Landscape architects agree that when it’s time to envision a garden design or rethink and refresh existing areas, the first step is to choose structural, foundational plants. These plants will form the backbone of the garden and become permanent elements…
As we move from spring into the heat of summer, our early-season plantings and roadside wildflowers take a break from the heat and begin to go dormant. This sets the stage for more heat-tolerant, desert-like species like yuccas and agaves…
Among things that avid gardeners enjoy, managing weeds in lawns and flowerbeds is not on the list. But remembering and applying three simple practices will get weeds under control and create more time for gardeners to enjoy their own great…
When gardeners look at a space and make plans, the big questions come to mind: what trees and shrubs do I want, and where? How many flower beds can I fit in? Can I add a water feature? They often…
The foundation of any landscape design begins with trees and shrubs. After that, the fun begins: adding a variety of plants that bring color, texture, dimension and movement to the landscape. Gardeners have their own favorite seasonal annuals such as…
As the calendar turns to spring, experienced gardeners know that those 90 and 100-degree days are right around the corner. It’s not too early to plan ahead and get your garden ready for summer, and making preparations now will make…
Late winter is the best time to get a jump on spring gardens. Gardeners may have winterized their beds by covering the soil surface with a layer of compost or mulch to regulate soil temperatures and suppress early spring weeds.…
The joy of a garden is not just the beautiful landscape but the pleasure of attracting and observing birds throughout the seasons. If you plan your yard like it’s a five-star bed and breakfast, with a generous buffet and comfortable…
What says “summer” more than a perfectly ripe, homegrown tomato from your own backyard garden? We’re lucky that in Texas, we have two growing seasons for tomatoes – planted in early spring for a late spring and summer harvest, and…
Imagine a dinner table laden with vegetables grown in your own garden—pretty spectacular, right? Nothing compares to the satisfaction of planting and nurturing your own edible harvest, or to the pleasure of tasting nutritious, sun-ripened herbs and vegetables that you’ve…
