Banish Bermuda grass for gardens
Wednesday, February 20th, 2013 Posted in Tours, bulbs, chickens, companion plants, early spring flowers, garden design, garden designers, lawn replace, mulch, native plants, perennials, shade plants, succulents, vegetables, winter color | 14 Comments »Over the years, I’ve whittled away grass, because there are so many fun plants out there! I’m keen on bulbs, especially for endearing combinations, like my long-term Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ and 3-year-old Yucca pallida. This leucojum (Leucojum aestivum) surprised me by ...
Drought disasters to avoid
Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 Posted in Summer plants, Techniques, butterflies, deer, drought, garden design, garden designers, habitat, lawn replace, native plants, shade plants, trees, wildlife | 15 Comments »Drought doesn’t scare me to pieces. My plants have been through it all and always come back for more. Yes, I do water some, but not outrageously. I avoid thirsty ones and go for those that can take our brutal ...
Mushrooms: Your Garden’s Best Friend
Thursday, January 17th, 2013 Posted in Agave celsii, books, garden design, garden structure, habitat, lawn replace, mulch, native plants, pruning, shade plants, trees, wildlife, winter color | 2 Comments »Remember last spring and fall when mushrooms appeared like magic? I always get a few, but last year, many mornings were absolute wonderland! Some gardeners fear that mushrooms mean something really evil. Actually, it’s just the opposite! Tom meets with Ashley McKenzie ...
Words That Make a Gardener
Monday, November 19th, 2012 Posted in Techniques, bees, compost, drought, lawn replace, perennials, roses, round table, vegetables, wildlife | 10 Comments »What makes up a gardener’s vocabulary? We’ll just skip over the ones unfit for a family blog! I’ll start with Endurance, since that defines most of us after a Texas summer. Change. If that one’s missing, I suspect it’s a painting, ...
