Lower South
September, 2011
Regional Report
Web Finds
Global Buckets
Global Buckets is an interesting web site about a unique method of growing plants in five-gallon buckets using a wicking system. Two young men with a goal to create a simple, inexpensive way to feed people and turn areas such as roof tops and wasteland into food production have created this simple system. Check out the web site and its interesting how-to videos!
Favorite or New Plant
Variegated Tapioca Plant
If you are looking for a show stopping summer foliage plant look no further than variegated tapioca plant or cassava (Manihot esculenta 'Variegata'). This tropical shrub is more of an annual for us in the Lower South but well worth including in landscape beds or large containers. The deeply lobed foliage is a riot of green with yellow strips down the center of each lobe. For added interest the leaves are held out from the stems on rather long red petioles. Provide a full sun to part shade location and moderately moist soil.
