Hort Shorts
- Dogwoods contribute a beautiful accent to yard landscapes. When mowing the lawn or using a grass edger, take care not to cut the bark of trees, as that attracts borers that can damage the tree.
- “Hardy William Baffin” roses throw 10-foot tall canes of single dark pink blossoms from June through September. They require a background support, such as a tall fence or trellis.
- Southern magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is one of the most popular landscape trees in the South. This evergreen grows to 50 feet tall in the South, 30 feet in the North. Large fragrant white blooms appear in June and July. The small flower at base of the petals is of reproductive nature. This is where the seeds appear in autumn. When lower branches are cut away, a ground-cover is useful to cover the shaded area where grass is difficult to grow. Magnolias require rich, damp soil.
- Plants that bring good luck — like lucky bamboo and money tree — continue to gain popularity along with elegant orchids and other tropical plants. Ferns, once popular in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s are making a comeback (minus the macramé hangers).