Do you often find it a challenging to grow perennials in the heat and humidity of the south? In this episode we talk with Kata Kress Wallace about the best ways to overcome those challenges.

It’s no secret that perennials love the full sun, but what about those dry shady gardens? She’ll shed some light on that.

Kata shares some simple low maintenance techniques that will be well worth your efforts and she also throws in a deer reptant fun fact.

Living in Durham North Carolina Kata has the opportunity to interact with thousands of gardeners as the southeastern product manager for Walters Gardens.

She has been closely tied to the nursery industry all throughout her life. Her father owns a nursery in Austria named Sarastro Stauden that specializes in unique and rare plants.

Kata came to the United States interning at Plant Delights Nursery with Tony Avent after earning a master’s degree in Geography and Spanish.

She also led international crews at Hoffman Nursery as Garden Coordinator and production Supervisor responsible for producing millions of grass liners.

In 2019 she received the Young Professional Award from the Perennial Plant Association and was named to the Greenhouse Product News 40 Under 40 Class of 2020.

Time Line

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Overcoming Challenges of Growing Perennials in the South

01:15 Meet Kata Kress Wallace: A Gardening Expert

02:29 The Popularity and Genetics of Perennials

03:19 Tips for Successful Perennial Gardening

04:45 Challenges and Solutions for Southern Gardeners

13:34 The Process of Introducing New Plants to the Market

20:40 Breeding and Trialing New Perennial Varieties

26:18 Deer Resistance and Dry Shade Gardening

29:41 Choosing the Right Perennials for Your Garden

30:46 Top Pollinator Plants to Consider

32:30 Heucheras: Tips and Tricks

34:48 Maintenance Practices for Perennials

38:34 Dividing and Replanting Perennials

40:07 Designing a Low-Irrigation Landscape

43:10 Personal Gardening Stories and Lessons

45:15 Insights on Horticulture and Gardening

52:13 Walter's Gardens and Final Thoughts