Plant Guides

Houseplants are most commonly used to add color and life to homes and offices, but there’s an even better reason for homeowners to stock up on flowers and ferns – to keep their homes healthy. Recent NASA findings under the Clean Air Study have discovered that adding houseplants to indoor [...] Read Full Article

Blueberries are a plant that truly works overtime—gorgeous, dainty, white bell-shaped flowers in spring; succulent, healthful, and beautiful berries in summer; knockout colorful foliage in the fall; and graceful golden stems in winter. How’s that for a year-round giver? Blueberries provide year-round color in the garden and are a great shrub [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Squash, cucumber, melon and pumpkin all have the same basic growing requirements. They perform best in warm soils in full sun that are rich in organic matter and well-drained. Some varieties like zucchini squash are very prolific and start producing fruit at an early age while pumpkins and melons require [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Gardenias intensely fragrant, creamy white flowers make it a sought after flowering landscape shrub. The flowers are offset by glossy dark green leaves that are present year-round (evergreen). Gardenias prefer sunny areas and warm temperatures. Planting 1. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball. 2. Using Pike [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Roses are America’s favorite flower coming in an array of colors from classic red, buttery yellow to a sunset orange and plant types. Choose from rose bushes, trees, ground covers and more. Planting Whether planting a plant-pot rose or one from a container, the principals remain the same. 1. Dig a hole [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Choose a sunny location with some means of support. Three or four strands of wire strung horizontally and securely fastened to posts is all that's needed. Planting 1. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball. 2. Using Pike Planting Mix, mix one part natural soil and one [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Irises are one of the most rewarding and easy-to-grow bulbs, performing best in full sun. Soil should be well drained. Plant bearded iris bulbs in the fall for spring blooms. Blooms first appear in April and, depending on the varieties, irises continue to bloom into summer. Today there are many [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Tropical hibiscus plants are easy-to-grow plants that thrive in the summer heat and humidity. Tropical hibiscus will not tolerate the cold so if you plan on keeping the tropical hibiscus, plant them in a pot so it can winter indoors. Planting 1. Choose a pot that is twice the width of [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Grapes are quite tolerant of varying growing conditions and can be grown here in the south. Choose a sunny location with some means of support. Since grapes can become very large plants, growing them on a fence, arbor or other large structure is preferable. Planting 1. Dig a hole at least [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Camellias need a moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter. Camellias tend to be somewhat shallow rooted so a yearly application of mulch like pine straw is very beneficial. While established plants can tolerate full sun, bright filtered light is best. Protection from hot afternoon sun will help prevent [...] Read Full Article