Gardening By Region

For gardeners in the coldest regions, winter marks the end of the growing season—a reprieve from dirty knees and garden spades. For others, winter is an opportunity to coax more color out of the ground. For example, gardeners in the South and coastal California can choose from a wealth of plants—annuals and perennials—that prefer cooler temperatures and feature beautiful flowers in winter. The following plants all offer winter flowers and a few can tolerate a little frost.

To promote the use of Mississippi-grown plants, the Mississippi Medallion Program annually recognizes three to five plants that perform exceptionally well throughout the state. The Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) established the program in 1996. Plant selections are evaluated by a committee and introduced to wholesale growers and Nursery Certified Professionals through MNLA's educational programs that promote their proper use in local landscapes.

The Texas Superstar Plants initiative highlights the best landscape plants for Texas by leveraging the expertise of top horticulturists and industry leaders. This collaborative program, with input from Texas A&M University, aims to promote these standout plants to consumers across the state. By working with nursery professionals, growers, and botanical experts, the initiative ensures only the most resilient and beautiful species are introduced to Texas gardens.

Superior woody and herbaceous plants for Kentucky landscapes are the focus of the Theodore Klein Plant Awards. Started in 1995, the program is named for superb plantsman Theodore Klein. He and his wife spent more than 60 years developing an exquisite private estate in Crestwood, Kentucky, with an extensive collection of rare plants. It later became Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. Each year, award-winners are selected by a panel of plant professionals representing Yew Dell, the Kentucky Nursery & Landscape Association, the University of Kentucky Landscape and Nursery Program, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. The purpose is to promote enthusiasm and interest among Kentucky gardeners

When plant professionals volunteer to sift through hundreds of plants, you can be certain they're motivated by passion. For the Georgia Plant Selections Committee, that passion is all about identifying the best landscape plants for Georgia gardens. Formed in 1993, this nonprofit is comprised of nurserymen, flower growers, garden center retailers, landscape professionals, botanical garden professionals, and faculty from the University of Georgia. The all-volunteer committee is committed to promoting the use of plants that are proven performers in Georgia. They look at six categories to select Georgia Gold Medal Plants: annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vines or groundcovers, and native plants. This invaluable tool for home gardeners takes the guesswork out of buying plants.

When plant professionals volunteer to sift through hundreds of plants, you can be certain they're motivated by passion. For the Georgia Plant Selections Committee, that passion is all about identifying the best landscape plants for Georgia gardens. Formed in 1993, this nonprofit is comprised of nurserymen, flower growers, garden center retailers, landscape professionals, botanical garden professionals, and faculty from the University of Georgia. The all-volunteer committee is committed to promoting the use of plants that are proven performers in Georgia. They look at six categories to select Georgia Gold Medal Plants: annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vines or groundcovers, and native plants. This invaluable tool for home gardeners takes the guesswork out of buying plants.