Alright, the holiday season is over and time to get back to
the yard. In Charleston yard activities never really go away and that is a good
thing. The moles and home invaders (roaches, rats, bed bugs, raccoons, squirrels
and mice) are always active as well.
Although there is some cold weather in the forecast, the
camellias have had a long run of warm weather and look beautiful. Hopefully,
you have had a chance to witness these camellias in your yard, neighborhood,
one of the parks or one of the public or private plantations. My New Year’s Day
Feast of pork, collard greens, and hoppin john had a bowl of camellias as a
center piece that looked fake because it was so perfect. This bowl of camellias
was picture perfect and ready for any magazine spread!
James Island County Park (JICP) and the whole CCPRC pulled
off another (the 25th) fabulous Light Show. I have been to several
different light shows over the years in other towns and none of them hold a
candle to JICP. My kids know I love the Light Show, so I think it has become
their code word for getting out of the house with their friends and cousins. “Hey
Dad, going to the Light Show….” They must have gone 6 or 8 times. Never said
anything about the traffic, lights or sand castle and boy, the Light Show
closes much later than I remember!
With the new year upon us, have you considered joining an
organization that is involved with horticulture? Charleston Lowcountry Rose
Society has many Consulting Rosarians and some world class exhibitors that will
help you with your roses. With new varieties (there are new varieties other
than Knock Outs that are quickly being over used) and long lasting control
products that you drench instead of spray, rose growing has become much less
time consuming and is still very rewarding. This society is very friendly (I
have never been bit), has great vittles before each meeting and has an awesome
oyster roast (March 15) at Bowen’s Island. Contact Rosalinda Morgan (rosalindarm@comcast.net) if you would
like more information about roses or the Charleston Lowcountry Rose Society.
There are many great organizations and garden clubs in the
area. Charleston Horticulture Society, Camellia Society, Native Plant Society,
Daylily Society, Fruitmania (Jan 17 having a Garden School at Cypress Gardens),
neighborhood or regional garden clubs just to name a few. I have been to many
of these different societies and clubs and they are all very welcoming to guest
and new members.
Always read, understand and follow product label. The
product label is a Federal Law.
