Sunny borders with bold, bright blooms catch the attention of everyone but if you have a garden with shade, do not worry; these areas can be lovely, too. There are perennials that boast exotic flowers and others with pretty leaf color. A shade garden can be cool and inviting and is a pleasant place to… … Read More
Montgomery

Montgomery column: Keeping azaleas beautiful, blooming
Few plants can rival the spectacular floral displays that are seen in azaleas (Rhododendron). The profusion of flowers, the vivid colors that are available, and their adaptability to different soil and climates makes them one of the most popular shrubs that we grow. It would not be springtime without azaleas, and this is especially true… … Read More

Montgomery column: Get hooked on planting tomatoes
Are you a fresh tomato lover? Do you enjoy eating a vine ripe, juicy tomato that is full of flavor? Well, I do and I guess I am a little bit of a tomato snob. I love a vine-ripe, heirloom tomato that might be a funny shape or even a funny color, ones that are… … Read More

Montgomery column: Peonies add beauty to spring gardens
Peonies are one of the most majestic flowers that I grow. Their beautiful blossoms are impressive and are fabulous additions to any garden. The flowers are elegant, the plants are long-lived and, when not in bloom, the bushes have foliage that looks pretty and graceful in the garden.The range of colors can be dark, rich… … Read More

Montgomery column: Little plants that add a special touch to a garden
Now that spring has arrived, delightful thoughts come to mind as I think of the magnificent plants that illuminate the garden. I love large shrubs that take center stage but I also adore those early perennials and minor bulbs that brighten smaller spaces. These are ones that are not grown as often, those rarer jewels… … Read More

Montgomery column: Flowering shrubs can wake up spring gardens
Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and the flowers are opening. As a child, I remember early spring as being a riot of color and the air being filled with the sound of birds singing louder as they returned after a cold winter. The air also had a… … Read More

Betty Montgomery: Pruning plants is important
February is a very busy time for me in the garden. Where I live, we have gotten more rain than normal and I have not been able to do as much pruning as usual so on the pretty days, I have had to do extra work to get it done. Pruning can give you a… … Read More

Meet Tia Montgomery of KC’s
Tia Montgomery moved to Fort Walton Beach one summer and liked it so much, she decided to stay. Now, 10 years later, she said she never could have dreamed of finding such a perfect place to live, and she counts her job bartending at KC’s Sandbar and Grille into that equation.“I’ve met literally the nicest… … Read More