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Carolina Grower

Nursery & landscape intelligence.

Plant healthNursery businessDesignWeather & waterOpinion

A demonstration, not an existing client publication. Built and operated by Desk. Source-based news briefs and clearly labeled sample perspectives, with illustrative photos and non-clickable previews.

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Phil Hearing / Unsplash

Landscape planning

Fall offers a second planting season in eastern North Carolina

Beaufort County Extension describes how autumn planting gives roots time to establish before summer heat, with opportunities to refresh landscapes.

NC Cooperative Extension · Sept. 28, 2026

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Rachel Clark / Unsplash

Your perspective

Op-Ed: Plant knowledge is part of the sale

Plant selection should come with practical guidance on site conditions, watering, and long-term care. Better information can help nurseries build customer confidence and lasting relationships.

Fictional nursery and landscape association leader. Demonstration contributor.

Demonstration op-ed

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · snake v. / Unsplash

Design

Garden soundscapes enter the therapeutic horticulture toolkit

NC State Extension outlines how plant selection, water and natural sounds can shape sensory experiences in therapeutic garden settings.

NC State Extension · Oct. 1, 2026

In the edition

News, developments & your perspective
Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Maria Stewart / Unsplash

Plant selection

Extension takes a closer look at “low-maintenance” plants

A new NC State gardening article examines the low-maintenance label, bringing plant selection and landscape expectations into focus.

NC State Extension · Oct. 2, 2026

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Rachel Clark / Unsplash

Plant health

Boxwood guidance distinguishes nematode damage from drought stress

An updated Extension resource explains why yellowing and dieback can be misleading and describes laboratory assessment of soil and roots.

NC State Extension · 2026

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Julie Blake Edison / Unsplash

Seasonal operations

September guidance sets out fall landscape priorities

Warren County Extension reviews seasonal yard care and planting considerations as growers and property owners prepare for cooler weather.

NC Cooperative Extension · Sept. 8, 2026

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Julie Blake Edison / Unsplash

Native plants

Chatham sale puts local native plant nurseries in the spotlight

Extension’s September announcement brought together native plant vendors for its annual sale, connecting growers with customers seeking regionally suited plants.

NC State Extension · Sept. 8, 2026

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Julie Blake Edison / Unsplash

Your perspective

Letter to the Editor: Make room for the next generation of growers

A call for more hands-on learning, mentoring, and visible career paths in nursery and landscape work. Experienced growers have knowledge worth passing on.

Demonstration letter

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Julie Blake Edison / Unsplash

Conservation

Extension flags October 30 conservation application deadline

NC FarmLink shared the fiscal 2027 NRCS application window, giving producers an upcoming date to review conservation assistance opportunities.

NC State Extension · Sept. 18, 2026

More to know

News & opinion
Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Jan Stead / Unsplash

Professional development

Plant professional training combines classroom work and live identification

Extension’s 2026 preparation program scheduled four August training days ahead of the NC Nursery & Landscape Association’s September certification exam.

NC Cooperative Extension · May 12, 2026

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Julie Blake Edison / Unsplash

Regional events

Forsyth field day expands its native plant focus

The 2026 event was scheduled at the county’s new Extension center in Tobaccoville, with nursery vendors and education on pawpaws and native landscapes.

NC Cooperative Extension · July 30, 2026; updated Sept. 4

Plants and nursery production: illustrative photograph
Illustrative photo · Julie Blake Edison / Unsplash

Your perspective

Op-Ed: Long-term care belongs in landscape planning

An argument for considering maintenance, water needs, and future growth when planning a landscape. A successful installation should be supported by a realistic plan for what comes next.

Demonstration op-ed