The Original Mystery Plant
      South Carolina is known for its hot, humid summers. Historically, many southerners were able to deal with a hot summer by heading for the hills, as in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Of course, plants are unable to move around and must deal with their private landscape permanently.
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Stopping to smell the flowers
Getting the garden in shape
Arlene Marturano
     So many of the beloved plants in southern gardens originated in Japan - the camellia, kerria, hydrangea, holly, quince, boxwood, rose of Sharon, azalea, and loquat to name a few. So it is no surprise Okinawa native, Yone Jackson, feels at home with nature in her Columbia garden.
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Trees suffer during prolonged drought
Contributed by The Tree Care Industry Association
      Drought continues to straddle much of the nation, especially in the Southeast and Southwest. "While it's impossible to keep every tree in good health in times of severe drought, taking a proactive approach for a prized or sentimental tree can support its good health," said Tchukki Andersen,
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Ready, set, zoom at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Garden photography contest runs through October
Contributed by Dargan Davis
      Calling all amateur photographers, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is hosting its first garden photography contest. The deadline for submissions is October 31, and the winners will be announced in December. "Photography is an art, and we believe the Botanical Garden is a work of art," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
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