Garden Photo of the Day

Johanna’s South Carolina Garden

From cacti to gardenias

shrub with glossy leaves and white flowers

Today we’re in Aiken, South Carolina, visiting with Johanna Smith.

front of house with lots of evergreen shrubsLots of evergreen shrubs make for a landscape that looks good all year and requires minimal work to maintain.

cactus covered in yellow flowersThese prickly pear cacti (Opuntia sp.) were started from three pads from our son in Georgia. We decided that since the area is surrounded by two pines and an oak and is very dry, so we would give the desert look a shot. We actually have seven large cacti and are able to use the fruit to make jam and sangria.

large yucca next to a cactusA yucca joins the cacti to add to the desert look in this part of the garden.

shrub with glossy leaves and white flowersThis gardenia looked like a goner a couple of years ago, but after a severe cutback it has been a nonstop bloomer.

light blue hydrangea flowersThis hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla, Zones 6–10) is planted in acidic soil, so we get flowers in this blue color.

small garden patio surrounded by foliage plantsThis flagstone sitting area was created after a tulip poplar tree (Liriodendron tulipifera, Zones 4–9) was removed. We wanted to hide the shed and have a better view from the kitchen window.

 

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Comments

  1. User avater
    user-7007816 08/30/2021

    I like your gardens very much, particularly the front with the use of evergreens. Great job.

  2. gardendevas 08/30/2021

    What a lush oasis you have created! Welcoming and lovely, with such beautiful evergreens. Thanks for sharing.

  3. btucker9675 08/30/2021

    Love the clear yellow blooms on those very healthy prickly pear cacti - so pretty! You've made such good use of the various "zones" of your property, the right plants for the right areas.

  4. Cenepk10 08/30/2021

    Wow !!! So interesting- love those cacti & sangria fruit bonus !

  5. User avater
    simplesue 08/30/2021

    Great use of evergreens in your garden!
    Love your stone patio it's got character!
    You have the most amazing Yucca I've ever seen!

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