By Wayne McLaurin
University of
Georgia

The “Plant Society for the Uninformed” could become the largest
plant society in the world. It encompasses all of us. Well
intentioned, we’re always growing plants without thinking about
their environmental context.

We try to grow plants that look good in the mall, plants that
come from all over the world. We don’t pay attention to their
original environment but are sure we can make them grow in our
backyards.

Some of us want to grow only “native” plants. As I hike Georgia,
North Carolina and South Carolina (yes, there are beautiful
places within 40 miles of Clemson), I see all types of native
plants growing along the ridges and beside creeks.

They’re natives, but can I grow them in my drought-stricken
backyard when they grow along streams in the wild? I wish I
could. Not a chance! Even though they’re natives, their
particular growing conditions must be met.

I visit the great Northwest and see all of the wonderful plant
types and say to myself, “Maybe it will grow if I give it special
attention.” But Georgia has neither the rainfall nor the
temperature of the Northwest.

Moreover, if I brought it home, there would probably be one of
those giant banana slugs attached, a pest that in our milder
climate might multiply and start an epidemic. We do not need more
pests!

Colleges of agriculture in each state test plants’ growth under
that state’s growing conditions and recommend the plants that
grow best. Tests are done on all plants — vegetables, fruits,
ornamentals, cotton, corn, peanuts, soybeans, turf grasses.

It’s important to find out which plant will do best in a
particular place. If a plant doesn’t make the grade, it’s tossed
off of the recommended list.

If the plant you want to grow isn’t on the recommended list, you
have alternatives. One of the best sources of information is to
ask gardeners in your area. I’ve found very few growers who
weren’t overjoyed to share growing experiences and be honest in
their recommendations.

The only warning I have is to make sure you have enough time to
listen to other stories — you know, “the giant pumpkin,” or,
“Remember the time my picture was in the ‘Market Bulletin’ with
the 6-pound sweet potato?”

If you want information on growing plants in Georgia, visit the
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences’ Extension Service Web site at www.ces.uga.edu and click on
“Publications.” Click on alphabetical or subject listings and
follow the instructions.

My own garden stories? Maybe I’ll write a book when I retire and
have time. No, I’ll be too busy working with that New Zealand
plant I just know will grow back there by the fence near the
compost pile.