Bringing research-based knowledge directly into people’s homes and backyards is the goal of a new online video series being launched by the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University and ClemsonTV.
The opening episodes of the series called “The Garden Gate” feature Botanical Garden and Clemson Extension horticulture and wildlife experts imparting expertise on topics including hummingbird food and habitat, growing and pruning camellias, dividing perennials to share with friends and trimming monkey grass.
The videos are four to five minutes each and showcase the array of horticultural treasures, cultivated landscapes, natural woodlands and historical buildings found on the 295-acre Botanical Garden property.
Hosts include renowned naturalist and botanical garden director Patrick McMillan, best known as host of the Emmy Award-winning ETV show “Expeditions with Patrick McMillan.”
“The goal of these videos is to put the incredible knowledge of our Botanical Garden staff and Clemson Extension horticulture experts to work for people who want to enhance their gardening knowledge and learn about the universe of their own landscapes,” McMillan said.
Garden staff, including senior horticulturist John Bodiford, landscape manager Kathy Bridges, extension horticulturalist Bob Polomski, educational director Sue Watts and nursery manager Jeanne Briggs, bring their unique perspectives and knowledge to the series.
Future planned “how-to” episodes will include advice on creating a woodland, sowing warm season vegetables in flats and creating a children’s garden and activities.
“The Garden Gate” videos will be produced monthly and can be viewed on demand at http://tv.clemson.edu/channel/tiger_tips/the-garden-gate/ and on “Making It Grow,” the live, interactive horticulture program produced in Sumter by SCETV and Clemson University.