Hayes Jackson, "Hot and Unbothered . . . Tropical Perennials that Love the Southern Heat" -
Hayes Jackson comes to us from next door Alabama, where he is an expert in “Hot and Unbothered….. Tropical Perennials that love the Southern Heat”. He will be helping us learn to navigate the tropicals that thrive here and are likely to do so even more in the future as our climate heats up.
Hayes enjoys pushing the envelope with tropical plants not designed for our climate, to see whether they can flourish outside their comfort zone. His collecting passions have taken him around the world to countries like Guatemala, China, India, Vietnam, Thailand and Korea.No matter where he has traveled, he observes plants are basically the same, but the species are different. We get to enjoy the benefit of his years of testing without the risk!
About Hayes
Hayes is an urban regional extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the liaison for Longleaf Botanical Gardens in Anniston, Alabama.
He earned an undergraduate degree at Auburn University in ornamental horticulture and landscape design, then a graduate degree from Jacksonville State University in environmental biology. He is also an engaged amateur meteorologist. If you follow him on Facebook, you will find fascinating observations of Eastern Alabama weather patterns and learn about the "donut hole" that encompasses his property -- all in good natured fun.
Dog lovers will delight also in Haye's Facebook page featuring the antics of his Great Dane, Loomis. Hayes' tolerance for Loomis' destructive streak amuses and bemuses!
