A Visit to Hill Garden: Showcasing Mississippi’s Diverse Plant Life.
Hill Garden in Brandon, Mississippi, stands as a hub of inspiration and education for garden enthusiasts. Established in 1995 by the Rankin County Master Gardeners, it is one of the oldest Master Gardener projects in the state. The garden provides valuable insights into a wide array of plants that thrive in Mississippi’s climate, making it a must-see for anyone interested in regional horticulture.
During a recent visit, I was particularly struck by the vibrant Brown-eyed Susans, whose bold, daisy-like blooms brought a burst of color to the garden. These flowers, characterized by their vivid yellow petals and dark brown centers, usually bloom from late summer to early fall, adding brightness to both cultivated and wild spaces.
Brown-eyed Susans are known for their resilience, growing between 2 to 5 feet tall and spreading 1.5 to 2.5 feet wide. While each bloom measures only about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, their collective presence creates an impressive display throughout their growing season. These plants thrive best in full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, although they can tolerate some partial shade. They grow well in well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 7 and adapt to various soil types, from clay to sandy soils. Adding organic matter to the soil can further enhance their growth.
Equally captivating during my visit were the Orange Cosmos, with their bright, daisy-like flowers. These plants grow 2 to 6 feet tall, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, supported by slender, branching stems. Their blooms, which are 2 to 3 inches in diameter, appear in late summer and last into fall. The Orange Cosmos not only adds striking color to the garden but also attracts pollinators.
Like the Brown-eyed Susans, Orange Cosmos thrives in full sun and requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day for optimal blooming. While they can tolerate partial shade, too much can limit their flower production. They prefer well-drained soil and can thrive in poor to average soils, though overly rich soil may result in more leaves and fewer flowers. Heavy clay or waterlogged conditions should be avoided for best growth.
Another highlight of my visit to Hill Garden was the garlic chives, which stood tall with their small, star-shaped white flowers. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, garlic chives offer practical benefits as they are edible, making them a versatile addition to any garden. These plants spread easily through self-seeding and underground rhizomes, making them easy to share with other gardeners.
Garlic chives thrive in full sun but can grow in partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Though they can grow in a wide variety of soil conditions, adding compost or organic matter to slightly rich, loamy soil yields the best results.
If you ever find yourself in Brandon, a visit to Hill Garden at the Rankin County Extension Service office is well worth your time. The garden is a beautiful showcase of Mississippi’s diverse plant life, offering both education and inspiration to all who visit.
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