Narrator> Making It Grow is brought to you in part by Certified South Carolina.

This cooperative effort among farmers, retailers and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture helps consumers identify foods and agricultural products that are grown, harvested or raised right here in the Palmetto State.

McLeod Farms in McBee, South Carolina, family owned and operated since 1916.

This family farm offers seasonal produce, including over 40 varieties of peaches.

Wesley Commons, a full service continuing care retirement community located on more than 150 wooded acres in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Additional funding provided by the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Bureau Insurance and Boone Hall Farms.

♪ ♪ ♪ > Well, Boo!

It's "Halloween Show."

Welcome to Making It Grow .

We're so happy you can be with us tonight.

We're gonna have a lot of fun tonight.

And still answer some questions, don't worry about that.

I'm Amanda McNulty, I'm a Clemson Extension Agent.

I'm here with my co-host, Terasa Lott, who is a... a very peculiar looking... member of the pine- You're a member of the Pinaceae family, right?

> That is right, Amanda.

So I wanted to make sure that my costume... kind of related to South Carolina and the forestry industry is important in South Carolina's economy.

So I haven't quite decided which species of pine I am.

We'll just go with a rendition.

And I'd like to have a shout out to my friend Anita, who spent at least three hours attaching the scales to my dress.

And we, brought back my squirrel friend <Yeah> from last year.

I was a, oak tree last year.

So, I have the squirrel now.

This year, the squirrel has a pine cone.

Amanda> Squirrels, will eat a lot of stuff won't they?

[laughter] Terasa> They sure will.

And, you know, it looks like you might be going a little batty today.

Amanda> Well, I'm usually, I'm battier than usual, I guess.

And, October's National Bat Month.

Isn't that fun?

And they just do so many wonderful things for us.

And, you know, they get things out of the air, but they also can go down and take insects off plants.

And apparently they just have this wonderful, relationship with, for farmers because they give millions dollars, worth of, you know, pest control.

Yeah.

Things we don't want.

Isn't that wonderful?

Terasa> It really is.

And, sometimes bats evoke a little bit of fear.

Maybe because of the unknown, they're out in the evening.

And for some reason, the evening is scary, I don't know why.

But maybe this helps our viewers to, recognize some of the beneficial roles that bats play.

Amanda> And they really should read about them worldwide.

There are some that are, that do- I mean, there's some fruit bats.

And so they spread seeds all over the place.

And then there are others- And then there's some teeny, teeny, teeny, tiny ones, and then there's some that are about this big.

They are, a fascinating group of mammals.

Terasa> That's right.

Amanda> How about that?

Amanda> Yeah, with wings.

Yeah, yeah.

Anyway.

Anyway, I'm so glad that you are here with us.

And Carmen Ketron, who's down there in Darlington and Florence.

You're an Urban Hort.

Agent.

But today you are, somebody who's going to keep the, crows out of the field.

> Yeah, I came as a little scarecrow.

<Okay> My favorite garden amendment inside of, the, spooky season.

So, we love having a little scarecrow as some decoration.

Amanda> I think people used to use scarecrows a good bit didn't they?

Carmen> Yes, there's a lot of use for scarecrows and making sure they get into popular culture.

And so it's a, it's something almost ubiquitous in the garden these days.

So I thought I'd give homage.

Amanda> I'm so glad you are.

And you said, "If you have one, you need to... it needs to do its 50,000 steps a day or something."

Carmen> Exactly.

We got to move them around.

They're not as great if they just stay standing there.

<Okay> So moving them around is fun.

Get them steps in.

Amanda> Yeah.

Well, I'm so glad that you came as a scarecrow.

Thank you so very much.

And Doctor John Nelson, the Retired Curator at the A.C.

Moore Herbarium up at the University of South Carolina.

And you came as someone <Ja> whose language, a country whose language you studied a while back.

> Yes.

And, today I'm a German.

<Okay> I'm a German, and I'm hoping to bring a little, Gemutlichkeit to Making It Grow.

Amanda> And, I don't know what, Gemutlichkeit... blah, blah, blah, blah means.

Dr.

Nelson> Well... [laughter] Gemutlichkeit is a noun.

<Yeah> And it has- It's not real easy to translate into English, but it speaks to a sort of cozy, warm feeling wherever you are.

Amanda> Oh, okay.

Well that's cool.

Yeah, fun, fun.

Well, I'm so glad you came.

And I think you borrowed that shirt from a friend?

Dr.

Nelson> From one of my neighbors.

Amanda> Okay.

Dr.

Nelson> And, Yeah.

Amanda> So I don't know what the, leather on the, on your shoulders is all about- Dr.

Nelson> I don't know what that means, either.

But it's got a lot of buttons.

Amanda> Yeah, yeah.

Buttoned up Germans.

Dr.

Nelson> Buttoned up.

Amanda> Okay, well, you can be a little unbuttoned today.

I think, if I know you from past experience, I ain't expecting somebody to be too buttoned up.

Okay?

[laughter] Dr.

Nelson> Well, these buttons are sort of hard to, deal with so I'm not going to mess with them.

Amanda> Okay.

Thanks for being here.

Okay.

And we have a fun- Oh, gosh, we have so much fun in what you're going to watch today.

These 4-H, Agents came and brought these kids with these fur and feathers.

They had... rabbits and chickens and things and, I mean, to tell you, they had costumes, they could do- They showed us how they, teach them to do things.

How you teach a chicken to do something?

It's a mystery to me.

But these chickens had learned to do a few things, which I think is pretty amazing.

And, so you have a treat in store for you, I promise, I promise.

And you also have a treat because Terasa has "Gardens of the Week."

Terasa> Well, it's not me, but it's our viewers, like you who submitted photos.

We made a special call for "Gardens of the Week" in keeping with our fall or Halloween theme, and there were far too many to talk about each one, so we've put together a montage or a collection.

I hope you enjoy.

♪ ♪ ♪ Wonderful fall decorations, complete with pumpkins and mums.

And I hope no one was scared.

We threw in a few spiders at the end because of course, spiders are associated with Halloween.

I hope it didn't give you the heebie-jeebies.

But like bats, spiders can play beneficial roles in the ecosystem systems where they reside.

We can always appreciate things by learning more about them, right?

We fear the things that we don't know.

We fear the unknown.

So I encourage you, if any little, creature gives you kind of that scary feeling, just learn more about them and perhaps you'll be able to knock some of that fear down.

Amanda> And I think, at HGIC we have a fun thing you can read about big gardens- "Big Spiders in the Garden."

I love reading that.

It was fascinating.

Terasa> That's right.

Yes.

And, they can be very beautiful.

Some are quite ornate themselves or have ornate webs that we can appreciate as well.

Amanda> Stabilimentum, not thumb, stabilimentum.

I practiced saying it a lot, with the ones who make patterns in it.

Terasa> The writing spider.

<Writing spiders> Amanda> Yeah, there are a couple of them.

And, I mean, some of them are big, big fellas.

I mean... or girls, because I think the females are the real big ones aren't they?

And the males kind of run in and out and try not to get eaten up.

<Yeah> Anyway.

Terasa> Well, Carmen, how about June does she like to get out and enjoy creatures?

Is she scared of spiders?

Carmen> No, she loves them.

And we've got her saying- She can do cricket.

Everything else is a bug.

But she knows cricket.

[laughter] She'll go hide out and do the cricket.

But we have lots of other kind of, spooky, creepy thing- Lots of frogs, lots of toads.

<Yeah> Amanda> You need to remind people who June is.

She's not your dog.

Carmen> Oh, no, she's not.

But my dog loves the frogs, too.

<Okay> But my little two-year-old girl, it's a lot of fun.

Amanda> And she's a real outdoorsy person.

Oh, yeah, she'll go and she'll follow them as they hop along.

Amanda> So does she like daddy long-legs?

Carmen> She loves daddy long-legs.

Amanda> Aren't they fun?

Carmen> Yeah, she loves daddy long-legs.

Amanda> Yeah, and I don't- Anyway it's, whatever it is.

But they're fun.

Carmen> Oh, lots of fun.

And we love to find the writing spiders <Yeah> and go find their webs and appreciate them.

Amanda> Oh, okay.

Well Carmen, sometimes we can help some people with a problem.

I don't know if these guys- John is, we'll just see what he can do, but, he might talk about something exciting.

Terasa> Well, let's see if we have any questions waiting in the queue.

Turns out, Ashley from Sumter wrote to us and said, "I constantly have birds and other creatures in the garden pecking at my plants.

Do scarecrows work to deter them?"

Well, aren't we lucky- Amanda> Well duh.

Terasa> To have a scarecrow on the panel today.

Amanda> But people do have, you know- And if there's less open space, people, I mean animals are even more drawn to what, what is available and of course, birds... So what do you think?

What are some of the good strategies Carmen?

Carmen> Well, this is the time when a lot of our creatures are foraging around and they're usually foraging for whatever is left in the garden.

And so, historically, scarecrows have been a great deterrent for your garden patch.

We've started to get more tech savvy, though.

They've got things like, if you ever see the, the used car dealerships- Amanda> The blow up thing.

Carmen> Yes!

We've got, some of our home growers that went and bought those and use those as a deterrent.

But you can get as sophisticated- Amanda> I mean, I think of the garden as tranquil, That's not very tranquil.

[laughter] Carmen> They're there for production value.

A lot of people- But a nice tranquil garden, especially in the urban area, that's good.

But some of the bigger production operations use things like sound cannons, laser beams, <Ah> all sorts of stuff that are the new, improved scarecrow.

But for a home garden, you can still dress up a really cute little scarecrow.

The big trick is you've got to know what's eating your plants.

<Oh> So like a bunny, a bunny is not going to be technically scared of a scarecrow.

Cause you only see it every so, from a far distance.

But a deer, a deer can see this, me hanging out in the garden.

Amanda> Yeah.

That's true.

Carmen> So you have to make sure you know what's munching so you know what to turn, to use.

Additionally, multiple sensory deterrents are going to be our best option.

So a visual sensory like this, that's good.

But if it can also have some type of a sound or noise that or... that's going to be the best.

Amanda> So movement maybe and sound and... the visual, will all be good.

Carmen> Yeah, and then of course physical deterrents are usually the best, but some people even will have... as a water shooter too attached to, a movement sensor.

So when a creature comes through, they can shoot a little water cannon at them.

It's kind of crazy where it goes.

But the number one thing you got to remember is move your deterrents around, because they will get really comfortable with it if you just have a stagnant scarecrow as we talked about earlier.

Amanda> They're smart than we give them credit.

Carmen> Oh, they're very, very smart.

Amanda> Okay.

All right.

Well, we're happy that you brought that- Dr.

Nelson> Seems like you could also get four or five dachshunds to put in your garden.

Carmen> Oh, yeah.

[laughter] Exactly.

Other, predator deterrents really do help.

That's where, not just a scarecrow, but owls and, decoys.

<Right> They really can make a big difference.

Yep.

And then a smell also does have some deterrent factors, but you got to keep reapplying it.

And different scents will have different impacts, depending.

Amanda> Okay.

Thanks a lot.

We appreciate it.

Yeah, yeah.

Alrighty.

Thanks a lot.

Well, Terasa?

Terasa> Let's see what we have next.

Amanda> With your orange computer.

Terasa> It's... that's the, it's costume.

[laughter] This one comes in from Paula in Columbia.

Who said, "I hear you talk about the 'sunflower' family and the 'Aster' family, aren't they the same thing?

What exactly is a plant family?"

Amanda> Well, gosh.

Dr.

Nelson> I guess that one's for me.

Amanda> I guess it is.

Well, I guess first of all, it's a grouping.

I mean, I have a family, you know, you have a family, you have a family... and we're related somehow.

Dr.

Nelson> Right.

So, in biology, and especially plant biology, a family would be a group of related genera.

And of course, genera are made up of related species.

So you see, there's a hierarchy of this classification business.

But... the Aster family, is the same thing as the sunflower family.

<Okay> If you wanted to call it the Chrysanthemum family or the ragweed family, you could.

I mean, those are just common names.

Amanda> Sure.

I don't think anybody wants to talk a lot about the ragweed family.

Dr.

Nelson> Yet it's a very important group of plants.

Amanda> Okay.

[fakes coughing sounds] [laughter] Dr.

Nelson> Hey, I'm number one- Amanda> To know about that.

Dr.

Nelson> -victim of ragweed pollen.

But what botanists will want to call the, Aster, the sunflower or Aster family is the Asteraceae.

And that's the official name.

Amanda> And you don't say "Asteraceae family," you just say "Asteraceae."

Dr.

Nelson> Right.

Because Asteraceae, saying "Asteraceae family" means- Amanda> Nelson, Nelson.

Dr.

Nelson> Right.

It means Aster family, family.

Amanda> Yeah, okay.

Dr.

Nelson> So, yeah.

The thing about it though... listeners to this show or watchers of this show, adherence to Making It Grow, will sometimes hear this word "composites."

Amanda> Yeah, we do sometimes say that.

Dr.

Nelson> Composity, and that the reason for that word, in relation to the sunflowers and Asters is that typically- And I've got an example here.

Amanda> Oh, okay.

I bet you got a couple of them.

Dr.

Nelson> Yeah.

And look- Amanda> And here's a member of the insect.

Got an ant walking here.

Dr.

Nelson> Oh, yeah.

And then... And, Carmen, helped me get this stuff for today's show and tell.

Amanda> Thank you, Carmen.

Dr.

Nelson> And, this particular stuff is a good example of what's going on with the, the family.

In that, typically there will be a head of flowers.

It's not just a single flower that you see at the ends of these little branches.

<Oh> But each one of these heads is wrapped up in, like, a series of little green bracts.

And if you, look closely, you'll see that there's actually two different kinds of flowers making up this head.

Amanda> Although we would think that was a flower.

Just one flower but it's a lot of flowers.

Dr.

Nelson> We think this whole thing is one flower.

But don't make me count them up.

But these little strappy yellow things- Amanda> The pretty things, the petals, we call them.

Dr.

Nelson> They're not petals.

They're actually... the fused petals of single flowers.

And they're called "ray flowers" because they look, kind of like they radiate out- Amanda> Like, the ray of sunshine, kind of.

Dr.

Nelson> Right.

And if you tear this thing open, like using my little fingers as dissecting tools.

It's a little bit, tarry filling.

You'll see that on the inside, are another series of flowers and those are tubular.

They're not shaped like the ray flowers.

So that, what happens is that, we got two different kinds of flowers in this single head.

So this is probably like, I don't know, I can't count them, right?

I don't have my glasses on.

60 or 70 single flowers, right here.

Amanda> In the middle?

Dr.

Nelson> And around the edge.

Amanda> And around the edge.

Dr.

Nelson> So all total.

It's a composite group of small little flowers.

Amanda> Well, how many are going to make seeds?

Dr.

Nelson> It depends on with some of the, species, the ray flowers don't make seeds.

Only the disk flowers, the ones on the inside.

<Okay> But it gets a little bit complicated.

<Okay> But, so sure enough, if you grow sunflowers, big old, crazy sunflowers, when you look at those crunchy things on the inside, those, of course, are the seeds.

<Okay> And each one of those had a disk flower up on top of it.

Amanda> Okay.

Fun.

Dr.

Nelson> And of course, you know, this is... Camphorweed.

That's the name of it.

Amanda> Camphorweed?

Does it smell funny?

Dr.

Nelson> It does- You know, here it smells a little bit camphor-ish, aromatic, but each one of the little flowers, of course, will have- Amanda> Ooh it smells real good!

Interesting.

Dr.

Nelson> It's like camphor.

<Yeah> Each one of these little flowers will of course make a seed at the bottom where the ovary- Amanda> Let them smell it too.

Dr.

Nelson> Oh, yeah, yeah.

<Ooh> Have a good smell.

Amanda> I mean, I wouldn't want it for perfume, but- Dr.

Nelson> It's- Amanda> Okay.

And so how tall is that, that plant?

Dr.

Nelson> It gets to be as you know- Amanda> You said it was kind of tall- Dr.

Nelson> It can be tall.

Sometimes, they're just teeny-tiny.

Amanda> How far, is this found in a lot of places?

Dr.

Nelson> All over the state.

Amanda> Oh, it is?

Dr.

Nelson> Oh, yeah.

It's in every parking lot, you know, edge around.

<Oh> But it's also, it's a native species, so.

It likes to grow in- Amanda> It's nice that it's not hard to grow.

Dr.

Nelson> Most people don't really pay it any attention because it's kind of a bore and a weed.

Amanda> I don't know, it looks like... a lot of yellow flowers are, and if you want to bring some in the kitchen, put them in a glass on the table.

Dr.

Nelson> I mean, I think it's pretty cool.

Amanda> You just find- Carmen> The viewers will probably check it out now.

That's the best part.

<Yeah> Now, you're going to be driving by and you're gonna see them on the highway and be like, "Ahh, I know what that is."

Amanda> And you can mush it up and see how it smells.

<Yeah> So that's how plants sometimes get common names.

Dr.

Nelson> Right.

So Camphorweed.

Amanda> Thank you.

And what's the big name?

Dr.

Nelson> Oh, the big name is, it is a big name.

Heterotheca subaxillaris.

Amanda> Heterotheca subaxillaris.

Dr.

Nelson> Right.

Amanda> What all does that mean?

Dr.

Nelson> Well, the Heterotheca part means that there's a... Hetero means "different."

<Yeah> Theca means, refers to the, the little bracts that surround the flower.

Amanda> Okay, okay.

Dr.

Nelson> I don't know why it's called subaxillaris.

Amanda> Who knows?

Those crazy botanist, you don't know what- Dr.

Nelson> It doesn't matter.

Amanda> Yeah, yeah.

Okay.

Thank you very, very much.

Dr.

Nelson> You're very welcome.

Amanda> Okay.

Ah.

Well, well... nutty person over there, pine, pinecone person.

Spiny person.

Are you spiny today?

We don't want to get too close and get prickled.

Terasa> Depending on who you ask I might be spiny everyday, or prickly everday.

<Yeah> I don't know.

Amanda> And you are a male pinecone, right?

Terasa> I don't- Amanda> Female pinecones are real little, right?

Terasa> I think I would be the female cone, right?

The male cones are not very showy.

They're like... I'd be the female seed bearing- Amanda> Oh that's right, I'm sorry.

Of course because you have seeds.

Yeah, yeah.

Duh.

Okay.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Okay.

[laughter] Whatever you are, we're thrilled to have you.

Terasa> That's a whole 'nother botany lesson- Amanda> Yeah, we could talk about that.

Terasa> Well, speaking of, I've noticed that our set is beautifully decorated, and I believe Carmen had a hand in that.

Maybe you can tell us a little bit more about, what we have and where they came from.

Carmen> I sure can.

These were given to us by, the Kirven Farms, The Grumpy Pumpkin out of Darlington, South Carolina.

Amanda> But don't let that keep you from going there, because they're such nice, fun people.

Carmen> No, they're so- They're wonderful, fabulous people.

They let me prance through the field and pick whatever we wanted to decorate the beautiful set.

Amanda> And they didn't have any water jets that came out and got you.

[laughter] Carmen> No, they didn't.

<Okay> In fact, they said it was such a wonderful year, for growing pumpkins.

And a lot of people do not think that we can grow pumpkins in South Carolina.

Amanda> It used to be a lot, like when I was... a young horticulture student back in the dark days.

It was hard to, but I think, people have been doing lots of genetic research and- Carmen> They've made really great strides in a lot of the breeding techniques.

And I want to just show you- Amanda> There's so many different kinds.

Carmen> This one they call "corn cob."

And isn't it lovely?

<Yeah> You just want to eat it.

You want me to eat it?

Amanda> Yeah, yeah.

[biting and chewing sounds] Okay.

Carmen> These are actually, sugar deposits right here.

I think that's quite delicious.

Amanda> Ooh, we have to look that up.

That sounds fun.

Carmen> But we have, corn cob rows.

We also have a lot of French heirloom varieties, that do really well down here.

These are the fairy tale type pumpkins that have been selectedly breeded, bred, just like you said.

They are often the funky ones.

Weird like, blues, whites, fun pinks.

They are normally a little bit flatter.

They have a deeper lobe to them, so they don't look like the traditional pie pumpkin like you've got right there.

Amanda> But you said they're like Cinderella's- Carmen> I say, I think they look like a Cinderella pumpkin.

Amanda> Yeah, that's fun.

Carmen> So it's really fun.

Amanda> And they come in a lot of fun colors?

Carmen> Lots of fun colors, lots of fun shapes and sizes.

You can stack them for all the decorations.

Amanda> Now, if I got some seeds and planted them.

Would I get a variety of colors or would they probably be all be the same.

Carmen> They're gonna all be the same because you're gonna, select for that specific variety.

Amanda> So I should plant a couple of different ones if I want different colors.

Okay.

Next year.

Carmen> Yes, the nice folks at Kirven, have planted over 40 varieties this year.

<Wow!> That do really, really well.

So it's a lot of... it's a lot and lot of fun.

It does require a lot of water, and lots of room, because they are, that vining cucurbit.

Amanda> To make a fruit that big.

Carmen> Yep, make sure that you have at least ten, twenty feet in every direction if you're doing it in the garden.

<Okay> That's the big, that's the big trick.

But you can have a lot of fun growing them and enjoying them.

And even though they look a little bit weird, these are also delicious to eat.

So, they might not be a good carving pumpkin, but they taste almost more like a butternut squash, so you can actually make it, get your pumpkins out of it.

Amanda> And you can do the seeds.

I love pumpkin seeds!

Carmen> I love pumpkin seeds!

Amanda> Aren't they the bomb?

Carmen> Yes!

And a lot of these are very seedy.

So they make, very, very good all around edibles.

Amanda> And that's a weird looking little thing.

Carmen> Isn't that one fun?

It looks like a little tulip.

I was thinking I would cut her out and then put soup in her, like a little bowl.

Amanda> Oh, and you could use it, use the flesh of the other ones to make some soup.

Yeah, cool.

<Yeah> And, you know, I was at the Native Plant Society, recently- I had the most wonderful time If y'all haven't been to- Y'all ought to look up the South Carolina Native Plant Society.

It's just a wonderful, cool bunch of people.

And, you know, there's such a push towards native plants now, for good, good reasons, you know.

And, I had a wonderful time.

And somebody down there told me that our very own Rob Last is doing huge amounts of pumpkin genetic work or something like that.

Isn't that fun?

Our own Rob.

I just am so excited to hear that.

Carmen> He's into all the cool stuff.

He does a lot of lavender work, that's also very fun.

Amanda> Yeah, he's, is the one who told us, when we went down to that lavender farm down in... near, wherever it was- Dr.

Nelson> Barnwell.

Terasa> King George Lavender Farm.

Amanda> Wasn't that fun?

Yeah.

Because, now there are different, varieties because it used to be, you just weren't going to be having any lavenders in South Carolina because, I mean, it's too hot and humid and... now you can.

Well, and I want to say something, if it's okay.

You know, everybody wants to plant apples and things like that.

Well, you can't grow apples in South Carolina except way up in the mountains.

And... we have some wonderful people who do grow them up there, and it's a great thing.

But this is a wonderful backyard fruit.

It's not native, but it is so much fun.

And this is an Asian non-astringent.

And non-astringent means that... you're not going to go [slurping sounds] It's not gonna turn your mouth inside out.

Our native persimmons which are male and female.

The females... have, fruit and you have to wait almost till they fall on the ground because, I mean, otherwise they will really- And if you ever, I mean, turn your mouth inside out is a weird description, but it's true.

Anyway, and... but they're great for wildlife.

But anyway, these, are great for human wildlife, and so, they're really- They don't have any pests except deer.

And, they're lots of different, cultivars, and most of them have, Asian names.

But they just, they're beautiful and they just get riper and softer and softer.

But even right now, they are... [chewing sound] delicious.

I'm gonna pass these around and look how pretty these leaves are.

And... I think they're in the Ebenaceae And so, when I see our native persimmons, I can recognize them because they have black spots on the leaves.

And I think, that persimmon trees were used to make the black keys on... pianos.

<Mhm> Is that right, John?

Which is all kind of fun.

Isn't it fun how one little ol' plant could have so many fun- Isn't that good?

Carmen> That is delicious.

Amanda> Easy as pie.

You just have to get them before the deer.

Carmen> And they're great, like you said they're great for the backyard.

They don't get too, too terribly tall.

Amanda> They're not too big, even I can pick them.

Dr.

Nelson> Very tasty.

Amanda> Isn't that good?

Glad you liked it.

And they just get, they get sweeter as they get softer.

But I mean, I think this is perfectly delicious, don't you?

Yeah, I'm kind of thinking about what, you know- Terasa is a marvelous person at making fruits and preserves and things.

So I'm putting that bug in your ear, Terasa.

I bet there's something fun that we could do with them.

Don't you think?

Terasa> I'm sure there is.

I will say that I'm not very creative, though.

I usually have to find a recipe.

So I can... Amanda> You know what?

There's... everybody's, yeah.

Because there's such an interest in preserving and canning now, don't you think?

Terasa> There is.

Kind of a resurgence.

You know, there were some things that came out of the Covid pandemic that I think were positive.

And one of those was maybe, getting back into growing at least a few things in your backyard and then preserving as well.

Amanda> Or going to the market when there's a plethora of things there and bringing them home.

And don't we have some pretty good websites at Clemson about canning and all?

Terasa> Yes.

Yes, absolutely.

Part of our Home and Garden Information Center is about, preservation.

There is an extension agent- Amanda> Not just plants?

Terasa> Right, not just plants.

Yeah, there's an extension agent there as well who can answer questions.

And of course, we have, food systems and safety agents stationed across the state.

So, doing our best to get that information into your hands so you can, successfully and safely preserve food.

Amanda> And what is the world- You know, who needs something else to hang in their closet or another pair of underpants for your underwear drawer?

I mean, you know, and, anyway- And so, a homemade gift is just the nicest thing you can do.

I think, it means so much more than something you know, ordered at the last minute, and, so- Dr.

Nelson> Or a gift card.

Amanda> Oh a gift card- Carmen> That I always lose.

Amanda> Boring.

[laughter] And so I think, and it doesn't have to be real complicated.

The jellies and all are real easy.

And then other things are... or just a baked good.

Yeah, yeah.

I'm waiting for you to make some more baked good for us.

Carmen> That's a sly way to get it in there.

[laughter] Terasa> Now, since it's on air for everyone to see, I guess you'll hold me to that.

Amanda> I am, I am.

Terasa is some kind of baker.

And your Grandmamma, was from England, and I think you've got some interesting things that she, that was special to her, too.

Terasa> Yes.

Amanda> Which is sweet.

Terasa> Traditions, I guess we'll say.

Amanda> I love that.

Well, we are- 4-H is a big tradition with Clemson.

And wherever you are in the state, you need to find, if you've got kids, find out about the 4-H programs that are there because they have some cool things- You can learn how to sew and preserve, can.

They do all kinds of things.

What else do they do?

You help with 4-H a lot.

Carmen> Oh, yeah, they do lots of cooking camps.

They do Junior Leadership.

So how to be a better leader in your community.

Amanda> And some things that have to do with gardens and wildlife.

Carmen> Tons of- Junior Master Gardener or, small garden projects.

And then it runs the gamut for livestock.

Amanda> Well, anyway, this livestock business, amazingly... chickens and bunny rabbits are considered livestock.

Which is kind of a stretch, if you ask me, but we had so, so, so, so much fun.

And you just get ready to be wonderfully entertained.

♪ ♪ We have a fun show today because we're talking about feathers, fur, and 4-H.

And, this all sounds real crazy.

And we've got some, regular Clemson Extension people, and y'all are 4-H Agents?

Okay?

And you specialize or help some with rabbits and chickens?

We're not- You don't do the horses and cows.

Freddricka> No, ma'am.

Amanda> We're not having those come in.

Okay.

So, Freddricka Pressley, you brought some kids who are going to show- Freddricka> Yes.

So my kids, my 4-H'ers, they participate in our Rabbit Project, for the state of South Carolina.

And they're able to go around and participate in various shows, throughout the state.

Amanda> Okay.

And then you, Elizabeth Snipes, are going to, your kids are going to bring what?

Elizabeth> Yes, they bring in their birds, their chickens, their hens to show.

<Okay> And they participate in some of the South Carolina livestock, poultry, livestock shows.

Amanda> And so what do the kids get out of- What are some of the things that you're trying to develop in the children as they learn all these skills?

Freddricka> Their leadership skills, I would say is the biggest thing.

So, because if you are going to- It's a very big responsibility to take care of your animal.

And that's the first thing the kids are able to do, and they have to be willing to do that.

You have to make sure you care for your rabbit or your chicken every single day.

You have to tend to it.

Amanda> Okay.

And, so do they get the rabbits when they're real small or can they be any age?

Freddricka> So they will get them when they're real small.

But they have to be a certain age in order to be ready for showmanship.

Yes ma'am.

Amanda> And then they get the chickens when they're still going... beep, beep, beep.

Elizabeth> So we actually for the South Carolina 4-H Poultry Project, there are two options.

<Yes> The Laying Flock, if you already have, if they have hens at home.

<Oh, okay> Or if they get the baby chicks from Tractor Supply, you know, they may just want two or four, not a whole flock.

Then they can go that route, for the Laying Flock.

But Pullet Chain is our other option.

So they can choose to sign up.

And we have three different breeds typically to choose from.

And they're all hens and they receive the day-old baby chicks.

We get them in the mail and we deliver.

Amanda> And they're sitting in the office going, Beep, beep, beep.

Elizabeth> They are.

They're very chirpy, very chirpy.

And they can choose between 12 baby chicks or 25 if they do the Pullet Chain.

<Okay> And then, at the end of the project, they give us a few of the birds back to go in our auction.

Amanda> And you pick the, breeds because they're good laying hens.

Elizabeth> They are.

Yes, ma'am.

So last year, we did Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks and Golden Comets.

And those are all good egg layers.

Amanda> And are the bunnies different types?

Freddricka> They're different breeds, but my 4-H'ers, they have brought the Holland Lops.

So they'll be bringing them, with them today.

Amanda> Are they darling looking rabbits?

Freddricka> They are.

They're so cuddly and they're fluffy.

So you'll enjoy them.

Amanda> I'm excited.

I'm excited.

And so, so the kids are going to learn... how to speak publicly, but also, as you said, how to care for animals.

That's a big responsibility.

<It is> And the parents aren't supposed to do it.

They are supposed to.

Freddricka> Yes, ma'am.

These are youth-led projects.

Elizabeth> And we like to say, I know it's the same with rabbit.

That it's really not about the animal, it's about the child.

So it's, you know, it's... disguised as a rabbit and a poultry show.

But it's really about, like I said, public speaking, sharing the knowledge that they have learned in the project and then showing off the animal that they have raised.

Amanda> But y'all do go through a lot of trouble to be sure that the animals are well cared for.

Freddricka> Yes, ma'am.

So before our show, we actually have to do a on-site health inspect.

So the kids will come up, we'll just check, just to make sure we're not seeing any, like, cloudiness in their eyes, before we actually begin the show.

We do have a health check before the show.

Amanda> Well, I'm glad to hear that.

That's wonderful.

Freddricka> And share about what, the poultry... Elizabeth> Yes.

So we also, Fred and I usually do a showmanship class together.

We did it in August, actually.

So the rabbits are on-site, as well as the chickens and we do a blood test that we have to do for the birds in order to be shown, to be showed throughout the state.

Amanda> Gosh, this is- Freddricka> It has to be done within 90 days of show.

Amanda> When they go.

Fredrricka> Yes ma'am.

Amanda> Yeah.

Elizabeth> And then we teach them there also just kind of like an intro to showmanship.

So if they're first time in the project then they kind of get an experience, a practice show, of what to do and what to expect.

Amanda> Okay.

Because everything we do in extension is research based.

<Yeah> So you're not just winging it.

Elizabeth> That's right.

Amanda> This is wonderful.

Elizabeth> No pun intended.

Amanda> Okay.

Well, it sounds like y'all have a lot of fun doing that.

Let's meet the kids and their animals.

<Yeah> > Hi, I am Corbin.

I'm six, and this is my chicken ZB.

♪ > My name is Macey Jo.

This is my chicken, Goldilocks she's a Golden Comet.

And I'm nine years old.

This is my rabbit, Oreo.

She's a Holland Lop and she's two years old.

♪ > Hi, my name is Kenneth.

I'm ten years old and this is my rabbit Snickers.

> Hi, my name is Benjamin.

I'm 12 years old and this is my Holland Lop bunny, Kit Kat.

> Hi, my name is Lucy.

I'm 11 years old and this is my rabbit Willow.

> My name is Atticus, I am ten years old.

This is my rabbit, Zap.

♪ > My name is Elliot, my age is six.

My rabbit's name is Moose.

Amanda> So, Freddricka, I think that there are steps that we take in showing the rabbit.

And a lot of this is for the rabbit's safety, but also that the children can remember all the steps they have to take.

And their presentation is being judged as well.

Freddricka> Yes, ma'am.

So we, with the 4-H Rabbit Project- This is going to be a abbreviated version of what the youth actually do for our shows.

And so we have, brought for you six important steps that the youth will be using.

But we typically use the American Breed Rabbit Association, rubric when we are judging our 4-H'ers.

Amanda> All right, well, let's see how he does today?

Freddricka> Atticus, he's going to walk us through our first stage, and that is lifting and supporting our rabbit.

Atticus> Sometimes it's difficult to get the rabbit out.

And the most important thing when grabbing the rabbit, you have to support its legs.

♪ Freddricka> All right.

So now we have Kenneth, he's going to show us our second, step when showing the rabbit.

So he's going to walk in like he would be coming to the judge.

Amanda> Oh, okay.

Well, let's see how he does.

Freddricka> All right, Kenneth.

♪ Amanda> So what were the important things you were trying to do?

Kenneth> So you want her head under your arm.

And then you want to support her legs.

<Yeah> And then you can stroke her like this.

Amanda> Okay, to keep her calm.

♪ Well, what happens next?

Freddricka> So now we're going to look at how you pose your rabbit.

So Lucy's going to show us.

♪ Lucy> When you present to the judge, you put your rabbit into the correct position, put your hands behind your back and step back so you can show the judge that you're rabbit will not go off the mat with your help.

Amanda> What happens if it does walk off the mat?

♪ Lucy> You put it back.

Amanda> Oh, okay.

Freddricka> And so what the judge is looking at, how Lucy's actually interacting with the rabbit.

And so she won't lose points by the rabbit moving around the mat.

But as long as she's able to stay in control, that's what the judge is looking for.

Amanda> Okay, because there's only so much training you can give a rabbit.

<Yes> Well, thanks for telling us that.

Freddricka> Thank you, Lucy.

♪ Amanda> So we've got another step.

What's coming up?

Freddricka> Yes.

So we have Benjamin, he's going to show us the important parts of being able to look at the health check.

So when they are, going through the show.

So Benjamin is going to start with our health check.

Benjamin> So, she doesn't have any torn or missing portions of the ear.

And you would also, if you're rabbit has a tattoo, you would mention that, but mine does not.

♪ And she also doesn't have any ear mites or yeast infections.

Then for you to flip the rabbit over, you're going to have your middle finger and your pointer finger... kind of do a wrap around the ear.

And you're going to gently do this.

Then, you're going to have- have your thumb maybe right on top of their head.

Then you're going to grab their, bottom and then you're going to pick them up gently and slowly so they're supported and they don't feel like they're falling.

And then... put them down like this.

<Oh> And... you can show the eyes and everything that's rest, for the bottom.

Freddricka> All right.

Thank you, Benjamin.

♪ So now, Macey Jo is going to demonstrate the importance of, seeing the health of the rabbit.

So Macey Jo, take it away.

Macey Jo> In this part, I'm gonna show the legs.

So you're gonna, there's like, a little elbow bone, right in the middle of her legs.

And you push on that, and it should come straight up.

And that will show that the legs are not broken or deformed.

Amanda> So obviously she's used to doing this.

And y'all have a good relationship.

Good.

Macey Jo> And then, you'll put it back down and then you'll count the toenails and toes.

Amanda> Come on.

Macey Jo> And there should be five on each foot in the front.

And then you'll do the same with... this leg- Amanda> So they can't really see the toes and toenails.

But you're just... this is one of the steps you have to do.

<Yeah> Alrighty.

Freddricka> Oh, yeah, the judge is right there on- <Oh> So, with our competition, our judge is sitting right- So the judge would be on the opposite side of the table.

Amanda> Oh, so they can- Freddricka> And they're look- Amanda> Whoa!

Okay.

Freddricka> Yes.

Macey Jo> I'm not going to show the stomach, but you'll show the stomach.

<Yes> And then you'll go to the back feet.

So you'll do the same thing.

Push on that elbow and then, you should have four toes and toenails.

Amanda> So five on the front and four on the back.

Macey Jo> Yeah.

<Golly> And then you'll do the same with the other foot.

And then you'll, look on her hocks.

Sometimes they'll have sores from standing on water too much in the cages.

Amanda> So health is very important.

And that shows how well you've taken care of your rabbit too.

She looks like she's a very loved rabbit.

Freddricka> Thank you, Macey Jo.

Macey Jo> You're welcome.

Amanda> Well, what are we going to see now?

Freddricka> So now we're going to see our knowledge section.

So for every age group there's a different requirement.

And so Elliot is one of our Cloverbuds.

Do we feed Moose water?

Do we feed Moose candy?

Do we feed Moose pellets?

And also hay, right?

Good.

So that's what we look for when we are asking basic knowledge.

Making sure that they're getting the proper diet.

And by the youth agreeing or answering that question, we know that they're taking care of, and not mom or dad.

Amanda> Ah.

Well, now we're going to learn about how to show the chickens.

Elizabeth> Yes.

And today we have two of our Pee Dee Poultry participants.

We've got Macey Jo Powell and Corbin Powell.

And Macey is going to show us how to get them out of the cage.

Amanda> So, that's one of the things that they actually are judged on?

Elizabeth> They are.

How they get them out of the cage.

Handling their birds.

<Okay> Perfect.

Amanda> That looked good to me.

It's not flying around the studio yet.

Elizabeth> Perfect.

Her brother's going to chicken... while we grab his bird.

Good job.

And we have two different breeds, here.

This is the Golden Comet and Macey Jo got this as a baby.

A day old baby chick, two years ago.

And Corbin got his Barred Rock this past spring.

<Wow> Yeah, so they're full grown.

[chickens clucking] Amanda> They're glad to get out of the cage, aren't they.

Elizabeth> Glad to get out of the cage.

Yeah, so Macey Jo if you'll just explain to us- [wings frantically flapping] Corbin> Oh, no.

Got, ya.

[laughter] Amanda> Oh, goodness.

This is, not what usually happens.

Elizabeth> This is not what usually happens.

So we're gonna let Macey Jo explain like, what she would do, go from here.

<Okay> Macey Jo> So, after you get her out of the cage, you're just gonna sort of pet her, and then you're gonna hold her out like this.

<Oh> And, tilt her head up and then turn it.

Amanda> So they're looking at the chickens conformation and all that?

<Yes> Okay.

Macey Jo> And then, you're going to put her back to rest and just put her one more time.

And then you're going to spread her wings out.

Amanda> Oh, gosh, they have beautiful wings, don't they?

Look at that.

Macey Jo> And then, you're going to turn her- Amanda> Try to.

Macey Jo> Like this.

Then you're going to show the other wing.

[clucking and screeching] Corbin> She's getting me.

Macey Jo> Then, you're going to turn her sort of like this, where her head is facing you.

<Yes> And you're going to show her undertone.

Amanda> Whoa!

Elizabeth> Kind of showing the health of the bird to the judge.

Amanda> Is that what- They look healthy.

Macey Jo> And then you're going to show the width of the body.

So you're gonna put her back to rest.

Amanda> The width of the body?

Macey Jo> And you're going to stick your fingers under her feather, and then you're gonna show how big, the width of the body is.

And then you're going to turn her like this, put her head down.

<Whoa!> And flip her over.

[laughter] Amanda> I don't think this is their favorite part.

Macey Jo> And then you're gonna show the breastbone.

So you're gonna put your fingers up, and then you're gonna flip her back over and show her vent, like that.

<Okay> And then you're gonna show where her pubic bones and her, breastbone meet.

So you're gonna put how many fingers you can fit in that, and I can fit four.

[soft clucking] And then you're going to show how many fingers you can fit between the pubic bones.

So you're gonna feel the two short bones.

And then I can fit two in mine.

<Gracious> And then you're gonna put her back to rest, turn her around again.

And then you're gonna show the feet.

Amanda> Do you have to trim their nails or anything, sometimes?

<Mhm> Okay.

Macey Jo> And then, you're gonna turn her the other way and show her legs.

[chickens clucking] Elizabeth> And they have to present in this order at the show.

Amanda> Oh... that's a lot.

Elizabeth> Yeah.

It's a lot to remember.

Macey Jo> The judge will say "You should go to the center of the ring."

And then, she might walk around a couple times and then, once she says, "You may pose your bird."

You're going to, put her down on the table and if her feet cross, You have to pick her back up and pose her again.

Amanda> Mercy.

Macey Jo> And then, you sort of fluff her.

Amanda> Yeah.

So is she gonna walk across the table?

Macey Jo> You'll put your hands behind your back and just wait, and then she'll say, "You may walk your bird."

And you just rotate the stick.

My chicken doesn't like to walk.

Elizabeth> And the stick kind of nudges them in the direction.

And the big thing that the judge is looking at again, we said it's less about the bird and more about the child, you know, and sharing their knowledge, showing off the health of their bird.

But, quickly, you know, you can tell which kids have- You can tell Macey Jo and Corbin have handled their birds.

They're not trying to fly off the table.

They're very tame, you know, so all of that goes into it.

Macey Jo> And then, she'll tell you, "to pose your bird again" and... you'll just pose her again and step back.

<Okay> Elizabeth> And while the judge is also asking you questions, right?

About how you care for it?

Do you, can you share a few of those questions that maybe Doctor Hall asked you last year?

Macey Jo> Like, what type of breed your chicken is?

What color eggs does your chicken lay?

What type of comb it has?

And then... she'll tell you, you can put it back in the cage.

[wings flapping] Elizabeth> She wants to stay on the air.

Macey Jo> And, you'll open your cage up, and then you'll put it back in head first.

Corbin> And you take it out head first.

Amanda> So you get judged on, how you... take it in and out?

Elizabeth> Yes.

Amanda> My goodness.

Just because you want to have enough control over the chicken that it goes in correctly.

Elizabeth> And they say too, when you bring it out head first, you're not worried about damaging the wings.

If you bring it out backwards and their flapping.

Amanda> Oh, that makes sense.

Elizabeth> You could damage their wings.

Amanda> Chicken showing.

That's fun.

Thanks so much for telling us all that.

♪ Carmen Ketron is a Horticulture Agent.

And today, you're here because you have more interests than just plants.

> Yes.

Every year at the Eastern Carolina Agriculture Fair in Florence, there is an amazing group of 4-H'ers who go and do their showmanship, but also specific to the ECA Fair our costume contest.

And I've gotten to watch it for the last four years, and I absolutely love it.

Our first contestant, we've got Lucy.

Lucy, can you tell us a little bit about your bunny and who you've got?

Lucy> This is Willow.

She's a Holland Lop, and, she's, will be about two years in April.

Carmen> Excellent.

Can you tell us what Willow's dressed as?

Lucy> She's dressed as a bumblebee.

Carmen> Ah, I love it.

Does she like to get dressed up?

Lucy> She's okay with it.

Amanda> She sure looks precious.

If she could look in the mirror and see how darling she looks, I guess she'd want to change costumes all the time.

That's fun.

So, has she warn this before at a costume... in a contest.

Lucy> Yes ma'am.

Amanda> Yeah.

Well, she looks like a wonderful bunny rabbit.

I know you have fun.

Carmen> Excellent.

And now we have Benjamin.

Benjamin, who is this?

Benjamin> Kit Kat.

Carmen> Kit Kat.

What's Kit Kat dressed as?

Benjamin> A chicken.

Carmen> Oh, that is precious.

Look at that.

Amanda> Isn't that something?

Let me see the little feet.

This is just precious.

Oh, my gracious goodness.

So did somebody make this for you?

Benjamin> No, we just bought this from the store.

Amanda> Come on.

Boy, they sure have an imagination when they come up to making costumes.

Was this made for a rabbit, you think?

Benjamin> No.

It was made for dogs.

[laughter] We sure have the animal kingdom, well represented today don't we?

Carmen> And Kit Kat does so well.

It's got a hat and a body and the feet.

Amanda> That is too much fun.

Carmen> Great job, Kit Kat.

♪ All right, and now we have Elliot with us.

Elliot, what's your bunny's name?

Elliot> Moose.

Carmen> And what is he dressed as?

Elliot> A moose.

Carmen> That's clever.

Amanda> I thought it was a reindeer.

I was looking for a red nose.

[laughter] Carmen> And I love his antlers.

Are those handmade?

Elliot> Yes.

Carmen> Who made those?

Elliot> My mom-mom.

Carmen> Oh, that's wonderful.

That's a one of a kind outfit right there.

I love it.

And... is a tie underneath of Moose's little chin.

Is that one what that is, or is it a leash?

Elliot> It's something that ties it to its head.

Carmen> Very nice.

Good job.

♪ All right, and here we've got Atticus.

Atticus, who do you have here?

Atticus> Zap.

Carmen> Zap.

Okay, what is this costume?

Atticus> Banana.

Carmen> A banana.

Amanda> A banana.

[laughter] Carmen> That is so cute.

And is this handmade as well?

Atticus> Yeah.

Carmen> Who made this one for you?

Atticus> My mom-mom.

Carmen> Oh, wonderful.

Amanda> Boy, you have a talented family.

This is so cool, a banana.

Gosh, what an imagination.

Carmen> I love it.

Great job.

♪ Macey Jo> So, this is my rabbit Oreo.

For her costume, we're doing Heihei, in Moana .

It's like a crazy chicken, I guess.

He's really bad.

So, that's her.

Carmen> And Oreo is a lot more tame than Heihei was in that movie, doing wonderful.

How many costumes do you have for Oreo?

Macey Jo> I have around three.

Carmen> Oh, excellent.

Amanda> Ah!

Macey Jo> I have a whole collection.

Amanda> And this is, these aren't made for rabbits?

Macey Jo> Hmh.

Amanda> Okay?

These are?

Macey Jo> For dogs.

Amanda> Okay, well, she's very nice about being dressed in a dog costume.

Macey Jo> Yeah.

Amanda> She's a good rabbit.

She really is.

♪ Carmen> All right, here we have Kenneth.

Kenneth, who do we have?

Kenneth> Snickers.

Carmen> Snickers.

And what is Snickers dressed as?

Kenneth> A dragon.

Carmen> Oh, my goodness.

Amanda> Gosh, that's fun.

I hope he doesn't fly away.

[laughter] Carmen> Was that hard to get him in that costume?

Kenneth> Yeah.

Carmen> Yeah.

You did an excellent job.

And he seems to be cool with it now.

Amanda> Oh, that's fun.

Carmen> Oh, yeah, look at him.

This is so great.

And how old is Snickers?

Kenneth> Snickers is about three months old.

Amanda> Oh, this is a young little rabbit.

Carmen> He's a baby.

Amanda> Okay.

Carmen> Well, he's doing great for three months old.

Good job.

Amanda> Carmen, this has been such fun.

Thank you, so very much for telling us about this and bringing these great kids.

Carmen> Yes, the costumes, the parents, everybody working so hard.

It's wonderful.

Amanda> And these patient little rabbits.

Ah!

♪ Freddricka and Elizabeth, this was a wonderful day for us, today.

I hope the kids had a good time.

Elizabeth> Yes, ma'am.

Thank you so much for having us all out.

I think they really enjoyed it and showing off their skills.

And this helps them prepare for the fair season.

Amanda> And there's a lot that goes on in 4-H.

What's the best way to find out about all the other activities?

Freddricka> Yeah.

So you can visit our website to find out about all of our 4-H programs.

And importantly, you can visit our Meet the Teams Page to find out your local 4-H agent.

Amanda> Alrighty.

Well... let's come up with something fun again and y'all come back and see us, please, please, please.

Elizabeth> We'd love to.

Freddricka> Thank you.

Amanda> I want to thank Freddricka Presley and Elizabeth Snipes, the agents who, worked it out and brought these kids with us.

And I thank Carmen, we thank you because you got this all lined up for us.

And it was just such great fun.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Carmen> Those are some of my favorite kids.

Amanda> I can see why, they're just delightful.

Carmen> I was excited.

Amanda> And their pets.

Or their projects.

Yeah, it's very serious what they do.

Doctor John, I think you have a grass- And people think, oh, grass is boring, but they're not.

Dr.

Nelson> This is not boring.

And this is our state grass.

<Fun!> You know, in South Carolina, we have a state "everything."

Amanda> Drink is tea, maybe.

<Yeah> Terasa> The hospitality beverage, yes.

Dr.

Nelson> The state bird is the cockroach, of course.

But, this is called "Indiangrass."

And it's our state grass.

And it's very pretty.

And it gets to be a tall thing.

Look at this.

Amanda> Whoa, that is tall.

Dr.

Nelson> I mean, if you wanted to have something in your native- Amanda> You can let it hit me on the head so they can see how tall it is.

Dr.

Nelson> Yeah, look how tall it is.

If you wanted to have a pretty grass, a native grass to grow in your, you know, wherever- Amanda> Towards the back- Dr.

Nelson> This is a great one to- Look at that.

<Ooh!> To grow, Indiangrass, Sorghastrum nutans is the name of it.

Amanda> That's pretty.

And I bet, do birds like the or insects like the seeds somebody likes- Dr.

Nelson> Oh, something likes it.

Amanda> Sure.

Dr.

Nelson> The foliage is really pretty too.

And later on in the autumn, the foliage will turn sort of golden, really pretty, I think especially in the late afternoon sun.

Amanda> Yeah.

And if you left it up in the winter, it would blow and look nice and all that kind of stuff.

Dr.

Nelson> Sure.

Yeah.

It's very, fallish looking like.

Octoberfest.

Amanda> It is.

Yeah, yeah.

And so it's, is it all over the state?

Dr.

Nelson> Just about everywhere.

In fact, I stopped on the way over here today.

It was right on the side of the road.

Amanda> I, you know, I see it just everywhere.

And I love to see it change.

And it's kind of got a bluish, color to it, which is so pretty right now, don't you think?

Dr.

Nelson> Almost chalky looking.

Amanda> Yeah, it's just lovely.

Yeah.

And probably not a bit, finicky.

Dr.

Nelson> I don't know too much about growing things, as you know, but I bet this isn't, particularly finicky.

Amanda> Okay.

All right.

Thank you all.

And thank you, at home.

We sure wish you the happiest of Halloweens.

Bye-bye from Making It Grow .

Dr.

Nelson> Bye-bye.

♪ Narrator> Making It Grow is brought to you in part by Certified South Carolina.

This cooperative effort among farmers, retailers and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture helps consumers identify foods and agricultural products that are grown, harvested or raised right here in the Palmetto State.

McLeod Farms in McBee, South Carolina, family owned and operated since 1916.

This family farm offers seasonal produce, including over 40 varieties of peaches.

Wesley Commons, a full service continuing care retirement community located on more than 150 wooded acres in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Additional funding provided by the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Bureau Insurance and Boone Hall Farms.