How to Garden on Kiawah Island
By Joan Collar
G
ardening at Kiawah is going to be a bit different than gardening you
may have done elsewhere in the country. We have a mild, subtropical
climate that can reach freezing temperatures in the winter and bring hot,
dry, steamy days in the summer. Many plants you may be familiar with
cannot take the sustained heat in the summer or the bouts of cold in the winter.
Further, because Kiawah is a sanctuary for wildlife, we must take into account the
fact that our deer love an easy meal. So … what does one plant here? We try to
choose plants that are native to the area. Native plants provide food and shelter
for a host of songbirds and require the least amount of care. The Conservancy’s
demonstration garden at Night Heron Park is a wonderful resource where you can
see many of these native plants and other varieties that are recommended for our
gardens. Be sure to stop by and see it and get a brochure from the Conservancy
listing the included specimens.
Our mission here is to provide you with tips for developing beautiful gardens
with advice tailored especially for Kiawah Island. Each season requires different
procedures. Here we describe specific recommendations for fall and winter. In our
next issue, we will bring you suggestions for spring and summer. Keep in mind the
primary procedures in gardening: planting; fertilizing; pruning; and general upkeep
(watering, insect control, soil sampling, and mulching).
Fall
Photos this page by Sylvia Bacon
•• Plant late fall bedding plants such as bachelor’s button, marigolds, dianthus,
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larkspur, ornamental kale and cabbage, pansies, violas, phlox, snapdragons,
stock, strawflowers, sweet peas, and chrysanthemums. It is best to wait until
October or November to plant since these are cool weather plants that will not
flourish in the heat of our early fall.
•• Plant and divide bulbs such as amaryllis, agapanthus, anemone, bloodroot,
crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, ginger, irises, lilies, tulips, society garlic, and
snowflakes. Doing this in mid to late October allows time for roots to get
established before cold weather sets in.
•• Plant shrubs and trees. The fall is the best time to plant shrubs and trees. The
winter provides a dormant period for them to settle in before the hot summer
months. Be cognizant of which shrubs need shade, partial shade, or full sun; also,
be aware of how big your shrubs will grow. Do not overcrowd them. Camellias
may be planted starting in October, but be sure their new wood is hardy. A
favorite food of deer, camellias adapt well to pots that can be located out of
harm’s way.
•• Limit herb plantings to mint, horseradish, chives, caraway, dill, coriander,
parsley, and rosemary. All other herbs are best planted in the spring.
•• Plant roses. These wonderful plants come in many types: climbers, hybrid
teas, ground covers, shrub roses, and fragrant older varieties like china roses,
Confederate roses, and the native Noisette roses. They are best planted in late
Naturally Kiawah