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.
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 […]
