The Tree | Stories & Scenes from Cold Creek Nurseries
4 Easy Pickling Recipes to Brighten Your Summer Table
Whether you’re new to pickling or a seasoned pro, these recipes are simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Store them in your fridge and let your taste buds thank you later. Happy pickling!
How to Make Your Cut Hydrangeas Last Longer
Hydrangeas are some of the most stunning flowers to bring indoors—their big, cloud-like blooms can brighten up any room. But if you've ever cut a few for a vase only to find them wilting within a day, you're not alone. The good news? With a few tricks, you can dramatically extend the vase life of cut hydrangeas and enjoy their beauty for days longer.
How to Make Eggplant Parmesan (Just Like My Family Does)
If there’s one dish that can bring my whole Italian family to the table with smiles and big appetites, it’s Eggplant Parmesan. It’s a labor of love—but worth every step. And like many family recipes, this one comes with a few opinions (and secret tricks). My Dad makes it best, and while I hate to admit it, his idea of adding white American cheese in the middle really is a game changer.
Change the Color of Your Hydrangeas: A Gardener’s Guide for Zone 8A
One of the most magical things about hydrangeas is their ability to change color depending on your soil's chemistry. If you’ve ever wished your pink hydrangeas were blue—or vice versa—you’re in luck. With a little patience and the right materials, you can influence your blooms in time for the next growing season.
Blueberries: Summer’s Little Gems Bursting with Flavor
Blueberry season is here, and we couldn’t be happier. These small but mighty berries are one of summer’s sweetest treasures—and our Market is stocked with the freshest, juiciest blueberries you’ll find, perfect for everything from breakfast to dessert and all the snacking in between.
Whether you enjoy them by the handful or baked into something special, there’s nothing quite like a blueberry picked at the peak of ripeness.
Green When Ripe: The Story and Flavor of True Green Tomatoes
Green-when-ripe tomatoes are a beautiful example of how diverse and flavorful heirloom-style produce can be. With their vibrant color, firm texture, and signature tang, they offer an exciting alternative to the standard tomato—and a refreshing new way to celebrate the season’s bounty.
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes: A Heirloom Rich in History and Flavor
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are more than just produce—they’re a piece of agricultural history with a flavor that speaks for itself. Come by the Market this week to bring home a few and experience what a real tomato should taste like.
Cooking with Bradford Collards: Classic & Creative Ways to Enjoy a Southern Heirloom
Once you’ve brought home a beautiful bunch of Bradford Collards from our Market, the question becomes: how best to enjoy them? These heirloom greens, grown with care right here in South Carolina, are flavorful, tender, and remarkably versatile.
Whether you prefer time-honored traditions or enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, Bradford Collards are a joy to cook with.
Bradford Collards: A South Carolina Heirloom with Deep Roots
The Bradford Collard is a traditional, non-hybrid variety that’s been passed down through generations of farmers in South Carolina. Unlike modern commercial collards bred for transport or shelf life, these are grown for one thing only: flavor.
Real Baby Carrots: A Seasonal Delight Worth Savoring
If you’ve only encountered “baby carrots” in plastic bags at the grocery store, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Those uniform, smooth-edged pieces are actually large carrots mechanically cut and polished down to size. At our Market, we offer the real thing—true baby carrots that are naturally small, freshly harvested, and full of flavor.
These tender young carrots, often still sporting their vibrant green tops, are a seasonal treasure that deserve a place in every well-appointed kitchen.
Perfectly Peachy: Fresh Ways to Enjoy Summer’s Sweetest Fruit
There’s nothing quite like the taste of a perfectly ripe peach—and at Cold Creek’s Market, we’ve got some of the juiciest, most flavorful peaches around, fresh from Dixie Belle in Johnston, SC and bursting with sunshine. Whether you’re stocking up for snacking or planning something special in the kitchen, peaches are one of our most versatile—and beloved—fruits.
DIY Tips for Irrigation, Fertilization, and Chemical Usage
Even if you have a lawn care company working on your property, there are still some things that you can do to help. Basic irrigation repair and adjustment can save you time and money by paying attention. If you find that this is too much for you to deal with, then contact us and let us show you what we can help with.
The Resilient Beauty of the Peggy Martin Rose: A Symbol of Hope and Renewal
When you plant a Peggy Martin Rose, you’re planting more than a flower—you’re planting a piece of history, a tribute to the human spirit, and a daily reminder that even after the storm, something beautiful can grow.
How to Build the Perfect Charcuterie Board with Market-Fresh Finds
Stop by Cold Creek’s Market and let us help you gather all the goods to build the ultimate board. Whether you’re entertaining ten or enjoying a cozy night in for two, we’ve got just what you need to make it special—from the first crunchy bite to the last sweet finish.
Because around here, a good spread starts with great ingredients—and we’ve got those in spades.
Planting on Good Friday: Folklore, Faith, and Garden Truths
According to folklore, plants grow better and bear more fruit when planted on Good Friday. It’s a long-standing belief, especially among gardeners in the southern U.S., that this holy day holds a touch of divine favor for new beginnings in the soil. But is there any truth to this tradition — or is it just a charming superstition?
Firefly Petunia Care Guide
The Firefly Petunia is unlike any other! With its soft, glowing bioluminescence, this plant creates a magical effect in your garden or home. To help your Firefly Petunia thrive and shine its brightest, follow these essential care tips.
The Key to a Healthier Lawn: The Power of Top Dressing
A lush, thriving lawn starts from the ground up, and one of the most effective ways to improve soil health is through top dressing with composted manure. This natural method enhances your lawn by supplying a wide range of nutrients, introducing beneficial microbes, and improving soil structure.
The Firefly Petunia: A Glowing Marvel for Your Garden
Imagine stepping outside on a warm summer evening, the soft glow of your garden creating a magical, moonlit ambiance. With the Firefly Petunia, that dream becomes a reality! This revolutionary petunia is unlike anything seen before—it actually glows at night, adding a mesmerizing touch to landscapes, patios, and hanging baskets.
Asparagus: Unique Ways to Enjoy It and How to Pick the Best Stalks
Asparagus is a versatile and healthy vegetable that can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or even using it raw, asparagus brings a fresh, vibrant flavor to your meals. If you’re wondering how to take your asparagus game to the next level, here are some unique ways to enjoy it, plus tips on how to pick out the best stalks at the store!
Sweet & Spicy: The Perfect Summer Cornbread with Fresh Corn & Jalapeños
Nothing says summer like the combination of sweet, golden corn and the zesty kick of fresh jalapeños. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ or looking for a side dish that steals the show, Jalapeño Cornbread is a must-try!