Many veteran gardeners in the spring watch the pecan trees for a sign that the last frost has passed and that it is safe to plant the garden. When the long, dangling catkins appear on the trees’ bare twigs, the killing frosts are gone, or so they say. Most years this sign holds true, but sometimes even these late-blooming nut trees get nipped in the bud by a killing cold snap.

Drive along almost any stretch of road in our area, and you will see tall pecan trees next to older homes or rows of newer houses situated between rows of a mature pecan orchard. The pecan is a multi-purpose tree that not only provides tasty nuts in the fall, but also shade throughout the hot summer months. Squirrels, birds and other creatures live among the twiggy branches, and they, along with ground-feeding turkeys, will do their best to beat you to the spoils.

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What do you do with the plethora of fallen leaves in your yard? That probably depends on several factors: whether you live in town or in the country, whether you do your own yard work or pay someone else to and whether you realize the potential all those leaves have as either mulch or as a compost ingredient.

If you are in an urban area, your city or town may have a fall leaf collection in place. If so, you are lucky. Leaves piled or bagged by the curb are hauled off to become a main ingredient in a gigantic compost pile instead of heading for the landfill. A well-run program will then make rich compost available to residents, usually for a small fee.

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There are many reasons why trees die. While fall is the perfect time to plant trees, it is very important to plan ahead if you want trees to survive and thrive.

Many homeowners, civic clubs and gardening groups are making plans to plant trees on Dec. 4 to celebrate South Carolina’s official Arbor Day. Keep the following tips in mind when planning a tree planting, and those trees will stand a better chance of thriving.

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HARTSVILLE, S.C. – A combination of formal gardens and natural forest preserve, Kalmia Gardens in Hartsville is a relaxing and enjoyable destination for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Each season brings a new set of delights as you walk the paved paths that pass through beds of herbs, perennials and camellias surrounding the old plantation house. The expansive boardwalk, which descends to and follows the Black Creek behind the main house, winds thorough patches of mountain laurel, cypress and bountiful native flora.

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Gardeners tend to be a resourceful lot. When a tool, container or other item in the garden becomes damaged beyond repair, it simply takes on a new life or purpose. A cracked clay pot, for example, can continue to serve many useful years if you just use a little creativity. Here are some ideas I have seen local gardeners come up with.

A cracked or chipped pot’s new function will depend somewhat upon where the crack is, how extensive the damage is and how you want to use it. If you want to mend the crack or reattach a chip, try using a waterproof silicone caulking, epoxy or Elmer’s Carpenter’s glue. After cleaning and drying the pot, apply the adhesive and tightly tie a heavy string or wire around it until the glue is dry. A sealer can be used over the repaired area.

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It’s just after 11 a.m. and looking like it’s going to be another scorcher of a day. Becky Smith sits in the dappled light of her garden, surrounded by colorful blooms, a babbling fountain and countless curios tucked among the rich green foliage of lush plants. Despite the August heat, Smith’s deck garden is a cool retreat.

In the spring of 1993, Smith built her single-story home on Tea Ticket Place off Broughton Street in Orangeburg. An enclosed sun porch and a partially covered deck with a series of steps and ramps extended the home’s living space and provided a sizable area for plant life.

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Spring is a great time to reassess structures in your garden.

Do you have a trellis that needs repair? Have you been meaning to add a bench in a shady spot but just haven’t gotten around to it?

Before all your time is taken up with plant care, look around and see what structures need to be repaired, replaced, added or perhaps removed. Repair any structures that have served you well and that still add to your landscape. Make sure the material it is made of — wood, plastic, metal, etc. — is still sound.

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Ordering from seed catalogues has become easier than ever and, therefore, more tempting. You can go online, browse by category, A-Z, price range, color scheme, etc., and have your order in hand within a matter of hours. It’s a great way to locate hard to find items, but if you are not careful, the money you intended to save by starting from seed will be negated by the extra seeds and related items that you add to your cart on a whim.

To save money and time when buying from mail order or online seed catalogues, you can use some of the same tips that are recommended for shopping at the grocery store. Make a list beforehand, look for specials, comparison shop (making sure you take quality and container size into account) and avoid impulse items. The last one’s a toughie.

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Winter in our area often presents us with sunny days that draw us outside. Most any gardening chore can be put on hold right now while you wander a bit further afield to enjoy bird watching in the “wild.”

You can attract birds to your landscape by providing food, water, nesting areas and cover. But by venturing out into the woods, swamps and fields, you can witness them in their natural habitat and gain an even greater appreciation for birds.

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Anything that can simplify your life during the busy holiday season will leave you more time to enjoy the company of friends and family. Plants can quickly come to you rescue this time of year, serving multiple purposes as decorations, gifts and mood lifters. It doesn’t even take a green thumb to spruce things up with these easy ideas.

Amaryllis are a no-brainer, as one gardener likes to put it. Buy the largest (oldest) bulbs you can find, and pop them in pots that are about two inches wider than the bulb. The extra weight of a clay or ceramic pot will help your plant be less top heavy. Use a well-drained soil mix, and place the neck of the bulb just above the ground level. Water the bulb in well, and place it where it will be warm but not hot.

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