Barbara H Smith

So many readers have expressed interest in creating floral arrangements using flowers and foliage from their gardens. The items listed below are must-haves for your floral arranging toolbox. Start by purchasing a craft storage box with a handle to make organizing your supplies a breeze. Then, fill it with my favorite floral arranging supplies.

The old saying about clematis growth is, “The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap.” Growth may seem slow as the plant builds its root system, but once established, clematis are strong growers. Clematis likes to be planted where it has cool roots and a sunny top.

Cicada Brood XIX has arrived in Greenwood County. Enjoy the amazing photos taken by HGIC Agent, Ginger Long. Brood XIX is one of the largest broods in the country, covering the greatest geographic area. In South Carolina, the emergence is projected to be in many upstate counties and counties along the Savannah River basin down to Aiken County. The adults live only for a few weeks, and after about a month, they will disappear as mysteriously as their arrival.

Bluestars are in the genus Amsonia. There are at least twenty-two known species, and most are native to the Eastern United States. All are in the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family, so named because the milky sap is slightly toxic to dogs. Due to the unpleasant taste of the sap, Bluestars are deer- and rabbit-resistant. There are no known serious insect or disease problems.

“April is the Kindest Month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.” ~Marty Rubin~

The HGIC Visit to Riverbanks Botanical Garden in Columbia ~Part 2~ This is a beautiful place to bring the whole family. There’s a 3-acre interactive Children’s Garden that features a dino dig, giant tree houses, splash zones, and more. Plant a visit soon!

The HGIC Staff recently visited the beautiful Riverbanks Botanical Gardens in Columbia. Plan a visit soon! ~Part 1~

Blooming in spring, woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), a native wildflower, attracts pollinators to the shade garden. Butterflies, bees, and moths visit it for nectar and pollen. It blooms as other shade perennials like hostas, astilbe, and ferns are starting to grow.

The Clemson Extension Horticulture Team recently visited the Greenwood City Greenhouse to see a behind the scenes tour of the Festival of Flowers topiaries. Plan a visit to Greenwood, SC to see these amazing topiaries that will displayed  around downtown Greenwood. The Festival of Flowers Celebration is June 6th through the 9th. The topiaries will be on display the entire month of June.

Ferns are one of the most versatile plants to add texture and softness to a shade garden. Northern (Adiantum pedatum) and Southern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) maidenhair ferns are native to the Southeast. When planted in the right conditions, they add an airy and ethereal touch to a shady area.

Barbara is back on her feet! Spring is arriving at Crooked Trail Farm.

“As Barbara has injured her ankle and can’t get out to photograph, please enjoy a review of some of her favorite photo blogs. ~ Part 5 ~ ”

“As Barbara has injured her ankle and can’t get out to photograph, please enjoy a review of some of her favorite photo blogs. ~ Part 4 ~ ”

“As Barbara has injured her ankle and can’t get out to photograph, please enjoy a review of some of her favorite photo blogs. ~ Part 3 ~ ”

“As Barbara has injured her ankle and can’t get out to photograph, please enjoy a review of some of her favorite photo blogs. ~ Part 2 ~ ”

“As Barbara has injured her ankle and can’t get out to photograph, please enjoy a review of some of her favorite photo blogs. ~ Part 1 ~ ”

Beautiful South Carolina Sunrises, Winter Skies, and Sunsets

Add houseplants to your home to chase away the winter blahs! ~Part 2~

Add houseplants to your home to chase away the winter blahs! ~Part 1~

Enjoy a Virtual Christmas Tour of the Biltmore House. Happy Holidays from the HGIC Staff.

During the Christmas season, the Biltmore Conservatory is filled with poinsettias, orchids, and other exotic plants.

The Robert Mills House in Historic Columbia was built in 1823 for Anisley and Sarah Hall. It was designed by the first American-trained architect, Robert Mills.

Visit the Hampton-Preston House and Garden in Historic Columbia. It was built for Anisley and Sarah Hall in 1818. They lived here until 1823, when the house was sold to Wade Hampton Sr and his wife, Mary Couter Hampton.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Home and Garden Information Staff!

Enjoy a virtual tour of the interior of the Biltmore House. The house has 250 rooms and approximately 135,000 square feet. Construction started in 1889, and it took 1,000 men six years to build the house. It was formally opened in 1895 in time for Christmas.

Fall Garden Tour at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC.

“If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.” ~Victoria Erickson~

How Different Plants Produce Seed Is A Work of Art

Pink Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) is a native fall-blooming perennial that grows best in organically rich soil in the sun to part shade. In its natural habitat, pink turtlehead is found in wet wooded areas near streams in the Appalachian Mountains. It adapts easily to being planted in home perennial plantings as long as the soil stays moist, a perfect choice for a wet area in the landscape in USDA planting Zones 3 through 8. Due to South Carolina’s hot summer temperatures, plant it in an area that gives some shade protection from the afternoon sun.

“A garden is a delight to the eye and a solace for the soul.” ~Sadi~

Choose Plant Material That Adds Textural Interest and Foliage Color to Your Landscape ~Part 2

Choose Plant Material That Adds Textural Interest and Foliage Color to Your Landscape ~Part 1

“In nature nothing exists alone.” ~Rachel Carson~

Fall has arrived in South Carolina! Native fall-blooming wildflowers, with their flower colors of intense purple, yellow, orange, and white hues, brighten up the autumn landscape. One of my favorites is Ironweed (Vernonia species), with its vivid, deep purple flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall.

Creepy, Crawly, and Cool: Part 2

Creepy, Crawly, Cool: Insects and Arachnids