Southern Gardening

If it seems like every plant in your garden is wilting in this summer’s heat, think about adding some Vermillionaire plants next year.

I recently saw some beautiful Vermillionaire plants at the trial garden of the Mississippi State University South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville. These plants were thriving in the summer heat.

If you come across an enchanting, miniature landscape that captures your imagination as a world fit for fairies, then you have found a fairy garden. These tiny gardens are meticulously designed in containers, garden beds and unique spaces like old tree stumps and broken pots.

I recently visited Ross Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Hattiesburg and found some whimsical and magical fairy gardens on their property. These feature small plants, moss, pebbles and miniature accessories such as fairy houses, tiny furniture and delicate bridges.

Yellow-flowering plants have always captivated me with their bright, cheerful hues. They bring warmth and energy to the garden, instantly lifting the mood and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Whether it’s the vibrant pop of color they add to a landscape or the way they attract pollinators with their radiant blooms, yellow flowers hold a special place in my heart.

There is a type of plant treasured for its ability to be shared. Known as pass-along plants, these are often shared by gardeners, friends and family, typically through cuttings, divisions or seeds.

These plants carry sentimental value and foster a sense of community, as they are often passed down through generations or exchanged within local gardening groups.

I’ve always been a fan of butterfly bushes, so in my garden, I have both regular-sized varieties and a couple of dwarf varieties.

My favorites are the dwarf ones. They are compact and known for their fragrant blossoms and ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.