CJ Lotz Diego
CJ Lotz Diego is Garden & Gun’s senior editor. A staffer since 2013, she wrote G&G’s bestselling Bless Your Heart trivia game, edits the Due South travel section, and covers gardens, books, and art. Originally from Eureka, Missouri, she graduated from Indiana University and now lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where she tends a downtown pocket garden with her florist husband, Max.
Southern Heroes
A South Carolina trio elevates the work of Southern storytellers
Gardens
Containers of herbs and veggies, inspired by one of England’s most famous gardens, yield abundant flavor
Gardens
An expert’s beautiful new book celebrates flowers of all kinds, but right now, it’s daffodil time
Food & Drink
A new cookbook honors chickpeas, field peas, lentils, and other beans from all over the legume family tree
Arts & Culture
Cozy up with a funny new novel, a collection of nearly forgotten stories, fascinating biographies, and a beautiful look-ahead to spring gardening
In the Garden
On Avery Island in Louisiana, curious camellia hunters unravel generations of botanical mysteries
Music
A fascinating new biography of the rock-and-roll legend reveals a rugged Southern soul
Travel
Seven Charlestonians share their favorite ways to spend time in the Holy City
Food & Drink
Other dishes may come and go, but the baked grits at Birmingham’s Highlands Bar & Grill will never change—and that’s just how chef Frank Stitt likes it
Arts & Culture
Grits are a mainstay in Southern cuisine, and over the decades, they’ve also been an important part of Southern pop culture. Here, eight great grits highlights
Food & Drink
Kernels of wisdom about one of the South’s fundamental foods
Food & Drink
Ten purveyors that will send freshly ground grits straight to your doorstep
Food & Drink
A savory treat for breakfast and beyond from Arnaud’s in New Orleans
Food & Drink
Take cues from generations of cooks on Edisto Island, South Carolina: Master this basic recipe, then build on it
Arts & Culture
Memoirs, novels, a deep dive on Harper Lee, and landmark cookbooks—here are our favorite reads of the year
Food & Drink
One day a year, enjoy the most decadent grits ever, courtesy of Charleston chef Kevin Johnson
Arts & Culture
John Wayne’s granddaughter gives a behind-the-scenes look at a new exhibition that compares the classic Western novel and two films
Arts & Culture
Julia Reed and Keith Meacham’s new shop readies for the holidays—and all the days
Arts & Culture
Fall brings brand-new Grisham, the latest from G&G, zippy novels, a haunting memoir, and one entertaining ode to last calls
Food & Drink
A whole-fish chef shares the secrets to a once-forgotten but newly prized cut