Magnolia Eden, the gardening department of Southern Edition, aims to educate and inspire readers with practical tips, plant recommendations and interviews with southern hybridists and horticultural experts.
Magnificent live oaks have stood the test of time. Distributed widely in the American South, many of these trees have withstood devastating storms and outlived the generations of people who have often changed the landscapes in which they grow. Locales such as Charleston, New Orleans and St. Augustine would appear foreign without these beautiful trees. Learn more about the southern live oak in this wonderfully written article by Dr. Ed Brotak.
(Includes conversation with Dr. Allan Armitage, renowned horticulturalist and University of Georgia researcher)
A specimen of Poncirus trifoliata, particularly the named selection, 'Flying Dragon', adds aesthetic and architectural beauty to the garden. Discover more about these intriguing fruit-bearing trees in this story. Horticulturalist Bob Head also offers a few words of caution, but with proper maintenance these trees can provide gardeners with year-round interest.
In this article, author Sara Van Beck explores the daffodil species and cultivars found on historic properties in South Carolina, and discusses when they might have been introduced, how they were planted and the lasting impact of gardening trends.
Discovered in a Cantonese garden by Dr. William Roxburgh, the double form of this beautiful species rose was discovered before its single form. Finding its way to the American South, the chestnut rose can still be found thriving in old gardens and old homeplaces.
Who can resist the pleasure of making a meal from homegrown vegetables? And isn't the meal just a bit more worth talking about when there's a story behind the name of the green beans you've broke and cooked yourself or that tomato you sliced and served to your guests? Heirloom vegetables all have a story to tell, and this article explores some of the more interesting ones. Dr. David Bradshaw, Professor Emeritus of Horticulture at Clemson University, shares some stories about the selections in his own collection, and explains why heirlooms are particularly worth planting and passing on to future generations.
Exquisite and rarely offered in commerce, Lilium michauxii, the Carolina lily, was discovered by French botanist André Michaux. The turk's cap lily can be found in a variety of native habitats in several southern states, but it is recommended that native populations remain undisturbed. This article discusses the history of the flower and its care, and provides advice on how to acquire it from reputable nurseries.
Once a popular ornamental tree in southern landscapes, the catalpa or Catawba tree is still well-regarded by native plant enthusiasts and anglers who enjoy collecting "catawba worms," the larvae of the moth who lays its eggs on the catalpa's leaves. Catawba worms make excellent fishing bait, and old-timers relish the opportunity to use them for catching such southern favorites as crappie and bluegill. This informative article includes insights from Louisiana State University's Dr. Dale Pollet.
Sara Van Beck, whose expertise in the history of daffodils has prompted the publication of books and a demand for her articles in various publications, discusses some of the daffodils found in early southern gardens.
This article explains how you can attract the Gulf Fritillary butterfly and enjoy a most beautiful flower all at the same time. Passiflora incarnata, or passion vine, makes a wonderful addition to the southern garden, and its intricate, religiously symbolic flowers are simply stunning.
Written by southern daffodil authority Sara Van Beck and featuring a number of photographs by former American Daffodil Society president Becky Fox Matthews, this article provides an extensive array of daffodil recommendations for southern gardeners, including old-fashioned heirloom favorites and newer cultivars capable of winning blue ribbons.
The irresistible fragrance of these nocturnal beauties makes them ideal for planting near swings, front porches and garden benches where they can be enjoyed on those hot summer evenings. Most apt to open in the early evening hours, the flowers of Mirabilis jalapa attract hummingbird-like sphinx moths throughout the night and, in some instances, the underground tubers of this tropical annual is capable of surviving long winters and sending up even bigger and better plants the following year. Easily propagated from seed, a wide variety of colors and named selections are available in the commercial marketplace.
The American South presents many challenges for gardeners not experienced in other parts of the United States. This article highlights some of the selections from the Athens Select line of plants. Renowned horticulturalist Dr. Allan Armitage talks to Southern Edition about these plants, which are ideal for withstanding the heat and humidity of the southern garden.
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