Written by Justine Rushing Newman Photos by Rachel Wilson             Today, we’re talking topiaries!  I’d like to describe how we make your experience even more enjoyable at the Memphis Zoo through the wild world of plants!   We will also give you instructions on how to do the same at home!         Sedums in moss As you enter the plaza of the Memphis Zoo, you will see a line of... Read More

Twice a year, we change out our containers. There is always a theme to our containers. This year, our color scheme is purple and gold. When making these choices, we had gone through the greenhouse to see what were the strongest color matches. It just so happened that I had a yellow shrimp plant with purple heart underneath. Wow, just think of the possibilities.    I recently attended a Memphis Horticulture Society meeting on Container Gardening. The main thing that was taught:... Read More

Last summer, I had been given the assignment to bring some color to the Plaza/ Courtyard area of the Zoo. We were to have guests from all across the world to see our Zoo. So I quickly thought of bulbs. They can make it through any winter and come out absolutely beautiful in the spring. At the planning time, I did not know we would encounter such a cold blustery winter like we experienced. I salivated over the Brent’s and Becky’s Bulb catalog. There were four areas that I could add color to... Read More

Common Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana , is blooming now at Teton Lodge. It is growing in full sun in a well drained soil. There are several different varieties to check out. Upright, vase shaped, rounded bush, spreading, horizontal spreading, and weeping varieties.      Foliage Witch hazel has an upright growing habit. It can grow 12 feet tall and wide in our area. If you are looking to add fall color to your landscape, consider placing for the yellow gold... Read More

Winter honeysuckle or Lonicera fragrantissima is a wonderful shrub to add to your landscape. At the Memphis Zoo, we have it planted all throughout the zoo. It is a semi-deciduous shrub. It can get 10 feet tall and wide at maturity.  Maintenance To maintain a healthy looking shrub, every other year take out the biggest limb at the base of the shrub. This will allow young growth to expand and mature. You do not need to trim the top unless to keep it at a certain height. It is best... Read More