Mid-South Gardening 4-4-26
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The Mid-South Gardening Podcast episode features hosts Veda Vance, Kenneth Mabry, and Jim Crowder discussing the current state of spring gardening in the Memphis area, highlighting the challenges and joys of early-season planting despite unpredictable weather. They address frost damage to tender plants like distillium and clematis, emphasize the importance of proper planting techniques—especially for dogwoods and roses—and share tips on managing common issues like slime flux in trees and Bermuda grass in garden beds. A major focus is on the upcoming Experience Memphis Gardens event, a citywide garden tour spanning over 280 gardens across seven weeks, which celebrates community, creativity, and horticultural diversity. The hosts also spotlight local gardeners, recommend low-maintenance 'carefree' roses, and promote sustainable gardening practices, including organic fertilizers and natural weed control. The episode blends practical advice with heartfelt stories, community engagement, and a strong sense of regional pride in Mid-South horticulture.
Plant dogwoods in filtered or partial shade with well-drained soil and plant them 3 inches above grade to avoid root rot.
Use targeted grass killers like Ortho Grass Be Gone or High Yield Grass Killer with a surfactant to eliminate Bermuda grass without harming nearby plants.
Experience Memphis Gardens is a free, volunteer-run event running from May 1 to mid-June, featuring over 280 gardens across Shelby and surrounding counties.
Ants on peonies are harmless and not required for blooming—this is a common myth.
For low-maintenance gardens, consider drift roses or other carefree varieties that thrive with minimal intervention.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Spring Planting & Early Season Challenges
The hosts discuss the current warm weather and early spring planting, despite lingering frost risks. They share personal experiences with frost-damaged plants like distillium and clematis, emphasizing that while foliage may look dead, recovery is likely. They also highlight the importance of not assuming Zone 8 suitability due to unpredictable winter cold snaps.
The Experience Memphis Gardens Tour
“Once you go on the walk, you are going to be addicted.”
Dogwoods, Roses, and Proper Planting Techniques
“After they bloom, go out there and cut them back about a third.”
Common Garden Myths & Pest Management
The hosts debunk the myth that ants are necessary for peony blooms, explain the harmless nature of slime flux in trees, and warn against using plastic trunk wraps that hide freeze damage. They also discuss the ecological relationship between ants and aphids, and recommend natural solutions like 30% vinegar and iron-based herbicides.
Bermuda Grass Control & Sustainable Practices
“It's not fast. Okay. You won't see the brown grass tomorrow. Okay. It takes a little while, but it's very, very good at what it does.”
“Once you go on the walk, you are going to be addicted.”
“After they bloom, go out there and cut them back about a third.”
“It's not fast. Okay. You won't see the brown grass tomorrow. Okay. It takes a little while, but it's very, very good at what it does.”
Hosts
Guests
Jim Crowder
person
Experience Memphis Gardens
organization
Dogwood
other
Bermuda Grass
other
Veda Vance
person
Kenneth Mabry
person
Kim Hyatt
person
Dan West Garden Centers
organization
Mr. Paul Little
person
Spring Fling
other
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