Vacation Pleasures for Gardeners

By Ms Sherry

succulent bed and container planting at Brookgreen Gardens

flower bed at Brookgreen Gardens

swallowtail caterpillar on the fennel

 

Roycroft daylilies

Last week we traveled to the coast of South Carolina. As most gardeners enjoy doing, I visited area nurseries and public gardens. My first stop was at Roycroft Daylily Nursery. Oh my goodness!! I was six years old again and turned loose in the candy store. The marvelous selection of daylilies was overwhelming. Ranging in price from 16 dollars to more than 60 the specimens were fabulous–healthy and lush. I am sharing a couple of pictures from their hybrid garden where they are actually creating new daylilies. One of the owners told me the secrets to beautiful daylilies are water and fertilizer. They have a colorful catalogue and ship world - wide (bare - rooted plants). Their web site is http://www.RoycroftDaylilies.com. Take a look and perhaps order one or two. You will not be disappointed and will probably develop a new passion!

At our destination we visited an herb nursery. Rows of green lush basil lined the shelves. Every manner of oregano and thyme that you could think of sat in flats. I became acquainted with scented geraniums. But the best sight was the swallowtail caterpillars munching on the fennel. The staff was quickly moving the caterpillars from the plants to be sold to a stock plant, so the caterpillars could eat to their heart’s content.  Remember, please, if you see these creatures snacking on your herbs they will soon be graceful caterpillars. Plant extra for them and be mindful of pesticides and herbicides, so you can also welcome them safely into your garden.

We also visited Brookgreen Gardens, a place so beautiful it could take your breath away. Between the magnificent sculpture, manicured lawns, marvelous old trees, and glorious flower beds . . . a visit there is a must if you are anywhere near Myrtle Beach or Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. The succulents were especially interesting. They were planted in pots as well as the ground. Succulents make a wonderful addition to our gardens! Frequently overlooked in favor of knock - your - eyes out blooming flowers, succulents add an great touch to the garden; they are trouble free, low maintenance plants. Not all are winter - hardy, so take a little time before you choose one for your landscape. 

Be sure to use some of your vacation to visit nurseries and gardens. It can be both educational and pleasurable. And, besides, you never know what kind of treasure you may come home with!