Nature Field Day Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your homeschool students and enjoy a day of fun and fascination in the gardens! Watch live demonstrations and programs throughout the day. Join in a citizen science project. Explore many facets of our connection with nature. All programs are included with your paid garden admission. Purchase … Read More
The Point About Poinsettias
Written by Garden Manager Lisa Bartlett The Poinsettia is a terrific care free houseplant that thrives in the harsh dry conditions of our homes. With their red and green color is it any wonder than they have become such a symbol for the holiday season? Poinsettia come in a wide variety of colors now, from the traditional red to the … Read More
Keeping Your Plants Alive Through Dry Fall and Winter
ADVICE from our Garden Manager: Keeping your plants alive through this dry fall and into winter Dry summers are not that unusual in the South. But, this year’s dry spell has been exceptional. Of particular concern this year is that the dry spell is continuing well into autumn, putting plants in poor condition to get through the winter … Read More
Attracting Butterflies-No Matter Where You Live
By Lisa Bartlett, Garden Manager Butterfly gardening appeals to both children and adults, with good reason. They are so beautiful it is hard to remember they are insects at all! Whether you live in the city and have only a balcony or you have a home with a bit of land, the following tips will not fail to attract these … Read More
Butterfly House Dos and Don’ts
Not sure what the etiquette is when walking through a butterfly house? Here are some hints to help you along! PLEASE WALK: Our butterfly house is a “cozy” place, if you run you might fall on your face -With winding slate paths and plants galore, it can be very easy to get tripped up in all the excitement. Please enjoy … Read More
Birds of SGG
Birds of SGG Pat Pepper While there are many wonderful birds to watch at SGG and in your own backyard, there comes a time in your birding life when you want to see some birds that require you to do a little traveling. The birds you might want to see live in a different terrain or climate. Especially … Read More
Birds of SGG
Birds of Smith-Gilbert Gardens: April Update By Pat Pepper Several summer visitors were singing in the gardens on the morning of April 18, 2016. The White-eyed Vireos seem to be everywhere, and I heard one beautiful Wood Thrush—my first of the year. Our winter thrush, the Hermit, has moved north to be replaced by the Wood. While all the Thrushes … Read More
Birds of SGG
Birds of SGG by Pat Pepper Sept. 14 was one of those promises of Nature days, a promise that cooler, lower humidity days were on the way. Finally, after several months of hot, sticky weather, I was able to don my favorite birding attire: long sleeves and pants, socks and real shoes. Anything less than that makes me vulnerable to … Read More
Plant of the Week: Red Spider Lily
Red spider lily (Lycoris radiata) is native to Japan and can grow up to 1 to 2 feet in height. It is in the amaryllis family and sometimes can be referred to as hurricane lily, especially in Florida because it blooms during hurricane season. It has a bright red bloom that is seen from August to September. The spider lily … Read More
Birds of SGG
ALL THINGS HUMMINGBIRD: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Pat Pepper, SGG Volunteer Birder The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are generally found in wooded areas. Food Sources: Nectar: Prefers red & orange flowers such as trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, honeysuckle, jewelweed, bee-balm, red buckeye, red zinnias and red morning glory. They also like sugar water in feeders and tree sap. Insects: Mosquitoes, gnats, fruit flies, … Read More