If there were an official plant of summer in Surry County, the humble porch fern would make a strong case for the title. Right up there with sweet tea, lightning bugs, and neighbors waving from porch swings, those big green baskets of ferns have become a staple of Southern front porches. From historic homes in Mount Airy to shaded back decks tucked into the foothills of the … [Read more...] about Unofficial Mascot of Southern Summers
Joanna Radford
Big, Red Tomatoes in the Home Garden
In backyard gardens across Surry County, North Carolina, tomatoes are more than just a summer crop. They are a tradition. Whether tucked into raised beds, sprawling beside a fence row, or trellised in a traditional garden, healthy tomato plants reward gardeners with baskets of fresh fruit. Two simple practices, staking and pruning, can make the difference between a tangled … [Read more...] about Big, Red Tomatoes in the Home Garden
New Roots, Fresh Start at Local Farmers Markets
With the arrival of spring and early summer comes a sense of renewal across our community. Fields begin to green, gardens come alive, and farmers prepare for another growing season. It is a time of new roots and fresh starts, and one of the best places to experience this seasonal renewal is at your local farmers market. Farmers markets offer much more than a place to buy … [Read more...] about New Roots, Fresh Start at Local Farmers Markets
Plant with a Purpose
We have all been there. That first 60-degree day hits in March, the birds start chirping, and suddenly you are itching to dig a hole in the backyard. It is “spring fever,” and in our neck of the woods, it is practically a local tradition. Before you go out and spend a small fortune on fancy starter plants, let’s talk about how to grow a garden that actually loves you back … [Read more...] about Plant with a Purpose
Luck, Grit, and Growth: Creating a Clover Lawn That Works with Nature
Finding a four leaf clover may feel like luck, but building a successful clover lawn in North Carolina is much more about grit and growth. As interest continues to rise in pollinator friendly and lower input landscapes, many homeowners are turning to clover as an alternative or supplement to traditional turfgrass. Clover lawns succeed best when expectations are realistic and … [Read more...] about Luck, Grit, and Growth: Creating a Clover Lawn That Works with Nature
