakens our primal urge to get outdoors and plant something. Garden centers are filled with flowers and greenery galore — some old favorites and new varieties. It’s easy for me to overbuy, and at this stage of my life, getting everything in the ground can be a daunting task.I must remind myself at every […]
Valentine’s Day means flowers, candy and, of course, roses. By pruning established roses around mid-February, Coast gardeners can help ensure frost will not damage new growth. Plants will start blooming in six to eight weeks. Reduce rose bushes by one third, cutting out dead wood, crossing branches or diseased canes. Clean out debris from bud […]
Nothing says “the holiday season” like Christmas trees, wreaths, garland and candles. When it comes to decking your halls, are you a “fresh” or “faux” decorator? Both types have pros and cons. For instance, faux allows for years of use. It’s relatively inexpensive. One con is that it’s made from petroleum byproducts, and it becomes […]
Fall finally has arrived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and most of us couldn’t be happier! What’s not to like about cooler temperatures, falling leaves, pumpkins, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the anticipation of Christmas? As colorful piles of leaves collect across the Coast, the comfort of home fires, pumpkin spice and cuddly wraps beckon us to […]
Who doesn’t love watching the antics of the many birds that populate Mississippi gardens? Among the most adored are hummingbirds. Luckily for us, we often see the ruby-throated hummingbird, but did you know there are more than a dozen different species west of the Mississippi? Sightings of rufous, black-chinned and calliope species have been reported […]
