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The George Lindley Taber variety of Indica azalea

Making It Grow Radio Minute
SC Public Radio

I went to Brookgreen Gardens recently where the drive in was at peak beauty with the Indica azaleas in full bloom. Some of the old Indica azaleas are named for people with curious histories. Among them are George Lindley Taber. George Lindley Taber was born in Maine, educated at Quaker schools and became a successful member of the Chicago Board of Trade. Sadly, his health was so poor that at twenty-seven his doctor told him that moving to a warmer climate might extend his life. After making a grand recovery in Jacksonville and developing an interest in plants, he bought property and established Glen Saint Mary Nurseries, run today by his great grandson Tab Taber. A sport from an existing azalea persisted and was introduced under his name, a beautiful light pink with striping on the upper petal.

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Amanda McNulty is a Clemson University Extension Horticulture agent and the host of South Carolina ETV’s Making It Grow! gardening program. She studied horticulture at Clemson University as a non-traditional student. “I’m so fortunate that my early attempts at getting a degree got side tracked as I’m a lot better at getting dirty in the garden than practicing diplomacy!” McNulty also studied at South Carolina State University and earned a graduate degree in teaching there.