Looking for plants that are suited for our hot summers that don’t require much watering? Here is our list of ten drought-tolerant native plants for Houston. While most do well in full sun, we’ve included a few that do well in shade too. Native plants. The term has different meanings for different gardeners. There are […]
Houston’s drought is taking it’s toll on our landscapes. With mandatory watering restrictions in place, many of us are struggling to keep our lawns alive. Some of my neighbors have given up and let their lawn completely turn brown. Whether it will come back or not remains to be seen. Now given that 2011 is […]
Tillandsia. You know, those little spiky plants you find glued to sea shells and driftwood. Ever wonder how they survive without any soil? Turns out they are epiphytes – which means they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. They’re the largest genus of the bromeliad family, native to the southern parts of the US, […]
Water gardening isn’t complicated. It may seem mysterious at first, but it’s actually very easy and quite enjoyable. Our climate here in Houston is perfect for water gardening. From kettle gardens (low bowl filled with aquatic plants) to fountains, the hypnotic sound of moving water adds another dimension to your garden. It is important to […]
While it may be hot and steamy outside right now, for vegetable gardeners, fall is just around the corner. Whether you already have a vegetable garden or want one, now is the time to plan for fall. Here are some helpful tips for Houston area gardeners. Easy Tips for a Successful Fall Vegetable Garden 1Location […]
National Pollinator’s Week is this week (June 20-26). Where would we be without pollinators? It’s important to recognize the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Pollinators are the birds, bees, insects, and animals that move pollen from flower to flower and that’s how plants produce fruit and seeds. Facts About Pollinators There are about […]
Container gardening has been around for thousands of years. Legend says… in 600 BC, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II constructed the Hanging Gardens of Babylon for his wife, Amytis of Media. An elaborate series of private terraced gardens made for his homesick queen, who missed the trees and fragrant plants of her homeland. These examples […]
Native plants. The term has different meanings for different gardeners. There are Texas natives, US natives and those plants that act like natives. All in all, what most of us want in our garden are low maintenance plants that are attractive and functional. Plants that are not invasive and are a benefit to wildlife. When […]
Gardening in Houston is challenging… especially with our high humidity, which can lead to a host of fungal problems in our gardens. Methods of prevention and treatment have changed over the years with continued research. Today we are seeking methods that are greener and better for the environment. The primary fungal issues we face is […]
Water conservation is on everyone’s mind this spring. For most of us, it has been months since we’ve had any rain in Houston. Local gardeners are challenged to get creative with their containers and garden beds. Water is a limited resource and expensive, so here are some tips to help you enjoy your garden while […]
This week I read several tweets from garden bloggers about planting container gardens for their Moms and it got me to thinking… What a wonderful way to express your creativity and make a truly unique gift. Container gardening is not without challenges in our Houston summers, but here are some basic tips that will help […]
Gardeners smile when flowers are blooming in their garden beds. But it is the nose that delights in the sweet fragrances of the garden. With virtually year round gardening available to us in Houston, don’t forget the importance of adding fragrance in your garden. Our sense of smell is our most primal sense and it […]
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