Hello GPODers!
We’re already half approach by 2026 and it feels just like the rising season is flying by. Have been we not celebrating spring flowers simply yesterday? Regardless of the fleeting seasons, Johanna Smith in Aiken, South Carolina (Zone 8, which was once 7a/7b) is discovering pleasure in the entire ups and downs she experiences in her backyard. Johanna has shared highlights from each season in her backyard (Johanna’s Lovely Blooms and Shapely Shrubs in South Carolina, Johanna’s South Carolina Backyard, Fall in Johanna’s Backyard, and Winter in South Carolina), however in the present day she is diving a bit deeper as she examines the entire gardening surprises, set backs, and successes she has had in her backyard thus far this 12 months.
I actually love this unplanned combo of chaste shrub (Vitex agnus-castus, Zones 6–9) and 4 o’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa, Zones 9–11 or as an annual) and I get to see it each morning from my kitchen window. It additionally supplies privateness from the road facet and extra shade with the pergola.
I’m unsure, however I believe that is some type of lily (It seems like a crinum lily!). A neighbor gave me this years in the past and mentioned it might look higher in my yard, however till this 12 months it was at all times one or 2 blossoms, so I used to be by no means capable of see how lovely it seemed. I’ve two and they’re exhibiting off this spring.
This was one other space of shock. I name it my little little bit of all the things backyard: nandina, boxwood, daylillies, iris, cannas, banana vegetation and rosemary. These vegetation did so nicely, I needed to truly in the reduction of the boxwood and rosemary.
I misplaced half of this Meyer lemon tree (Citrus × meyeri, Zones 9–11), which was about 6 ft tall, I eliminated the lifeless half and it’s surviving and appears very wholesome. I’m unsure I’ll get lemons this 12 months, however I like the way in which it seems.
I bought this plant in a starter pot from an area grocery store for $5, planted in early April and it has survived no water and an excessive amount of water. I cant wait to make salsa.
This was how Aiken seemed in January of 2026, however my backyard survived and it’s been an excellent studying lesson and good for the soul. It jogged my memory why I like to backyard.
That is the entry walkway to the entrance door. There are gardenias, osmanthus, viburnum, Burford hollies (Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burford’, Zones 7–9), and hydrangea alongside the way in which.
This false cypress is on the other facet of the entrance walkway and is fantastic spotlight.
Yucca and prickly pear cacti (Opuntia humifusa, Zones 4–9) within the driest a part of our yard, given to me by a relative in GA.
This blue agave was one other neighbor share and it collapsed when Helene hit. However I peeled the lifeless away and replanted and it survived and really produced two little pups, which I planted in my newly recreated desert backyard.
Thanks a lot for this considerate backyard replace, Johanna! It’s nice to see your backyard thriving, and galvanizing to listen to the backyard mishaps that you’ve got remedied and discovered from.
What has occurred in your backyard thus far this 12 months? Tell us within the feedback, or take into account sharing your 2026 backyard images with the weblog. Observe the instructions beneath to submit your images to Backyard Photograph of the Day!
We wish to see YOUR backyard!
Have images to share? We’d like to see your backyard, a selected assortment of vegetation you’re keen on, or a beautiful backyard you had the possibility to go to!
To submit, fill out the Backyard Photograph of the Day Submission Kind.
It’s also possible to ship 5–10 images to [email protected] together with some details about the vegetation within the footage and the place you took the images. We’d love to listen to the place you’re positioned, how lengthy you’ve been gardening, successes you’re happy with, failures you discovered from, hopes for the longer term, favourite vegetation, or humorous tales out of your backyard.
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DeWalt Variable-Pace Cordless Reciprocating Noticed
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You possibly can match quite a lot of blades to this noticed to chop fallen branches or prune bigger limbs from timber in a pinch. It’s quick, powerful, straightforward to make use of, and intensely versatile.
– 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
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ARS Telescoping Lengthy Attain Pruner
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Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Minimize and Maintain (160) Blades. Drop solid blades for unsurpassed lengthy lasting sharpness. Light-weight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Completely balanced for straightforward pruning.
The Crevice Backyard: How you can make the right dwelling for vegetation from rocky locations
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A crevice backyard replicates the environmental circumstances of mountain tops, deserts, coastlines, and different uncovered or rocky locations on earth. These placing backyard options present excellent circumstances for the vegetation native to those far-off locations, bringing the cultivation of those valuable gems inside everyone’s attain.
