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If you've ever strolled through a spring garden and noticed tall, cheerful spikes of flowers that look like tiny dragons opening their mouths to roar, you've already met the beloved snapdragon. These …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 10/21/25 |
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The Alabama Gulf Coast is a paradise for gardeners and bird lovers alike.
Nestled between warm coastal breezes, long growing seasons, and vibrant native flora, the region provides the perfect …
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By Kitti Cooper
Special to Gulf Coast Media | 10/2/25 |
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Looking to jazz up your garden with a touch of the exotic? Meet the passion flower, your new garden BFF.
This superstar vine, scientifically known as Passiflora, is a triple threat: it's …
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By Kitti Cooper
Special to Gulf Coast Media | 9/17/25 |
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With our sweltering summer heat in Coastal Alabama, it can be hard to imagine the crisp, cool weather of fall.
It is hard to think about fall gardening when you are sweating under the summer …
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By Kitti Cooper
Special to Gulf Coast Media | 8/21/25 |
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Fall on the Gulf Coast doesn't mean winding down. It means gearing up for some of the best planting weather of the year.
In zones 8b and 9, our long warm season, mild winters and abundant …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 8/11/25 |
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If there's one fruit that screams summer in Coastal Alabama louder than a seagull at a shrimp boil, it's the watermelon.
Juicy, sweet, sun-ripened goodness straight off the vine, it's the …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 7/16/25 |
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Figs (Ficus carica) can be grown easily in southern Alabama, where the warm climate and long growing season create a very favorable environment for their cultivation. This in-depth guide focuses on …
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By Kitti Cooper
Special to Gulf Coast Media | 7/7/25 |
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If you've ever wrestled with crispy petunias in July, mourned over moldy mint or chased down an army of caterpillars that seemed to snack exclusively on your best efforts, you're not alone. Coastal …
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By Kitti Cooper
Special to Gulf Coast Media | 6/23/25 |
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Gardenias, with their intoxicating fragrance and stunning white blooms, are a favorite among gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike. But did you know these beautiful flowers are also edible?
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By Kitti Cooper
Special to Gulf Coast Media | 6/6/25 |
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If you're looking to add a fun, delicious and surprisingly easy-to-grow plant to your Gulf Coast garden, let me introduce you to one of the most underrated garden gems: sunchokes, also known as …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 5/21/25 |
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Gladiolus, sometimes known as sword lilies, are a staple of Southern gardens, known for their striking, upright spikes and delicate blooms.
In zones 8 /9, such as those found in South Alabama, …
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By Kitti Cooper
Special to Gulf Coast Media | 5/7/25 |
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Tomatoes, the quintessential summer crop, hold a special place in the hearts of gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. However, cultivating tomato plants requires more than just planting seeds and …
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By Kitti Cooper
Special to Gulf Coast Media | 4/16/25 |
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Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are a must-have for any Gulf Coast garden. Their bright colors, easy-going nature and pest-fighting abilities make them a favorite among gardeners.
Whether you're …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 4/2/25 |
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Ah, peaches, the fuzzy little globes of sunshine that make summer worthwhile.
If you live on the Gulf Coast, you might think growing peaches is all sunshine and cobbler, but these divas require …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 3/19/25 |
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In the warm and sunny climate of South Alabama, where the weather is perfect for growing a variety of fruits, blueberries stand out as a delightful and healthful choice for home cultivation. The end …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 3/6/25 |
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Late winter on the Gulf Coast means one thing — pruning season!
It's time to grab your clippers, roll up your sleeves and give your trees and shrubs a much-needed haircut. While it may …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Contributor | 2/25/25 |
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After a chilly Gulf Coast freeze, there's nothing like the sight of lush, green plants to lift your spirits and shake off those winter blues.
When your outdoor garden takes a hit, houseplants …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Contributor | 1/29/25 |
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As the Gulf Coast experiences its first freeze, it's time to embrace a gardener's winter wonderland — a brief moment of calm before the spring weeds come roaring back like an unruly party …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Contributor | 1/15/25 |
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Collard greens are a Southern staple and thrive in the warm, humid climate of South Alabama. Their hardy nature, nutrient density and versatility in the kitchen make them a favorite among home …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 12/21/24 |
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If camellias could talk, they'd probably say, "Look at me!" And, honestly, who could blame them?
These Gulf Coast divas are the full package: evergreen foliage, stunning blooms and a touch of …
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By Kitti Cooper
Gulf Coast Media Contributor | 12/4/24 |