The Latest Breaking News from Norman Winter

On Gardening: Valentine’s Crush is the hibiscus of your dreams

Although the first words have barely hit this column, I am getting a sense of glee. Just think, it took a garden writer, The Garden Guy, to beat the big boys to Valentine's. When you see Valentine’s stuff the day after Christmas, just remember where you saw it first.

Tribune News Service · Dec 1, 2022

On Gardening: Wojo’s Jem Vinca is an extraordinary spiller plant no matter the season

I remember the day we were filming "Southern Gardening" as part of my duties with Mississippi State University. Friend and garden designer Lori Hitchcock presented an urn for the front porch of the historical home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. It was all decked out for the holidays with red cyclamen, holly…

Tribune News Service · Nov 23, 2022

On Gardening: Augusta Lavender heliotrope debuts to award-winning performance

Augusta Lavender heliotrope made its debut in 2022, and after having it in my garden for 18 months, I am even more sold on the plant. Keep in mind I also wrote about it in summer 2021 and January 2022 and it continues to demonstrate award-winning traits.

Tribune News Service · Nov 17, 2022

On Gardening: A confession about perennial sweet potatoes

My bride, Jan, said, "Those ornamental sweet potatoes you planted this year look better than they did last year." She was referring to a big display of Sweet Caroline Medusa Green that was draping over a rock wall.

Tribune News Service · Oct 13, 2022

On Gardening: With Soprano impatiens, it could not get any easier

Soprano impatiens made their debut this year and I can truthfully say I wish every flower I planted was this easy to grow. They arrived in 2022 with four colors: Orange, Bright Red, Violet Shades and White. In 2023, Salmon and Rose will be added to the Soprano series.

Tribune News Service · Oct 6, 2022

On Gardening: Sweet Caroline Upside Ornamental Sweet Potatoes give a vertical dimension to the landscape

There is a real upside to two new sweet potatoes making their debut in 2023. I mean that tongue and cheek as that is actually part of their name, but their application in the landscape looks to be amazing. So here is the skinny, so to speak: Sweet Caroline Upside…

Tribune News Service · Sep 29, 2022

On Gardening: Awards pile up for Truffula Pink Gomphrena

Flame Proof, Perfect Score All Season, Leader of the Pack, and Top Performer are just a few of the award designations for Truffula Pink Gomphrena. It has now taken in 50 such trophies. If your state has a flower trial competition, my guess is Truffula Pink has been a winner.

Tribune News Service · Sep 22, 2022

On Gardening: Mini Me Watermelon is a magical new coleus for 2023

Just when you thought the gardening world would be content and that we didn’t need another new coleus, Mini Me Watermelon is rocking scorecards in university trials. Mini Me Watermelon is part of the ColorBlaze series. It will be making its debut in 2023 and is climbing the must-have plants…

Tribune News Service · Sep 15, 2022

On Gardening: Color Coded 'One in a Melon' a dreamy new coneflower for 2023

The first instant I saw the coneflower, I thought it was one in a million, with its giant 5-inch-plus golden blooms that at first reminded me of a gloriosa daisy. I am talking about the new Color Coded 'One in a Melon' coneflower, making its debut next year. Last week…

Tribune News Service · Sep 8, 2022

On Gardening: Butter Pecan and Raspberry Beret are like dessert for the garden

Gardeners, I am here to tell you that you must get Double Coded. You’re probably thinking that there must be a security breach affecting the landscape. I assure you: It is a cupcake. At least it looks like a cupcake, and there are two colors. The names Butter Pecan and…

Tribune News Service · Sep 1, 2022