Franklinia (Franklinia altamaha) is admittedly a very finicky large shrub or small tree. Pure white, five-petal, 2 ½ – 3 inch camellia-like flowers bloom sporadically from August thru mid-October. Flowers are slightly fragrant. In the fall glossy green leaves gradually transition to blends of red, orange and burgundy hues. Franklinia grows best on an eastern exposure […]
Archive for the ‘acidify soil’ Category
Franklinia Will Survive If…
Posted by Hugh on September 22nd, 2011
Posted in acidic soil, acidify soil, Autumn flowering, Fall Garden Interest, Fertilizing plants, Franklinia, Japanese beetles, mulching, Native Plant, Planting tips, Propagation (Seed), Pruning, Soil drainage, Soil pH, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Transplant problem, Trees & Shrubs, Wind protection, winter hardiness 
Comments Off on Franklinia Will Survive If…Rosebay Rhododendron for Cool Shady Landscapes
Posted by Hugh on June 24th, 2011
Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) grows in dense woodland shade along cool mountain streams and on moist, rocky slopes. This Southern Appalachian native is extremely winter hardy to -15° to -20° F. It is a late-season bloomer reaching its peak around late June. Rosebay grows large, 15 to 20 feet in height. On some sites it […]
Posted in acidic soil, acidify soil, Attracting birds, compost, mulching, Rhododendrons, Shade Gardening, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, watering evergreens Comments Off on Rosebay Rhododendron for Cool Shady Landscapes“Mary, Mary, How You Do Grow in My Garden”
Posted by Hugh on May 4th, 2011
‘My Mary’ is a hybrid deciduous azalea (R. ‘Nacoochee’ x R. austrinum) ending its flowering cycle in my spring garden. ‘My Mary’ has been a steady performer, averaging 4-5 feet in height in 10 years. Its clusters of bright yellow orange tubular flowers measure 2 1/2” across. Its early morning sweet fragrance is a gentle […]
Posted in acidify soil, Azalea (deciduous), compost, Deciduous Azaleas, Fertilizing plants, mulching, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Uncategorized, watering tips, Winter Protection Comments Off on “Mary, Mary, How You Do Grow in My Garden”Blueberries
Posted by Hugh on March 12th, 2011
Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are healthy for you and exceptionally easy to grow organically (without pesticides). Why?- because blueberries are bothered by very few disease and insect problems. Success in growing blueberries depends upon pre-plant soil preparation. If you’re thinking about growing blueberrues for the first time, then allot this calendar year for soil preparation. Put off planting blueberries until the early fall or […]
Posted in acidify soil, Blueberries, compost, Featured, Fruits & Vegetables, organic gardening, Southern Appalachian Region Comments Off on BlueberriesGrowing Blueberries
Posted by Hugh on May 5th, 2010
Both the highbush and rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) are hardy in the Southern Appalachian region (zone 6-b to 7-a). A hot summer is a nemesis for highbush and an extremely cold winter limits where you can grow rabbiteye within zone 6-b. Blueberry bushes grow 8-15-feet tall, requiring annual pruning. Its dark green foliage turns brilliant […]
Posted in acidic soil, acidify soil, Bees and other pollinators, Blueberries, Container garden, Disease resistant, Fertilizing plants, Fruits & Vegetables, Landscape ideas, Native Plant, Ornamental fruit, Purchasing Plants, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering Comments Off on Growing BlueberriesNew Blueberry Planting Require One Year Soil Prep
Posted by Hugh on April 30th, 2010
Fresh blueberries a few more weeks away from harvest Blueberries are the easiest fruit crop to grow. Blueberries have few disease and insect problems. Birds become a significant problem as harvest time approaches, from mid-June through September. Blueberry culture is unique as the ideal soil pH range is 4.8 – 5.2. You should spend a […]
Posted in acidify soil, applying sulfur Comments Off on New Blueberry Planting Require One Year Soil Prep
