Gardening Wisdom

December 27, 2025 By Hyams Garden Center

Flower of the Year and Plant of the Year

2026 Flower of the Year: Delphinium — A Symbol of Aspiration & Hope

As we welcome the new year, we’re excited to highlight the Delphinium as the 2026 Flower of the Year! Selected by floral trend experts for its beauty, striking form, and meaningful symbolism, delphiniums are poised to be one of the most talked-about blooms of the season.

A Flower That Reaches for the Sky

Delphiniums are instantly recognizable for their tall, elegant flower spikes and jewel-like colors — especially ethereal blues, rich purples, soft pinks, and creamy whites. This vertical growth naturally draws the eye upward, which isn’t just visually stunning — it’s symbolic. These flowers represent aspiration, growth, and hope, making them perfect for celebrating life milestones or lifting someone’s spirits.

Symbolism to Inspire

In floral language, delphiniums are often associated with:

Ambition & aspiration — their soaring stems reach skyward, inspiring us to grow and reach higher

Hope & positivity — they evoke a sense of calm optimism, perfect for new beginnings

Celebration & encouragement — beautiful in bouquets for graduates, new homeowners, or anyone entering a fresh chapter

Garden & Design Tips

Delphiniums make a dramatic focal point in:

Garden borders — their vertical structure brings contrast and texture

Vase arrangements — they pair beautifully with soft peonies, roses, or airy grasses

Seasonal displays — use cooler tones for winter serenity or mix pastels for spring freshness

Whether you’re choosing them for a cutting garden or a statement bouquet, delphiniums are a *flower that says more than beauty; it says possibility.*

2026 Plant of the Year: Money Tree — Prosperity, Balance & Good Fortune

This year’s Plant of the Year takes us indoors with the beloved Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) — a houseplant that not only adds lush greenery to your space but carries a rich tradition of symbolism and wellbeing.

Why the Money Tree?

Chosen for its striking appearance and meaningful associations, the money tree has become a favorite among plant lovers and gift givers alike. Its braided trunk and vibrant green leaves offer both visual charm and layers of symbolic meaning:

Prosperity & abundance — widely associated with good fortune in East Asian cultures

Balance & harmony — the five leaflets on each leaf are often said to represent the five elements in feng shui (wood, water, earth, fire, metal)

Stability & growth — its robust nature reflects resilience and wellness

These symbolic qualities make the money tree an especially thoughtful plant to bring into a home or workplace at the start of a fresh year.

Caring for Your Money Tree

One of the reasons the money tree is so popular — beyond its beauty and symbolism — is its approachable care:

Bright, indirect light keeps its leaves vibrant

Water only when the topsoil dries to prevent overwatering

Enjoys consistent indoor temperatures (moderate & cozy)

Whether gifted for luck or chosen simply to enhance your interior with green vitality, the money tree brings both meaning and beauty into everyday spaces.

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Final Thought

At Hyams Garden Center, we love sharing plants and flowers that brighten your garden and your life — not just your landscape. The delphinium and money tree speak to what many of us hope for in 2026: growth, beauty, balance, and positive energy.

August 31, 2025 By Hyams Garden Center

It is Pre-Emergent Season in Charleston

It’s Pre-Emergent Season in Charleston!

Now is the perfect time to protect your lawn from unwanted weeds before they even have a chance to sprout. In Charleston’s Lowcountry climate, applying a pre-emergent weed control in late summer through early fall is essential for keeping your grass looking lush and healthy all season long.

Why Apply Pre-Emergent Now?

Pre-emergent herbicides don’t kill existing weeds—they stop new ones from germinating. That means timing is everything. Once temperatures begin to drop from summer highs but before fall weeds germinate, your lawn is most vulnerable. Treating now helps prevent cool-season invaders like annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit, and other broadleaf weeds from taking root.

Tips for Best Results:

Apply early: Don’t wait until you see weeds—it will be too late. Apply while soil is still warm, typically late August through September in Charleston.

Water it in: A light watering (or a good rain) after application activates the product and ensures it penetrates the soil surface.

Mow before, not after: Mowing before application helps the herbicide reach the soil without interference.

Reapply if needed: For longer protection, a follow-up treatment in 6–8 weeks may be recommended, depending on the product.

Protect Your Lawn Investment

Healthy lawns don’t happen by accident—they’re cared for season by season. A well-timed pre-emergent application saves you the frustration of battling weeds later and keeps your grass thriving through the cooler months.

Stop by Hyams Garden Center to find the right pre-emergent for your specific lawn type and get expert advice on application. Let’s keep Charleston lawns beautiful together!

August 5, 2025 By Hyams Garden Center

Late Summer Refresh: Give Your Blooming Shrubs a Boost

As we move into the dog days of summer here in Charleston, even our most beloved garden favorites—like Hydrangeas, Buddleia (Butterfly Bushes), and Bush Roses—can start to look a little weary. You may notice their foliage becoming thin, spotty, or just generally tired. Don’t worry—this is completely natural for this time of year. The good news? A little late-summer TLC can make a big difference.

Time for a Gentle Cut-Back
Now is the perfect moment to give these shrubs a light trim. Cutting back can help remove spent or stressed growth, allowing the plant to redirect energy toward producing a clean, healthy flush of new foliage—and even a few late blooms, depending on the variety. This kind of light pruning also improves air circulation, which helps prevent fungal issues in our humid coastal climate.

Keep the Water Coming
With temperatures up and rainfall unpredictable, consistent deep watering is essential. Make sure the roots get a thorough soak, especially during dry spells. Watering deeply (rather than frequently and lightly) encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your plants more resilient to heat stress.

Pro Tip from Our Garden Experts
If you’re cutting back Hydrangeas, be sure to check which type you’re growing. Some varieties bloom on old wood, while others bloom on new growth—so pruning timing is key. If you’re unsure, snap a photo and bring it by—we’re happy to help.

Need the right tools for the job? We carry everything from quality pruning shears to organic fertilizers to give your garden the mid-season revival it needs.

Come see us at Hyams—Charleston’s home for all things garden since 1981.
Your late summer garden can still shine—let us help you keep it beautiful.

June 17, 2025 By Hyams Garden Center

Charleston Summer Colors: Bedding Plants That Beat the Heat

As the summer sun rises high over Charleston and the humidity thickens the air, many gardeners pause and wonder—what can possibly thrive in this heat?

The answer? A vibrant palette of summer bedding plants that love our Lowcountry climate and keep blooming beautifully all season long.

At Hyams Garden Center, we’re celebrating the summer garden with a curated collection of heat-tolerant, eye-catching favorites that will turn your beds, pots, and hanging baskets into a riot of color—even during the dog days.

Marigolds: Sunshine in Bloom

Bold, golden, and cheerful, marigolds are a summer staple. Their long-lasting blooms aren’t just beautiful—they’re also a natural deterrent to garden pests. Perfect for full sun and well-drained soil, they bring both charm and practicality.

Petunias: A Splash of Color

Whether you favor trailing varieties for baskets or compact ones for border beds, petunias are a classic for a reason. Available in just about every color imaginable, they bloom reliably through the summer with a little deadheading and love.

Zinnias: Easy Elegance

Zinnias thrive in the heat and dazzle with their jewel-toned blooms. These low-maintenance flowers are perfect for pollinator-friendly gardens and add drama to beds or containers with minimal effort.

Impatiens: Cool Color for the Shade

Have a shady porch or garden nook? Fill it with impatiens. These shade-loving stars come in a variety of colors and will happily brighten up areas where the sun takes a break.

Geraniums: Old-Fashioned Favorites

Known for their vivid blooms and sturdy demeanor, geraniums are as charming in a clay pot as they are lining a garden path. Many varieties can even be brought indoors during winter, making them a lasting addition.

Verbena: Pollinator Magnet

Delicate, lacy foliage and clusters of vibrant blooms make verbena a standout. These sun-loving plants are a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds, adding motion and life to your garden.

Hot Tip: Mix these heat-lovers in your containers and beds for a layered, colorful effect that carries your garden right through the Charleston summer. Don’t forget to mulch generously and water consistently to keep roots cool and happy.

Visit Hyams Garden Center to see these beauties in full bloom and let our team help you choose the best combinations for your space. Whether you’re planting a pollinator patch, brightening up a porch, or filling in garden gaps, we have everything you need to keep your summer garden thriving.

Let your garden glow this summer—come grow with us!