January and February gave us the State of the Union address and the State of the State address – important stuff. But, for a Southerner, there are specific, important areas of life in these United States that these addresses didn't cover – areas that we need to check on once in a while. So, in early 2019, what is the State of Southern Cuisine?

Is it still making inroads in the food ways of other sections of the country? Are chain restaurants affecting what people in the South call ‘Southern Food?’ Who is innovating Southern Cuisine while staying true to traditions?

Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow.

Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. I was outside cutting magnolia to make a Christmas wreath and stopped to admire the flowers on one of my loquat trees. Loquat has a melodious scientific name, Eriobotrya japonica, and is sometimes called Japanese plum.

Clemson Extension Agent Barbara Smith from the Clemson Home and Garden Information Center takes us to Timms Mill in Pendleton, SC and introduces us to the Wortham family. Timms Mill was originally built on the banks of the Six and Twenty Creek in 1784 and was in continuous use until 1960. Dr. David and Lisa Wortham purchased the property in 2001 and began the restoration process. Today, it grinds grits and cornmeal on Wednesdays and Saturdays for local restaurants, produce stands or for those who stop by.

Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. There is a huge push to grow native plants in an effort to help pollinators. But don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater – some of our most beloved non-natives are important food sources, too. Right now, camellias are coming into their glory.

During Making It Grow's 25th Anniversary at the Sumter Opera House, Clemson Extension Agent and Host Amanda McNulty talked with the Clemson Extension Agent Vicky Bertagnolli and Dr. John Nelson from the University of South Carolina AC Moore Herbarium.

During Making It Grow's 25th Anniversary at the Sumter Opera House, the special musical guest "6 Chickens and a Beer" play another song for the audience.

During Making It Grow's 25th Anniversary at the Sumter Opera House, Clemson Extension Agents Terasa Lott and Katie Altman discuss tips to help conserve water.

During Making It Grow's 25th Anniversary at the Sumter Opera House, Clemson Extension Agent and Host Amanda McNulty talked with the Clemson Extension Agents Cory Tanner and Chase Smoak.

During Making It Grow's 25th Anniversary at the Sumter Opera House, Clemson Extension Agent and Host Amanda McNulty talked with former host Rowland Alston, former chat room host Debbie Hayes from Outdoor Appearance and Clemson Extension Agent Tony Melton.