Fine Gardening

Jason and Shelley Powell

Jason and Shelley Powell own and manage Petals From the Past, a garden center in Jemison, Alabama.

South Regional Reports
Native Spring-Flowering Trees for the South

We all need to add more native plants to our landscapes. Choosing a native tree not only helps the birds and the pollinators in our area, but it can mean…
South Regional Reports
The Best Roses for the South

It’s true that here in the humid South, roses have a lot to contend with. Mildew and black spot are two of the most common fungus problems. There are a…
South Regional Reports
Native, Shade-Loving Spring Ephemerals for the South

The first hint of spring usually begins with a tiny flower valiantly pushing its way up between last fall's brown leaves. Often small plants, spring ephemerals are delightful, bright signs…
South Regional Reports
Your Year-Round Cheat Sheet to Seed Starting in the South

Seed catalog season is our favorite time of year. When it’s cold and rainy, nothing seems better than brewing a pot of hot tea and sitting down to review seed…
South Regional Reports
Growing Sweet Peas in the South

Growing up, Jason spent a lot of his summers in England with his grandparents. One of his favorite things to do there was to visit flower shows. There would be…
South Regional Reports
Shrubs for Winter Fragrance in the South

The color of a blossom might be the first thing to catch our eye in the landscape, but adding sweet aroma to that bloom elevates the plant to all-star status.…
South Regional Reports
Brighten That Shady Spot in Your Southern Garden

When designing in shade, many gardeners use too much green foliage without enough color. We recently faced a landscape challenge of designing a foundation planting for a shady spot in…
South Regional Reports
Fall-Blooming Sasanqua Camellias Shine in the South

What can you plant in either the shade or the sun that is both evergreen and flowering? Sasanqua camellias (Camellia sasanqua, Zones 7–9) are underappreciated shrubs that are extremely versatile.…
South Regional Reports
South December Garden To-Do List

Plant fruit trees. Peaches, pears, nectarines, plums, apples, and persimmons all appreciate cool air and warmer soil. The roots are busy growing without having to support all that foliage. Established…
South Regional Reports
South November Garden To-Do List

Plant everything. We are happy to live in the South, where we can plant our favorite plants now without worrying about them heaving out of the ground when winter freezes…