Ask the Experts about Gardening in the Southeast

Introduction to the Webinar

The webinar is introduced by Diane Blazik, the executive director for All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau. She welcomes the participants and introduces Gail Pabst, who is assisting with the webinar.

Introducing Panelists

• Peter from Bayer Seminis, Steffy from Syngenta, and Tracy from Sakata are introduced as panelists.

• Each panelist briefly introduces themselves and their company.

Discussing Gardening Zones in the Southeast

The panelists discuss gardening zones in the Southeast region of the United States.

Understanding Different Circumstances

• Tracy mentions that gardening in the Southeast can vary due to different circumstances such as location, elevation, and proximity to the beach.

• Steffy adds that factors like sandy soil and salt spray near coastal areas can affect gardening practices.

Importance of Knowing Your Zone

• Peter emphasizes knowing your specific zone based on factors like elevation and local climate conditions.

• The panelists mention that while a general planting map can provide an overview of different regions in the Southeast, it's essential to check specific USDA hardiness zones for accurate information.

Conclusion

The discussion on gardening zones concludes with a reminder to check specific locations and USDA hardiness zones for accurate information.

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The differences in soil types and challenges faced by gardeners in different regions.

Soil Types and Challenges

• Sandy soils are common in coastal areas, with low organic matter content. Fertilization and selecting plants suitable for sandy soils are important considerations.

• Clay soils require amendments and organic matter to improve drainage and aeration. Raised beds are popular in clay areas to avoid the heavy work of preparing clay soils.

• Mountainous regions have dark, nutrient-rich soil but face challenges with rocks that need to be removed before planting. Water retention can also be an issue during rainy seasons.

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Climate variations and seasonal changes affecting gardening practices.

Climate Variations

• In colder regions, gardening is limited from November through May, while spring can be extended slightly.

• Florida and southern parts of Texas have year-round gardening opportunities due to their mild climates.

• Northern regions may experience unexpected frost or snow during transitional periods, requiring flexibility in planting schedules.

• Zone 7 traditionally follows specific planting windows from mid to late April until mid to late October, with variations depending on location and occasional frost events.

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Seeking advice from local experts for successful gardening.

Seeking Local Expertise

• New gardeners should consult local experts such as Master Gardeners, extension services, or panelists for guidance tailored to their specific region's conditions.

Importance of Seed Selection in Gardening

The speaker discusses the importance of seed selection in gardening, particularly for disease resistance and successful growth.

Choosing Disease-Resistant Varieties

• Selecting varieties with disease resistance is crucial for successful gardening.

• In the speaker's garden, they choose only tomato varieties that have resistance to tomato spot or wilt virus due to recurring issues with these diseases.

• Non-resistant tomatoes often struggle to survive a full season in their garden located in eastern North Carolina.

• Being an informed consumer helps make better choices when it comes to seed selection.

Introduction to Perennials for Southeast Gardens

The speaker introduces some perennial plants that thrive in the Southeast region.

Recommended Perennials

• Coreopsis grandiflora 'Castello Compact Gold': A densely branched variety with vibrant colors. It performs well during winter months and into mid-May.

• Gallardia (from Sunset Plant Collection): While not an exact match for the South, many areas in the Southeast share similarities with Sunset Living zones found on the West Coast. This gallardia is recommended as a result.

• Syngenta perennial lineup: The speaker highly recommends this perennial variety due to its performance, especially during dry seasons. It has attractive blooms and attracts pollinators.

• Hibiscus Honeymoon: This variety can be treated as an annual or grown further south as a perennial. It has large blooms and can be overwintered by pruning back and bringing indoors.

Introduction to Annuals for Hot Dry Areas

The speaker discusses annual plants suitable for hot and dry areas.

Annual Recommendations

• Celebrations Fireworks (Kangaroo Paw): This drought-resistant plant from Australia is suitable for hot and dry areas. It comes in various color varieties.

• Celosia: Heat, drought, and humidity tolerant, making it ideal for coastal regions.

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Gorgeous Dirty Blooms and Year of the Celosia

The National Garden mural has declared 2023 as the year of the celosia. They recommend trying flama orange, an AES winner, for beautiful blooms.

• The National Garden mural has declared 2023 as the year of the celosia.

• Try flama orange, an AES winner, for gorgeous blooms.

Vibrant Lantana for Hanging Baskets

Montana Lantana is known for its strong vigor and is perfect for hanging baskets. Two recommended mixes are "The Go Coconuts" and "Red Chili Mix."

• Montana Lantana brings life and color to gardens, especially in hanging baskets.

• The Vandalista series offers strong vigor.

• Recommended mixes include "The Go Coconuts" and "Red Chili Mix."

Drought-Tolerant Lantana with Pollinator Benefits

Lantana is a great choice for gardens in the South due to its drought tolerance and attractiveness to pollinators.

• Lantana is a great choice for gardens in the South.

• It is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.

• Recommended for solving deer and rabbit problems in gardens.

Sturdy and Resilient Lantana

Lantana is a sturdy plant that can withstand accidental damage from tools like weed eaters. It also repels deer and rabbits.

• Lantana is incredibly sturdy and resilient.

• It can recover from accidental damage caused by tools like weed eaters.

• Deer and rabbits do not like to eat Lantana.

Sterility and Perennialization of Lantana

Lantana is mostly sterile, thanks to breeding efforts. It can perennialize in coastal zones but may not survive in colder regions.

• Coconut Lantana is the only one that may produce some seeds.

• Breeding efforts aim to create sterile Lantana to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.

• Lantana can perennialize in coastal areas but may not survive in colder regions.

Utilizing Lantana in Coastal Areas

Lantana can reliably perennialize in coastal areas of South Carolina and North Carolina, making it a great choice for gardens there.

• In coastal South Carolina and North Carolina, Lantana can almost always perennialize.

• It may not be as reliable further north or inland.

Compact Habit of Star Cluster Cascade Pentas

Star Cluster Cascade Pentas have a compact habit, making them suitable for smaller spaces like containers and hanging baskets.

• Star Cluster Cascade Pentas have a mounded habit that stays neat.

• They are perfect for containers and hanging baskets due to their compact size.

Beehive White Pentas for Year-Round Blooms

Beehive White Pentas are known for getting better with time and provide continuous blooms throughout the seasons, making them ideal for year-round gardening in warm climates like Florida.

• Beehive White Pentas improve with time and offer continuous blooms throughout the seasons.

• They are suitable for year-round gardening in warm climates like Florida.

Vibrant Colors and Hanging Baskets for Star Cluster Cascade Pentas

Star Cluster Cascade Pentas with their vibrant colors are best utilized in hanging baskets, where they thrive in warm and humid conditions.

• Star Cluster Cascade Pentas with their vibrant colors are ideal for hanging baskets.

• They thrive in warm and humid conditions.

Disease Resistance of XDR Vinca

XDR Vinca is highly resistant to phytophthora, a common disease that affects vinca plants. It performs well in the South, especially during heavy rains.

• XDR Vinca stands for extra disease resistance.

• It is highly resistant to over 23 different strains of phytophthora.

• XDR Vinca performs well in the South, even during heavy rains.

Sir Diva Lilac Mist Scavola from Centauri

Sir Diva Lilac Mist Scavola is a new annual variety known for its heat tolerance and disease resistance. It offers beautiful lilac-colored flowers.

• Sir Diva Lilac Mist Scavola is a new variety from Centauri.

• It has excellent heat tolerance and disease resistance.

• The flowers are beautiful lilac-colored.

Difference in Colors

The speaker discusses the difference in colors.

Understanding Color Differences

• Different colors can have varying effects on our perception and emotions.

• Colors can be used to convey different meanings and messages.

• It is important to understand the psychology of color when designing or creating visuals.

Cultural Significance of Colors

• Colors can have different cultural significance and symbolism across various societies.

• It is crucial to consider cultural context when using colors in design or communication.

Color Theory Basics

• Color theory involves understanding the relationships between different colors.

• Primary colors (red, blue, yellow) are fundamental building blocks for creating other colors.

• Secondary colors (orange, green, purple) are created by mixing primary colors.

Using Colors Effectively

• Choosing the right color palette is essential for conveying the desired message or mood.

• Contrast between colors can create visual interest and enhance readability.

• Consideration should be given to accessibility guidelines when selecting color combinations.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of color and its cultural significance is crucial for effective communication and design. By utilizing color theory principles and considering cultural contexts, one can create visually appealing and meaningful visuals.