September is the month we normally look forward to the most. It usually brings cooler days and that is much easier on plant, people, and pets than the hot months. It may take a few weeks before we actually start
August In The Garden
August is Tea Month at Blackcreek Nursery! One of our specialties are Camellia sinensis Tea Plants. Did you know you can grow your own green, black, and oolong tea right from your garden? Tea Plants were grown on our site
The Life of A Grower – Sunshine & Briars
The Life of a Grower… Sunshine & Briars People see the flowers, the edible plants, the herbs, and the Camellias and say, “I bet you love your life. I’d like to do something like this.” Little do they know that
Using AI to Design Your Garden
For the past several months, I’ve had customers calling the nursery asking for all sorts of unusual plants—many I’ve never even heard of, and certainly not ones that are available or well-suited to our area. After 35+ years in the
Sweet or Sour ~ Understanding Soil pH
I’ve heard old-time gardeners describe soil as sweet or sour. Sweet soil was used to describe alkaline soil, and sour soil was used to describe acid soils. All of these terms refer to the pH of the soil. Simply put,
Steeped In Rebellion – The Historic Role of Tea In The US
The Plant That Sparked a Revolution Before it was poured into a teacup, it was a plant. Every cup of black, green, white, or oolong tea begins with the leaves of a single evergreen shrub called Camellia sinensis. While millions
July In The Garden
Gardening Tips for Maximizing Your Summer Garden As the summer heat settles in, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tend to your garden. July is a crucial month for garden maintenance and ensuring your plants thrive in the
Plants with Purpose: Five Ways Plants Make Our World Better
Our lives are intertwined with plants. It’s one of the most reciprocal relationships that we have. We may not all be plant lovers, but the earth and people depend on plants for our existence. When most people think of plants,
Summer Solstice In The Garden
The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer. Astronomically, the Summer Solstice occurs when the Earth’s North Pole is tilted most directly toward the Sun, giving us the greatest amount of daylight.
Pollen Poisoning: How Systemic Insecticides Threaten Bees and Other Pollinators
Every year when the Camellias start to bloom I remember learning about a devastating occurrence of “pollen-poison” while taking a commercial chemical safety class in the early 2000’s. They told us of a small city on the west coast that
Pruning Perennials in June
Summer is upon us, and the perennials are growing beautifully. But recently I noticed some of mine were getting a little leggy, especially my Black-Eyed Susans. One of the most common questions gardeners ask this time of year is: “Should
June In The Garden
June is the perfect garden month but it is a busy one. Frost and freezes are long gone. The warmer temps are bringing many plants into bloom – Gardenias, Hydrangeas, Butterfly Bush, Lantana, and other plants are just coming into
Understanding Natives, Non-Natives & Invasive Plants
One of the most important aspects of responsible gardening is understanding what plants we put in our gardens and landscapes. Every plant has a story to tell, and we should make sure – before we plant– that we know all
May In The Garden
Planting In May May is where the garden truly starts to find its rhythm. The days are longer, the soil is warm, and everything—from your vegetables to your perennials—is pushing forward with new growth. It’s also the time when small,
Eleagnus ~ Plant It Once. Fight It Forever.
Elaeagnus pungens – Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus, or Thorny Olive I can’t tell you how many calls we get each year from customers asking for Elaeagnus—also known as Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus, or Thorny Olive. You see it everywhere—behind subdivisions as a
Coreopsis Lanceleaf
Coreopsis Lanceleaf (Coreopsis lanceolata)Bright, dependable, and made for the Southern garden If you’ve ever wanted a plant that looks like sunshine and behaves like a workhorse, lanceleaf coreopsis is it. Native to much of the southeastern United States, this cheerful
The Unexpected Nature of Growing Plants From Seed
Why Seeds Will Not Produce the Same Plant When a plant produces a seed, it is the result of sexual reproduction. Pollen from one flower fertilizes another, and the genetic material from two plants combines to form the seed. Because
Chill Hours for Apples & Peaches in SE Georgia
Chill Hours and Fruit Trees in Southeast Georgia One of the most important things to consider when planting fruit trees in Southeast Georgia is chill hours. Chill hours are the number of hours a fruit tree experiences winter temperatures between
March In The Garden
With March coming in, you can expect spring to follow if it hasn’t already in the south. There is quite a lot going on in the garden in March and it’s not too soon to start some pretty important tasks…
Blackcreek Nursery 2026: Still Going. Still Growing.
Long before Blackcreek Nursery welcomed its first visitors, the work had already begun. A small portion of what is now Blackcreek Nursery originally served as our production nursery, supporting our former business, Gene’s Nursery in Savannah, Georgia. In 2020, in
The Season of the Camellia: It’s Not What You Think
In mid to late winter, when camellias are at their showiest, I often find myself feeling a little sad that the season is winding down. At the very same time, most people are just beginning to admire them and assume
February In The Garden
February is the month of love, a time for getting ready for spring, but more importantly, it’s the peak of Camellia Season and the time for pruning some of the garden plants. Camellias Although not native to the USA, the
Growing Your Own Tea
What are Tea Plants? Tea plants are evergreen plants that are members of the Camellia family. The plant species used for tea production is Camellia sinensis. Can any camellia produce tea? While it is possible to produce tea from the
The Art of Camellia Waxing
One of my very favorite parts of Camellia season is Waxing Camellias. I attended a Waxing Demonstration in the late 1990’s at Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley, Georgia, and from that moment on, I was hooked! Over the years,
January In The Garden
The holidays are over, and it’s back to reality with the start of a new year! There’s not much you need to be doing in your garden at this time, so relax—spring is coming sooner than you realize. Camellias Not
January Pruning Guide
Keeping Your Garden Healthy And Beautiful In the month of January, your garden may benefit from some pruning to promote healthy growth and improve the overall appearance of your plants. Here are some common plants and trees that you may
Celebrating Winter’s Light & Timeless Traditions…
Celebrating Winter’s Light and Nature’s Timeless Traditions The heart of winter is marked in many ways across cultures and faiths. Some observe the season simply as winter itself, while others celebrate Hanukkah, Yule, or Christmas — and many others. Each
Winter Solstice in the Garden: Rest, Roots, and Renewal
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the garden, it is not a beginning marked by blooms or harvests, but by stillness. Growth slows, leaves fall, and much of the visible work
December In The Garden
Ah, the holidays…. When people’s thoughts turn to lights, gift-giving, and that guy in the red suit. But in all the hustle and bustle, don’t forget you have some pretty special plants in your garden that may need your attention.
Homemade Ginger Beer
There’s something special about a glass of homemade ginger beer — bright, spicy, lightly fizzy, and crafted with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Unlike store-bought versions loaded with extra sugars and additives, this recipe lets you control
Camellia Japonica vs. Sasanqua: Which Is Right for Your Garden?
Camellias are iconic plants in Southern gardens, bringing evergreen structure and reliable seasonal color. When choosing one for your landscape, you’ll usually see two main types: Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. Both are beautiful, but they behave very differently. Understanding
November In The Garden
Traditionally Fall has been thought as of the time to leave your garden alone. Nothing can be further from the truth. There are lots of things you should and should not be doing in November… here are A FEW…… Camellias
Benefits of Planting In The Fall In The South
Fall is a fantastic time to get your hands dirty in the garden, especially if you’re in the southern United States. While many gardeners associate spring with planting, autumn offers unique advantages for adding plants to your landscape. Perennials, Shrubs,
Make Your Own Hibiscus Tea
Both beautiful and beneficial, Hibiscus sabdariffa Roselle, also known as Roselle or Red Sorrel, is a plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family which is related Okra. It resembles okra and also grows much like it. This versatile plant is
October In the Garden
It’s that welcoming time of year in the south when the weather turns cooler and the garden is getting ready for one last jolt of color from perennials before the winter sets in. Fall is the perfect time to get
Goldenrod vs Ragweed – The Truth Behind The Sniffles
In the early fall here in the South, you’ll see golden plumes lining the roadsides, swaying in the warm breeze — and hear folks start blaming them for their sniffles. Bless their hearts, goldenrod has been catching the blame for
Fire Ant Control – Weighing Baits, Insecticides, and Natural Remedies
Few pests are as frustrating to deal with in the southern landscape as fire ants. Their painful stings, aggressive mounds, and ability to spread quickly make them more than just a backyard nuisance—they can also disrupt gardening, threaten wildlife, and
Creating Compost Tea For Your Plants
Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer that boosts plant growth and improves soil health. Making it at home is simple with just a few ingredients and the right setup. Ingredients Compost Use high-quality, organic compost as the base. Homemade
6 Must-Have Perennials for Your Southern Garden
If you’re gardening in the South, you know the heat, humidity, and sometimes unpredictable weather can be tough on plants. That’s why perennials—plants that return year after year—are the backbone of a reliable and beautiful garden. Once established, they thrive
Crafting Herbal Salves and Balms: A Complete Guide for Beginners
I’ve been making herbal salves for a while, and it’s one of my favorite ways to turn garden harvests into something useful year-round. There’s something grounding about taking dried herbs, infusing them into oil, and blending them into a balm
It Started with A Seed ~ A Tea Journey
Finding My Passion in Tea I believe everyone has a passion—something that drives you, motivates you, and keeps you engaged. For some, it’s baking, sewing, watching movies, or dining out. For me, it’s always been gardening. I’ve been growing plants
Making Healthy Choices – Benefits of Tea
Tea & Health: Nature’s Cup of Wellness (Camellia sinensis – True Tea) For thousands of years, tea has been celebrated not just for its flavor, but for the way it supports well-being. All true teas — white, green, oolong, black,
Growing In Containers – How to create a Thriving Potted Garden
Container Gardening: A Quick Guide to Success Container gardening is one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to grow plants. Whether you have a sunny balcony, a shaded porch, or a large backyard, containers allow you to create beautiful
Georgia Invasive Species – Knowing, Managing, Protecting
As a Georgia Grower… As a Georgia grower, I have to be mindful of harmful things to people, plants, pets, and the environment. That’s my job. I see a lot of talk through online communities about invasive plants and insects,
5 Things To Consider When Adding Camellias To Your Landscape
Camellias make an attractive plant for almost any garden. They adorn the garden and our tables throughout Camellia season with beautiful flowers. Here are a few things you may want to consider when adding Camellias to your garden. Choose the
Home Grown Blackberries
Planting Blackberries Space your Blackberries 5-6′ apart. If planting in rows, space rows 5-8ft apart. Amend the soil if necessary to make sure it is rich, moist but well-drained. Blackberries like slightly acidic soil. Plant on a slight mound and
Creepy Creatures – Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Every spring, just as sure as the sun will rise and set, the Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers will be back. I loathe this large mutant pest with every fiber of my being and what they do to my Garlic and Spider
The Tea Plant – Camellia sinensis
Every day, millions of people have their morning cup of tea. But did you know that this popular beverage is made from the leaves of a Camellia? A Member of a Large Family Camellia sinensis is one of over 250
Pruning Fruit Trees and Other Edibles
As a Georgia Grower, I’m frequently asked about the best time to prune fruit trees. I always answer that it depends on several factors. One of the major considerations is the crop that we are pruning. It’s challenging to give
Planting Tips for Success
Planting Tips For Success Nothing gives us more satisfaction than growing our own plants. Whether it’s for beauty, food, shade, or other functional purposes, growing plants can be rewarding and cost-saving. Your plant’s success is directly linked to its planting.
Home Grown Blueberries
Blueberries are a wonderful edible plant for Georgia and they thrive in our warm climate. You can plant blueberries in mass or you can tuck them into your garden or landscape almost anywhere. You’ll find both large and small growing
Fertilizing Tips For Spring
The weather warms, you’re itching to get outside and so something. So you go to the shed and see all of last year’s or maybe longer fertilizer bags sitting there taking up space. Before you grab a spreader, here are
Identifying Camellias
Becoming a Camellia Detective Camellias first found their way to the South in the late 1700s, settling into the gardens of Southern plantations. No one seems to agree on the exact date the first one arrived in America — several
How To Prepare Plants For Cold Weather
Although it may not feel like it in the south, winter always comes. It may be for a day, a week, or three months, you just never know. You should be prepared for when mother nature rears her cold winds
Native Plants vs. Non-Native Plants – Exploring the Benefits of Each
When it comes to gardening and landscaping, the choice between native plants and non-native plants is a topic of much debate among horticulturists and environmental enthusiasts. Both categories of plants offer unique benefits and considerations that can impact the aesthetics,
Rocks Vs Natural Mulch
Choosing the right mulch for your garden can make a significant impact on its overall health and aesthetics. While organic mulches like wood chips and compost are commonly used, another option gaining popularity is rocks or stones. Rock mulch offers
5 Mistakes Gardeners Make ~ and how to avoid them
Gardening should be a rewarding experience and many times we will get discouraged because things didn’t work out in reality like they worked out in our visions. Many times our dissatisfaction can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines
The Benefits of Wasps in the Garden and How to Divert Them
Wasps are often misunderstood creatures that are notorious for their painful stings. However, these buzzing insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, especially in the garden. Understanding the benefits of wasps can help us appreciate their presence and learn
Camellia Sinensis FAQS
What are Tea Plants? Tea plants are evergreen plants that are members of the Camellia family. The plant species used for tea production is Camellia sinensis. Can any camellia produce tea? While it is possible to produce tea from the
Fall Planting Calendar Southeast Georgia
In Southeast Georgia, July marks the beginning of fall garden preparations, offering a great opportunity to sow heat-tolerant vegetables that will mature as the weather cools. Throughout July and early August, you can direct sow okra, southern peas (like cowpeas
Protecting Our Pollinators
Think About This: Pollinators provide 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat More than 1,000 of all pollinators are vertebrates such as birds, bats, and small mammals. Most (more than 200,000 species) are beneficial insects such as
Nature’s Pharmacy: Exploring the Benefits of Medicinal Plants
Before the invention of modern medicine, humans used plants as natural remedies for common ailments. Archaeological finds and ancient texts suggest the medicinal use of plants by humans nearly 60,000 years ago. Evidence supports the use of medicinal plants by
Healthy Soil – Happy Plants : Why You Should Not Use Landscape Fabric Under Plants
Over the years in our industry, we have seen many things used to prevent weeds. Heavy landscape fabric used under plants is one. We have seen the harm that it can do over time to your soil and to the
Growing Your Own Apothecary Garden
Starting an apothecary garden is like unlocking a treasure trove of natural health benefits, where you can use plants to brew up teas, concoct soothing salves, and whip up potent tinctures. It’s like having your own personal pharmacy in your
Reviving Rosemary – Tips For Improving Health of Older Plants
Reviving old rosemary plants can be a rewarding process that can breathe new life into your herb garden. Here are some tips on how to revive old rosemary plants: Assess the plant Start by assessing the overall health of the
April In The Garden
April is perhaps the busiest season of the entire year in the garden. There’s so much to do! Here are a few tips and tricks to get your garden restarted after the long winter! SAVE THE BEES! In April, as
Deficiency Chart of Micronutrients
They say every picture tells a story….it’s true with leaves. The leaves of plants are the best indicator of a problem. If the leaves are not healthy, the plant is suffering. Most often the cause of plant leaf issues can
The Dangers Of Mis-diagnosing Plant Problems
When it comes to caring for plants, it is a top priority for any gardener to ensure that their plants are healthy. However, many times plant problems are misdiagnosed which leads to the improper use of chemicals or other methods
Creating A Pollinator Garden
Pollinators are animals or insects that move pollen from one flower to another, and they are essential to plant reproduction. In fact, 80% of our food crops are pollinated by insects or animals. Without pollinators, humans and all of Earth’s
Native Milkweed vs Tropical Milkweed
The popularity of tropical milkweed, also known as Mexican Milkweed or Scarlet Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), a non-native species of milkweed, has skyrocketed due to its ease of propagation and attractive flowers and foliage. However, when planted in areas with temperate
Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden
Plant a Variety of Bee-Friendly Flowers: Bees are attracted to a diverse range of flowers, especially those that are rich in nectar and pollen. There are both native and non-native plants that can provide an appropriate pollen source for bees.
Tips On Protecting Your Plants For Early Spring Frosts
Each year when the first signs of spring emerge, we all hold our breath that a late-season frost won’t harm our new leaves and flowers. When Mother Nature sends out one more bout of cool weather before she goes away
Winter Damage To Plants – When To Prune
Cold damage is inevitable if you live anywhere that cold weather can creep in. Here in South Georgia, we love our perennials, but the first freeze can turn them into balls of straw. The first inclination is to go and
Creating an Earth-Friendly Garden
Gardening is more than just a hobby – it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. By adopting eco-friendly practices in your garden, you can contribute to the conservation of natural resources, support local biodiversity, and promote
Feeding The Bees – Camellia Pollinators
Bees & Camellias Fall brings an abundance of bees to the garden with all of the Camellia sasanqua and Camellia Sinensis in full swing. They are one of the last plants of the season to help our bees with enough
Grow Your Own Olives
Olive Trees make you think of warm Mediterranean waters but did you know that you can grow them in Southeast Georgia? Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean regions of the world. They have been grown for centuries to produce
Brew Battle: Tea vs. Herbal Tea – Exploring the Unique Flavors and Benefits
Tea has been enjoyed for centuries as a soothing and refreshing beverage, but with the rise in popularity of herbal teas, many people are left wondering about the differences between the two. In this article, we will delve into the
Goldenrod – Fall’s Treasure For Tinctures
Goldenrod is an excellent beneficial plant, not only for the pollinators as a fall food source, but it also has many benefits.
Making Your Own Fire Cider
Each season as the warm weather turns cooler, we love to make Fire Cider. And it’s always best using fresh ingredients from the garden. You may not be able to go outside and harvest your own Apples & Cinnamon, but
Crafting Herbal Tinctures & Extracts
In the world of natural remedies and herbal medicine, tinctures and extracts play a significant role. They are concentrated forms of herbs, plants, or other natural ingredients that are used for their therapeutic benefits. Making your own tinctures and extracts can be a fun and rewarding process.
Planting Perennials in the Fall
Fall is a fantastic time to get your hands dirty in the garden, especially if you’re in the southern United States. While many gardeners associate spring with planting, autumn offers unique advantages for adding perennials to your landscape. The milder
Ginger Plants Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to a height of around 3-4 feet (1-1.2 meters). It has long, narrow leaves and cone-shaped yellow-green flowers.
Planting A Living Fence With Camellia Sasanqua
Your home is a sanctuary. It’s the place where you can relax, put your feet up, and just enjoy the privacy of your own space. Your garden should be no different. Privacy in the garden is just as important as
Bee’s Tea – Nature’s Helper
Camellia sinensis, also known as the Tea Plant is one of our favorite plants that we grow at Blackcreek Nursery & Garden. We love to make our own tea from our Tea Plants at Blackcreek Tea Farm, but even more rewarding than harvesting our own tea is feeding the bees!
Tea In America
Tea, a beverage loved and cherished by millions around the world, has a fascinating history that spans over 5000 years. Like all camellias, Tea is not native to America. It originated in China, and it is here that the legend of Tea began.
Fall Planting In The South
After 30+ years in the nursery industry growing plants, it still surprises us how many gardeners feel that Spring is the only time of year to plant. In the spring Garden centers are overrun with customers trying to get stuff
Growing Camellias From Seed
Camellias can be propagated asexually through grafting, rooting, or air-layering. These methods typically produce exact replicas of the original plant. In contrast, when camellias are grown from seed, the results are unpredictable. While a small number of new camellia varieties
Insect Spotlight – Japanese Beetles
Japanese Beetles: Understanding and Managing One of Summer’s Most Destructive Garden Pests After years of growing ornamentals, herbs, fruiting plants, and vegetables, I’ve learned that Japanese beetles are as stubborn as they are shiny. They seem to arrive right when
What the Garden Has Taught Me About Life
The garden has taught me a lot about life over the years. Working with plants every day, I’ve noticed that the lessons in the soil aren’t much different from the ones we face ourselves. First, the garden teaches patience. Seeds
Why Plants Don’t Always Love the Spot We Choose
It’s a common story: someone buys a beautiful plant, tucks it into the ground, gives it a drink of water, and waits for it to flourish. Weeks later, disappointment sets in when the plant struggles or dies. The truth is
