Column: Repairing damaged centipede lawns
Centipede grass is a low maintenance lawn that is easy to care for in our area. Many southeastern North Carolina growers are expressing frustration, however, because their lawns have suffered serious...
View ArticleThe Potting Shed: Get to know the amazing honeybee
Last week, I was totally amazed by the number of honeybees that had taken over several of my large holly bushes while they collected pollen. I thought that maybe we need a little more knowledge about...
View ArticleThe Potting Shed: Choosing a quality lawn care provider
Traveling U.S. 70 daily to work proves to me that lawn maintenance has become a major business in our recessed economy. Every other vehicle I pass is pulling a trailer loaded with lawn care equipment....
View ArticleGodwin Column: Peonies and ants have unique relationship
How many times have you reached for a pesticide to kill the ants on your peonies, and been told the ants are necessary for buds to open? Research has some interesting answers to help us understand the...
View ArticleThe Potting Shed: Iris brings color for months
Irises come in a rainbow of colors, which is why they were named Iris - for the Greek goddess of rainbows. There are bearded iris, beardless iris, wild iris and hybrid iris. More than 200 species grow...
View ArticleGodwin Column: Dealing with carpenter bees
Carpenter bees once again are excavating tunnels for nesting sites. Coarse sawdust is on my deck and at the base of a storage building. Carpenter bees target wooden decks, overhangs, exposed wood and...
View ArticleThe Potting Shed: Make Yankee peonies a Southern abundance
In my mind's eye, I remember the peony-lined sidewalks at my grandfather's house that were always so abundant and beautiful. This memory was revitalized as I visited Griffin's Plant Shed on U.S. 258...
View ArticleGodwin: Leaf gall caused by variety of fungi
Are you finding many soft distorted leaves on your azaleas, Camellia sasanqua and/or rhododendrons? These thickened, curled, fleshy leaves range in color from pale green to white. The recent moist,...
View ArticleThe Potting Shed: Attitude is basic tool for the life-long gardener
As I age, I am determined to continue my gardening as a form of exercise and mind control. In my garden, I am able to express myself and to maintain control over outcomes. No force exists to tell me...
View ArticleGodwin Column: Plants register shock from surprising weather
A combination of conditions unusual for late spring has surprised gardeners. The recent cold night temperatures and windy wet weather conditions have injured the tender growth on many plants. The...
View Article
