Secrets of Southern Gardening

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener transplanted to Southern soil, this guide offers the reset button you need. In an era of viral gardening hacks and quick-fix landscape solutions, the South demands its own playbook – one built on solid science and real experience.

Drawing from three decades of professional experience developing botanical gardens, urban meadows, landscape designs, and small farm master plans, Jenks Farmer offers unvarnished advice and stories on the basics of successful plant growing. 

Known for his collaborative work, he brings together a team of expert horticulturists and ecologists who share their personal and professional advice in illuminating the vital role of ecologically sound landscaping and growing practices. To reflect the booming population of theSouth, he brings in New York Times’ garden writer and experts on challenges of urban expansion. 

Together, they cut through social media myths and landscaping industry shortcuts to deliver what actually works in Southern soil.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• How to decode Southern climate, soils and even a bit of history to and make them work for your

• Why Northern or Midwestern gardening practices need recalibration below the Mason-Dixon

• Ecologically friendly gardening practices that support local biodiversity

• Smart plant choices, from native species to climate-adapted varieties

• Money-saving techniques that work with our climate, not against it

• Chapters covering the basics of plant science augmented with real life stories of success and failures

Written with candor and enriched by the collective wisdom of the South’s leading horticultural minds, this book is your trusted companion for building garden confidence in Southern soil. From container gardens to full landscapes, you’ll learn the authentic techniques that create beautiful, resilient, and ecologically sound gardens that flourish through every season. 

Bookstores and shops, please email us to order multiple copies at bookstore pricing.   EMAIL NOW.   

Published by Jenks Farmer Publications 2025. Also available on Amazon.