This national award winning book, now in its second edition, was developed especially for Master Gardener volunteers and home gardeners and is a primary source for research-based information on gardening and landscaping successfully in North Carolina and the Southeast. A fundamental reference for any seasoned gardener, the North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook is also written to appeal to beginners just getting their hands dirty. It explains the "why and how" basics of gardening from soils and composting to vegetable gardening and wildlife management. Advice on garden design, preparation, and maintenance covers all types of plantings including lawns, ornamentals, fruits, trees, and containers. This handbook provides color images, detailed graphics, diagnostic tables, case studies, frequently asked questions, and specific management strategies for insects, diseases, weeds, and other pests. Written by a team of the state's leading horticulture experts, it contains a wealth of information to support you in creating and managing thriving gardens, lawns, and landscapes. The North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook is an essential book for serious gardeners in North Carolina and the Southeast. Want to learn more? * Visit go.ncsu.edu/eg-handbook to view information contained in this book in an open access format. * Access free gardening resources from NC State Extension by visiting gardening.ces.ncsu.edu. * Find the Extension center in your county to speak with local experts by visiting www.ces.ncsu.edu/directory. * Become a Master Gardener volunteer and join an outstanding group of life-long learners working together to change the world. Learn how at ncemgv.org.

Russell Page, one of the legendary gardeners and landscapers of the twentieth century, designed gardens great and small for clients throughout the world. His memoirs, born of a lifetime of sketching, designing, and working on site, are a mixture of engaging personal reminiscence, keen critical intelligence, and practical know-how. They are not only essential reading for today’s gardeners, but a master’s compelling reflection on the deep sources and informing principles of his art. The Education of a Gardener offers charming, sometimes pointed anecdotes about patrons, colleagues, and, of course, gardens, together with lucid advice for the gardener. Page discusses how to plan a garden that draws on the energies of the surrounding landscape, determine which plants will do best in which setting, plant for the seasons, handle color, and combine trees, shrubs, and water features to rich and enduring effect. To read The Education of a Gardener is to wander happily through a variety of gardens in the company of a wise, witty, and knowledgeable friend. It will provide pleasure and insight not only to the dedicated gardener, but to anyone with an interest in abiding questions of design and aesthetics, or who simply enjoys an unusually well-written and thoughtful book.

Every day talented and passionate gardeners think to themselves, “There must be a way to turn this into a career.” So You Want to Be a Garden Designer helps them turn that dream into reality by providing the practical, step-by-step information every budding designer needs to develop and nurture a thriving garden design business. A successful, self-made garden designer herself, Love Albrecht Howard conveys not only the basic skills required for the profession, but also the crucial details that can mean the difference between success and failure. Among the many questions she explores with warmth, humor, and a big dose of reality are: • What do I need to learn? • How do I tackle fences, stairs, decks, and other construction projects? • How can I avoid using chemicals? • What’s the best way to deal with challenging personalities? With extensive photographs, practical drawings, and clearheaded advice, So You Want to Be a Garden Designer is the comprehensive manual that all garden designers will wish they’d had from the start.

Situated in the southeastern corner of the United States, South Carolina is an ideal destination for gardening devotees due to its temperate climate, diverse landscapes, and illustrious past. Whether you possess a green aptitude or are an experienced gardener, the Palmetto State provides an abundance of opportunities to establish a flourishing garden. - Climatological Features: South Carolina maintains a humid subtropical climate, distinguished by temperate winters and scorching summers. The state is classified into multiple USDA hardiness zones, which span from 7a along the coast to 7b in the inland. This variety of climate zones permits the state to support an extensive array of plant species. - Soil Diversity: South Carolina exhibits a broad spectrum of soil compositions, spanning from clay-rich Piedmont regions to barren coastal plains. Comprehending the local soil composition is imperative for achieving favorable horticulture results. By performing a soil test, one can ascertain the pH levels, nutrient composition, and general well-being of the soil, thereby facilitating the selection of optimal plants and the necessary amendment of the soil. - Native Plants: The native flora of South Carolina is equally as varied as its topography, comprising an assortment of grasses, trees, shrubs, and blossoms. By integrating indigenous flora into one's garden, one not only commemorates the natural heritage of the state but also fosters biodiversity and provides assistance to indigenous fauna. Native species such as Carolina jessamine, azaleas, and live oaks offer cultivators low-maintenance alternatives due to their exceptional adaptation to the local climate and soil conditions. - Tips for Gardening: Timing is crucial when cultivating in South Carolina. Owing to the extended growing season that spans from early spring to late autumn, one is presented with abundant prospects to nurture a thriving garden. Nevertheless, extreme heat and humidity must be avoided during the summer months; ensure that your plants have sufficient water and shade to flourish. In addition, implementing sustainable gardening practices such as water conservation, mulching, and decomposition can aid in the preservation of garden ecosystems and the conservation of resources. - Obstacles: Although the climate and soil conditions of South Carolina are favorable for horticulture, one must also consider the presence of pests, diseases, and extreme weather phenomena like hurricanes and heavy rainfall. These risks can be mitigated and the longevity of a garden ensured through the selection of disease-resistant plant varieties and the implementation of integrated pest management strategies. - Community Resources: South Carolina is host to a thriving gardening community, characterized by an abundance of extension services, botanical gardens, and nurseries that provide cultivators of all skill levels with valuable resources and knowledge. By participating in workshops, engaging in local gardening organizations, and seeking guidance from seasoned horticulturists, one can enhance their gardening experience and cultivate a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals. Engaging in gardening as a hobby in South Carolina is a gratifying pursuit that fosters mutual appreciation for the natural world, environmentally conscious living, and sustainable principles. Gardeners can cultivate flourishing landscapes that exemplify the splendor and variety of the Palmetto State by embracing its distinct climate, soil, and indigenous flora. South Carolina offers an ample array of opportunities to cultivate a flourishing garden, whether one desires to promote edible plants, ornamental blossoms, or vegetable cultivation.