Planting native Texas trees in November can be quite successful thanks to the milder weather which is ideal for root establishment.
Step 1: Successful Species
Select trees native to your Texas region for better acclimatization. Native species are inherently suited to local weather and soil conditions, making them more resilient and easier to care for. Plus, they provide essential habitat for local wildlife, supporting biodiversity in your garden.
Step 2: Proper Timing
Plant in November to allow root development before the frost.
This gives the roots ample time to grow strong before the hot, dry summer months. Planting during this cooler period also reduces the stress on young trees, ensuring a healthier start.
Step 3: Site Prep
Clear weeds and ensure the site has good drainage. Weeds can compete with your young tree for nutrients and water, so removing them is crucial. Proper drainage is key to preventing water-logged roots, which can lead to root rot and other health issues.
Step 4: Hole Size
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2-3 times wider. A spacious hole encourages roots to spread easily, which helps in the tree's stability and nutrient absorption. Avoid digging too deep, as this can cause the tree to settle and sink over time.
Step 5: Correct Planting
Position the tree so the root ball is level with or just above soil surface. Ensuring correct planting depth is vital for the health of the tree, as planting too deep can suffocate the roots. Also, gently spread the roots outward to encourage growth in the right direction.
Step 6: Immediate Watering
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil. This initial deep watering helps to establish a good moisture base for the tree, which is essential for its growth. It also helps to eliminate air pockets in the soil that can damage roots.
Step 7: Mulching
Apply mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps to maintain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, both critical for root health. Remember not to pile mulch against the trunk, as this can cause decay.
Step 8: Staking
Stake only if needed for stability, and without hindering the natural sway. Staking provides support against strong winds, but allowing some movement is important for the tree to develop a strong trunk and root system. Use flexible ties and check regularly to ensure they're not too tight.
Step 9: Regular Care
Monitor for pests and diseases; water as needed. Consistent monitoring helps you spot any problems early, making them easier to manage. Watering should be adjusted based on rainfall and temperature, ensuring the tree always has enough moisture.
Step 10: First Pruning
Prune only broken or dead branches during the first year to avoid stress on the tree. Avoid heavy pruning in the first year, as this can divert energy from essential growth and establishment. Pruning should be done with care, making clean cuts that heal quickly.
Texas Redbud
With dedication and care, your tree will grow to be a vibrant testament to your efforts, enriching your Texas landscape. Each thoughtful step today sows the seeds for a greener, more beautiful tomorrow!
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Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba'
As you might expect of a tree named ‘Bubba,’ this cultivar is robust and sturdy. It boasts exceptional heat, drought, and cold tolerance, and its roots proliferate. Its linear leaves are broader and greener than those of other desert willow cultivars, which gives this tree a much fuller appearance. Despite its long and prolific blooming season, the ‘Bubba’ also develops fewer seed pods than different cultivars. Flowers are burgundy from a distance. However, closer inspection reveals a distinction between the dark pink top half and a deep burgundy lower half, with bright yellow guidelines along its throat for pollinators.
Bloom: Spring, Summer & Fall
Roughleaf Dogwood
Cornus drummondii
This tree does best in part shade to dappled shade. Unlike Crape Myrtles, this will thrive in low light conditions and bloom from May to August. Clusters of white flowers appear in spring on a clumping shrub or small tree. Birds relish the white berries produced by the flowers. As the leaves turn red in the fall, red-tinged branches emerge as well, giving this plant year-round interest. It can tolerate dry conditions but grows best in moist soil and is excellent for erosion control on slopes or riverbanks.
Bloom: May-August
Honey Mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa thornless
The Honey Mesquite is the first mesquite tree to bud in the springtime. In addition to its synchronized bud break, the showy early spring foliage is an attractive, glossy, bright chartreuse green. Elongate, greenish-yellow, fragrant flowers 2” to 3” long begin appearing in March and may be seen as late as September, providing nectar for many species of bees. Flowers produce narrow, bright red to tan seed pods in summer. Plant in full sun and provide infrequent deep irrigation.
Bloom: March-September
Goldenball Lead Tree
Leucaena retusa
This small, decorative, deciduous, single or multi-trunk tree has light green, lacy foliage, and yellow, puffy, ball-shaped flowers throughout the summer. It adapts well to different soils but prefers good drainage, and can grow under partial shade.
Bloom: April-October
Texas Kidneywood
Eysenhardtia Texana
Kidneywood foliage has a pungent, citrusy smell. Bees flock to the ambrosial flowers, which bloom intermittently through the warm months. The Dogface butterfly also eats Kidneywood as larval food. Can be formed into a small tree with proper pruning. Drought-tolerant, though it may temporarily lose leaves during a dry spell.
Bloom: April-November, especially after a rain
Step 1: Fresh Digs
Everyone wants a cool place to hang out. Fireflies like pines in particular. You may have noticed pine trees struggling in the extreme summer heat. A few natives are holding up in higher temperatures include Eastern Red Cedar, Bald Cypress, Ash Juniper and Pinchot Juniper. Plant any of them for an inviting abode.
Step 2: The Kids Table
Firefly guests will need a cozy nest for their offspring. Egg-laying spots are crucial for keeping the firefly family around. Fallen pine needles and leaf litter create an ideal habitat for firefly larvae. Native grasses and ferns also offer protection. Fireflies often lay eggs on decaying wood, and a log or brush pile helps rewild your yard in general.
Gracious Guest Glowworms
Larval fireflies have an appetite for pesky worms, snails, grubs, and slugs. Keep the little bug-killing squad healthy and robust by embracing a chemical-free landscape. Use diluted peppermint castile soap to treat for aphids, and neem oil only as needed to keep pests at bay without losing helpful insects.
Step 3: Lights Off, Party On
There’s nothing worse than harsh lighting when you’re trying to create party vibes. Dim the lights and get the disco going. Artificial lighting competes with male fireflies’ mating dances, and some breeds won’t come to the dancefloor at all.
We can share space by lowering the intensity of garden lights, activating them only when we use the yard, connecting security lighting to motion sensors, or selecting places to leave dark. If you’ve seen fireflies gathering in a particular area, you can guess that’s their favorite haunt, and direct lights away from those spots.
Step 4: Canapés Under the Canopy
It’s not a party without snacks! Fireflies love a colorful spread of native plants, including Aster, Buttonbush, Coneflower, Coreopsis, Daisies, Goldenrod and Rudbeckia.
Step 5: Grass – What a Gas!
Fireflies enjoy perching on tall grasses, and mowing disturbs their good time. Plan to mow less frequently over the summer, or add a luxe lounge of Switchgrass, Muhly and Bluestem.
Step 6: Make a Splash
Pool party! Fireflies live near water and moist grounds. A birdbath, pond, or water feature will do, and a simple solar powered fountain keeps mosquitos, those less considerate insect guests, away.
Now you’re ready to throw a dazzling party! By providing an enchanting mating habitat, creating cozy egg-laying spots, and embracing firefly larvae as your pest control assistants, you're well on your way to lighting up the night sky with their magical glow. Turn off the lights, and let the fireflies shine bright in your backyard extravaganza!
Recent years have seen a troubling decline in bird populations, with some species experiencing drops of up to 25%. Research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology points to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use as major culprits. However, there's hope, and it starts in our backyards. At Native Gardeners, we champion the use of native plants to create bird-friendly gardens. Here's how you can contribute to this avian resurgence:
Embrace Native Plants
Native plants are not just plants; they're the lifeblood of a thriving bird ecosystem. They've evolved alongside local birds, offering perfect refuge and sustenance. These plants do more than just beautify your garden; they're a bug buffet, attracting a smorgasbord of insects for birds to feast on. Mix up your plant choices to provide year-round food sources and consider varying heights for nesting and shelter. The birds you attract, be it the majestic crow or the delicate hummingbird, will reflect your garden's layout. To tailor your garden to specific birds, research their preferences in food and shelter. Remember, a lush garden invites songbirds, while more lawn space might attract grackles and blackbirds.
A bird bath or a shallow pond can be a magnet for feathered visitors. Keep it shallow, clean, and accessible, and consider adding a solar-powered fountain to prevent stagnation. Mosquito Dunks are effective for mosquito control and safe for birds.
Birds, much like teenagers, are always on the lookout for free snacks. By offering a varied menu of fruits, seeds, insects, and nectar, you cater to different dietary needs. Consider planting bird-friendly fruit trees and bushes, and remember to keep feeders clean to prevent disease.
Provide a mix of birdhouses, nest boxes, and natural nesting sites like old tree stumps. Placement is key; ensure they're safe from predators and offer some solitude. A height of over seven feet is usually ideal for peace of mind.
Pesticides not only kill insects, a primary food source for many birds, but can also harm the birds directly. Opt for natural pest control methods and embrace practices like companion planting and natural predators like ladybugs.
Diverse foliage provides safety from predators and harsh weather. Choose plants that offer dense shelter but aren't too thick for birds to access. Research the preferences of your local bird species for best results.
Creating a bird-friendly garden is a step towards countering the decline in bird populations. It's not just an ecological act; it's a way to bring beauty and tranquility into your life.
Bird Favorites for Your Garden
Eastern Bluebird
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Northern Cardinal
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Black-Chinned Hummingbird
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Banner image credit, Ladderback Woodpecker by Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith
]]>(because we have lots plants to get into the ground!)
The introduction of non-native plants into ecosystems has been found to contribute to a decline in insect populations globally. These plants are often introduced intentionally or unintentionally and have a negative impact on the natural balance of ecosystems. Insects play a vital role in pollination, nutrient cycling, and the food chain, and their decline has far-reaching implications.
Milkweed Assassign Bug, by Erban
One solution to this problem is to add more native plants to gardens and urban landscapes. Native plants have evolved alongside local insect populations and provide them with food and habitat. By incorporating native plants, homeowners and landscapers can create a more diverse and sustainable environment that supports a healthy insect population.
Native plants are also well-adapted to local environmental conditions and require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native plants. They can help to reduce water usage and pollution, and they provide a range of benefits for wildlife, including birds and other animals.
Banner image credit: Rosy Maple Moth, by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
]]>The Lawn.
At the Nursery, we get a lot of phone calls looking for ways to reduce lawn upkeep costs. If you live in an HOA, your options for lawn replacements are somewhat limited to Bermuda, St. Augustine, or even Zoysia grass. These grasses can be difficult to maintain with our Texas weather shifts, droughts, and shade-covered yards. How do we turn the American dream of bright green lawns into a reality?
Baseball has shown that all kinds of patterns can be cut into the green carpet.
The Skinny
So what if you could reduce your water usage, mowing frequency, and overall lawn costs while still keeping a green lawn that will make your HOA president jealous? One way to cut the fee is to expand your garden beds. You can also think of this in reverse: reduce the areas you need to mow. If you smother and cover your borders with a few layers of cardboard, a few inches of soil, and some mulch on top–you'll have reduced your lawn by a percentage. This creates a "Framing effect," where the beautiful outstretching flower bed frames your lawn. Have spots where grass simply won't grow? Get creative! "Island beds" can be planted in these areas and float upon your sea of green lawn. These beds are great for underneath trees as well.
Check your city’s / HOA code to see how much lawn you can reclaim for your garden.
Another idea, trade out your grasses.
The flowering structure of most Sedges
If it looks like grass and grows like grass, but with less water and a tidy clumping habit, it has to be a sedge. Yes, sedges make wind-pollinated flowers that look similar to the dreadful nutsedge, but with a 2000-member family, there's bound to be some prickly members. Just imagine their family reunion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyperaceae Sedges are a grass-like plant that belongs to the genus Carex. Carex means “grass-like” in Latin. There are over 2,000 species of sedges, and they are often referred to as true sedges. These scruffy perennials are native to many different environments worldwide and can grow in areas where other plants may struggle. There might already be some hiding in your yard.
Not only are sedges and carex low maintenance, but they can also provide shade and color in various climates. They come in a range of sizes and colors, and they can be used in multiple ways in your landscape. Many of the larger growing sedges change colors in autumn. For example, they can be used as ground cover, planted along walkways and paths, or used as a colorful accent in the landscape.
In addition to their practical benefits, sedges can also create visual harmony. They can be planted in a line around a patio or pool, providing a natural privacy screen, or planted in a pattern to fill out a lawn that’s just given up. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to add privacy and shade to their yard without sacrificing style.
What's the catch?
Sedge lawns will cost more upfront. Sedges are slow growing and tricky to germinate from seed. Only a few commercial growers are interested in slow-growing species. However, by investing in a carefree lawn, the reduction of mowing services, fertilizers, and water bills will eventually pay for itself. This idea is familiar if you’ve considered adding solar to your home.
One more thing, sedges don't like being eaten or trampled upon. These are not good pasture grasses. Which shouldn’t be a problem for most of you. Suppose you use your front yard like a decorating competition, as I do. Thanks to the deep roots and resilient nature of sedges, your yard will stay green throughout the dry season.
Since there are so many sedges options, whether you have dry or wet soil. There's a sedge for your yard.
Here are some sedges that we have had success with:
Height: 4”-8” Spread: 12”-18” Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade |
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Height: 6”-12” Spread: 1’ Light: Full Sun, Part Sun, Dappled Shade |
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Height: 2’ Spread: 2’ Light: Full Sun, Full Shade |
Ok, but what if you like-like your lawn? What can you do? Try adding some plants with grass-like foliage so that you get some seasonal color. Before you sharpen your mower blades... Check out the No Mow May initiative.
Grass-like mix-ins
Sisyrinchium angustifolium Height: Up to about 18 inches tall Bloom: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul Native Habitat: Meadows; damp fields; low, open woods |
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Sisyrinchium campestre Size: Up to about 15 inches tall. Bloom: Mar , Apr , May , Jun Native Habitat: Prairies; open woods |
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Sisyrinchium albidum Height: Up to about 15 inches tall. Bloom: Mar , Apr , May , Jun Native Habitat: Prairies; sand hills; open wood |
Conclusion
Lawns have a place in our yards. Perhaps that place can be smaller. Pairing your landscape with carefree natives just makes gardening easier. As for the thirst trap, did you know we water our lawns with drinking water? That's a Trap!
Even better, preserving the flora of Texas can be done from your own backyard. There are over 2,700 species of wildflower native to Texas; the choices are limitless in what kind of garden you can grow! After purchasing wildflower seeds from a reputable seller, sow them closely to the soil and water the area daily for three weeks. The seeds will then bloom in the spring, bringing the most radiant piece of Texas highways into your very own home, cultivating a love for the state’s nature.
Bluebonnet Seedlings
Texas is a diverse state with different regions having their own unique climate and soil conditions. This means that plants that thrive in one area may not do so well in another. That's where N.I.C.E comes in! The N.I.C.E Native Plant Partners program is a collaboration between the Native Plant Society of Texas and local nurseries around the state to offer native plants that are specifically suited to each region.
The N.I.C.E program is run by local chapters of the Native Plant Society, and they work with local nurseries and wholesalers to create a list of "Plant of the Month" or "Plant of the Season" options. This ensures that these plants are available and easily accessible to the public. The local chapter also helps promote these plants through various means, such as signs at the point of sale, information sheets at the nurseries, and articles on their website and in their newspaper.
At the Native Gardeners Nursery, we're proud to be a participating N.I.C.E! nursery, and we're committed to educating the public about the benefits of native plants and how to care for them. Our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have, and we have a wide selection of native plants that are perfect for your area.
Not only will adding native plants to your yard bring natural beauty and attract local wildlife, but it also helps conserve our environment. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they require less maintenance and watering. This saves resources and helps protect our environment.
So, if you want to bring some of Texas's natural beauty into your yard and help conserve the environment, come visit us at the Native Gardeners Nursery! We're happy to be a part of the N.I.C.E program and look forward to helping you find the perfect native plants for your yard. And remember, feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Let's work together to improve and conserve our environment!
]]>So, what are some options for those looking for deer-proof native plants for their garden? Look no further! Here are five options to consider:
Coreopsis lanceolata, also known as lance-leaf coreopsis, is a wildflower that grows up to 2 feet tall and can be found in prairies, meadows, fields, and roadsides. This plant prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil but can become too large if grown in too fertile soil. Deadheading spent flowers can help control self-seeding and encourage additional blooms, and the plant may need to be divided every 2-3 years to maintain its robustness. | |
Eastern purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, adds a pop of vibrant purple to your garden with its showy daisy-like flowers that bloom all summer long. Its stiff stems are adorned with coarse, dark green leaves that are perfect for fresh or dried flower arrangements. Not only is it beautiful, it also provides a food source for goldfinches and other birds with its blackened cones. This hardy plant is easy to grow and can tolerate a variety of conditions. | |
Common yarrow, Achillea millefolium, boasts stunning, lacy green leaves and large clusters of bright, yellowish-white (or sometimes even pink!) flowers that have a pleasing fragrance. This versatile plant can be used in borders, rock gardens, and wild gardens | |
Scarlet sage, Salvia coccinea, is the showstopper of the garden with its vibrant red flowers. The medium green leaves are hairy and triangular, adding a delicate texture to the overall look. This hardy plant is perfect for zones 9 and 10, but can also be grown as an annual in cooler climates. | |
Sacred thorn-apple, Datura wrightii, boasts show-stopping white trumpet flowers that are sure to leave your friends and family in awe. With a sweet fragrance and versatile growth, it's the perfect addition to any outdoor space. However, it's important to note that Datura plants contain dangerous levels of anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and may be fatal if ingested by humans, livestock, or pets. It is prohibited to buy, sell, or cultivate Datura plants in some places. |
With deer hunting season just around the corner, it's important to remember that deer will eat just about anything they find tasty. So, when we say "deer proof," it means that the plant has a scent or texture that deer don't like, or it's poisonous or prickly. But keep in mind that deer's tastes can change, so what they don't like one year, they might like the next.
This Texas native shrub is also known as the Texas firecracker. It's a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has bright red-orange flowers that bloom in the spring and summer and is a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
This rare Texas native is a beautiful tree with delicate leaves and showy white or pink flowers that look like orchids. It grows best in well-drained soils and is hardy in zones 7 to 10. It's a great specimen plant or container plant for small gardens.
This small shrub is known for its fragrant pink puffball flowers in the spring. It's a great plant for xeric gardens, but be careful, it has thorny branches.
This Texas native shrub is known for its low-growing habit and rambling root suckers. It has colorful leaves and a lovely aroma. It's a great plant for adding color and fragrance to your garden.
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So, if you're looking for a garden that's deer-proof, these plants are a great place to start. They're all native to Texas and are tough enough to handle our hot summers and cold winters. And the best part? They're all beautiful and add something special to your garden. So, go ahead and plant them, and let the deer munch on someone else's flowers!
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Large trees take an immense amount of water to sustain themselves. Lawn grasses, however, have roots that only penetrate the soil 6”-8”. The trees have already taken the water from the ground before the grass can even get a chance and, therefore, will need supplemental water to sustain themselves. Given this current Summer's record-breaking temperatures and lack of rains, we know unnecessary watering is irresponsible.
Even beyond the issue of watering, grass under trees has additional concerns for the health of that giant beauty in your yard. Here’s a great article from our friends at Texas Tree Surgeons explaining why.
So what should you plant under your tree?
Native plants have deep tap roots stretching from 2-13 feet. This allows them to access groundwater even during drought, hence the title of water-wise plants. It is important to remember that these plants will need supplemental watering during their first year until they can establish their taproots. It’s a small tradeoff for plants that will last for years.
Here are our Top Ten Native Shade plants we recommend for under your large trees, and to cut your mowing to a minimum.
Webberville Sedge-If you’re looking to maintain the look of grass, Webberville Sedge is a Native shade tolerant sedge grass that is low profile and can be mown if needed.
Woodland Sedge-Woodland Sedge is a rhizomatous perennial sedge that matures into compact mounded clumps. The shiny deep green foliage is evergreen and up to 8” long. In late spring, attractive green flower spikes are displayed above the leaves. Plants occur in part sun to part shade in moist to mesic soils. This sedge has excellent landscape potential as a groundcover for woodlands or shade gardens.
Horseherb-Horseherb is a shade-tolerant groundcover in the daisy family typically found in woodlands, meadows, and disturbed sites. It withstands foot traffic and mowing well and is an excellent replacement for the invasive Asian Jasmine. Tiny yellow flowers dot the bright green plants from spring to summer, their nectar attracting small butterflies.
Missouri Violet-Woolly blue violets, commonly known as Viola sororia, are Missouri wildflowers that grow in wooded areas, thickets, and along stream banks. A stemless, rhizomatous, low-growing perennial with downy, heart-shaped leaves and large blue-violet flowers. Blooms from April to August for great Summer color.
Frog Fruit-This Texas native is often overlooked but can be a valuable groundcover with its broad, smooth leaves and creeping nature. The little white flowers encircle a purple center and cover the ground profusely. It is drought tolerant, producing a much fuller plant given regular water.
Cedar Sage-A red-flowered, hirsute, perennial salvia that grows from 1 to 2 feet tall, with rounded, scalloped leaves, Salvia roemeriana is adapted to grow in the shade and leaf mulch of Juniperus species, especially Juniperus ashei (Ashe Juniper)
Texas Betony-Texas betony has aromatic foliage and a fantastic bloom show. The heaviest blooms are in early spring, but Texas betony displays vivid scarlet flowers throughout the season. Makes a great groundcover for shady places.
Clover Fern-A quick-growing and unusual fern whose fronds look just like perfect four-leaf clovers, the Bigfoot Waterclover is nearly evergreen but goes dormant for a short period in winter or during dry periods. Under moist conditions, it readily develops into a vigorous low groundcover and easily adapts to sunny bogs or moist shade. Clover ferns can easily be maintained in containers and on the upper shelves of water gardens.
Southern Wood Fern-Southern Wood Fern is a fast-growing Texas native fern that demands moist, well-drained, acidic soils throughout the spring and summer. Semi-evergreen in warmer areas will die back to the roots altogether if temperatures drop below freezing. Leaves are a light green hue and very graceful and delicate, and It spreads quickly by underground runners.
Turks Cap-This spreading shrub, often as broad as high, grows 2-3 ft., sometimes reaching 9 ft. Bright-red, pendant, hibiscus-like flowers never fully open, their petals overlapping to form a loose tube with the staminal column protruding, said to resemble a Turkish turban, hence its most common name, Turk's Cap. Especially useful in shady situations.
Check out our collection of shade-loving natives here.
The story of Native Gardeners starts with a bee. Well, pollinators and how to create a pollinator-friendly garden bed, to be exact. In 2020, many of us lost our footing and had to find new ground to stand on. Removed from his usual routine, Derek found solace in his neighborhood community garden. As we all know, bees are the backbone of every successful garden, and Derek wanted to find a way to “bring all the bees to the yard.” Doug, resident ecology nerd and close friend, was investigating bee-friendly plants at the time and suggested a little experiment. A little experiment involving various plants, 3 acres of land, 6 feet of distance, and a sweet woman we call Granny.
We all found ways to be with one another safely during the pandemic. Some people did Zoom call happy hours; others sat in lawn chairs many feet from one another. This author personally ate dinner at separate tables with their best friend on a 40-degree patio. Derek chose gardening dates with his grandmother, Granny. Experimenting with pollinator flower beds at Granny’s gave him a safe way to visit with his family and feel like he was doing something good in dark times. This near-daily gardening allowed Derek to think about where he found the most joy in his life. That joyous spark appeared when the first bumble bee visited Granny’s garden. Seeing the positive changes in the landscape he had toiled over felt so fulfilling. Derek knew that this little experiment needed to be grander.
After a phone call to Doug to pitch this grand experiment, the two gardeners began researching local ecology, working on their design, and reading many, many, many books! They started with the yards of family, then friends began to ask for their services. Then neighbors got curious about the two tall men digging around in the dirt, muttering about native plants. And soon enough, the two were such busy bees that Derek asked, “Why aren’t we making this our lives? Let's make it official!” And on August 1st of, 2021, Doug and Derek officially started what we lovingly call now, Native Gardeners. From a dark place with little community and listless futures, Doug and Derek found joy and meaning through their gardening. They took the joy they found in that first bee visit and set up a company to not only “bring all the bees to the yard” but to work with nature for the beauty of us all, build community and bring light to others’ lives.
"I have always wanted to create spaces for other people to enjoy. Growing up, my parents owned a motel. Consequently, gardening catalogs would come to our house from all over. I would spend hours looking at the roses and dreaming of how I would turn my parents' business into a beautiful garden. During my 4-H program in the fourth grade, I was able to build a garden. It was then that I caught the gardening bug. Over time, my career led to more travel. Being a resident of an urban dwelling, the spaces I have had to grow in were never big enough to allow me to share my love of color and design. As a result of the succession of deaths in my family, I knew I needed to change my career path. I wanted to be outside again. I wanted my hands in the dirt. I felt like I needed a fresh start. My in-laws had flower beds that needed redoing, so I started doing that. My next relative asked me to redo hers as well. A friend and another friend followed. Thus, Native Gardeners was born. I wanted to create spaces that people could enjoy."
“I will be the first to admit that my bean struggled when it came to the bean growing experiment in school. I wanted to know why mine failed. From that relentless curiosity, I would constantly learn more about gardening. When I spent my summers with my grandparents, they had me plant trees, make trellises and catch insects to look up in my identification books. I developed a love for nature and gardening from these early memories. This passion has stayed with me throughout my college years and on every patio ever since. When Derek initially came to me with the opportunity to start a gardening business, I said no. But Derek was determined to design better yards, and his passion for color encouraged me to grow a business with him. It's been thousands of flowers and a lot of hardscape since then.”
A year later, Native Gardeners has a team of 9 beautiful people, an ever-expanding nursery, a list of freshly mulched yards, and many more spaces to transform. As our team celebrates our first year of success and anxiously waits to see what the future brings, we pause to say “Thank you.” Thank you to those who believed in Doug and Derek from day one. Thank you to our community, who made space for us to grow. Thank you to our clients who saw value in our grand visions. Every bit of support brings more life to our joyous sparks. With this much light, the Native Gardeners’ future looks like a sky full of fireworks.
A Special Thank You
So what is mulch? Merriam-Webster defines mulch as a protective covering (such as sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean. Which mulch will work best for your garden encompasses anything from wood, leaves, decomposed granite, and even rocks. I know this may seem like a lot of mulch to do about nothing, but this additional layer on top of the soil is a protective layer from the harmful effects of direct sunlight on bare ground. Mulch allows the earth to remain cooler for extended periods and keeps the plants stress-free. Not only that, your soil ecology can finally have fun in the sun without fearing any burns. If your plants can retain moisture around their roots, they will be able to establish and grow at a surprising rate.
You’ll dig all the applications mulch has in the average garden bed. Weeds can be a hassle to deal with, especially in the triple-digits. A thick four-inch layer of mulch you apply will smother any weeds that may try to poke their heads in your garden. (Except Bermuda grass. Mulch makes managing that grass easier to manage ). Weeds require sunlight to live and thrive. By coating your flower beds with fresh material, the weeds will struggle to anchor their roots. To ensure a pleasant and resilient flower bed, mulch the plants you want to keep.
When the weather starts to drop lower and the fall foliage drops–it would be a shame to leaf it to waste. All of those fallen leaves can provide a cheap resource for transforming your garden with a nutritional mulch. By allowing your leaves to pile up over the season, making sure they remain moist, they will break down into leaf mould. What sets leaf mould apart from other composts is that it is broken down by fungi as opposed to the typical bacteria used in other composts. It provides excellent resources, such as a better water retainment system and an overall better environment for things such as earthworms or beneficial bacteria. Leaf mould is best for new plants in particular which will be perfect in time for spring by the time it fully settles. In addition to protecting the soil from the easy bake oven in the sky, organic mulch breaks down and can provide plant nutrients. When water travels down through the mulch layer, it takes the nutrients from the material you use and distributes them to the soil and the plants beneath. So what are these nutrients? Nitrogen, Potassium, and phosphorus are the most common and most beneficial. It also depends on which mulch you are using.
Pros and Cons of Different Mulches:
My favorite part of mulching is figuring out which one is perfect for your garden. I’ve installed many, many different mulches to choose from. One of the most popular you will see is wood mulch which is some of the best for retaining moisture. There is cedar, oak, pine, hardwood, and many others. There are pros and cons to each specific wood. Cedar wood will be a golden brown that will be longer-lasting than some, good at repelling insects, but will be a little more expensive. A good mulch that will hold its nice brown color is oak, which tends to decompose slowly. A perfect addition to a flower or vegetable bed is pine. Pine can give the soil lots of additional nutrients but, unlike oak, will tend to decompose a little faster than others. Lastly, one of the most popular is the simple, mixed hardwood. This will be longer-lasting with natural brown color and retains moisture in the soil. Of course, aged leaf compost will feed organically outside of woods, providing the earth with lots of nutrients. If you’re going for a desert aesthetic, decomposed granite is a great option and surprisingly helps retain moisture. Another option that's very simple and eco-friendly is green mulch. This method involves many low-growing plants that assist in covering the ground. They perform the same function as traditional wood mulch by protecting the soil with natural plant growth from the sun.
Using mulch in your garden will help alleviate the heat off the plant and the stress off you. Protect your plants and relax with a much cooler garden this summer. With mulch, there isn't much you can't do.
Red Shoes on Yellow Bricks
Analogous colors are a great starting point for planting by color. Analogous colors create a comfortable color family that incorporates your favorite color without looking too monotone. Just grab your favorite color, let’s say a ruby red, and find its two-color neighbors. So for red, you could pair oranges and yellows.
Source image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/231935449531100865/
Try red, purples, and blues if you want a moodier color scheme. Nothing makes you feel more fantastic than a garden bed filled with Catmint ‘Walker Low’, Indigo Spires, Tropical Red Salvia, and Gulf Penstemon. Since we are planting on the cool side, grey foliage and ground spreaders would be perfect for filling those bare spots.
Are you looking for something bright and fresh? Liven it up with Buttercups, Butterfly Weed, or Cut Leaf Coneflower. Oranges, yellows, and rich greens make a delightfully cheery landscape. Don’t forget the foliage! Abelia 'Twist of Lime' has attractive leaves striped with green and yellow that incorporate nicely into this color scheme.
Emerald City beyond the Poppy Field
Complimentary colors develop contrast and kinship when combined in a garden space. The broad field of red poppies leading to the green Emerald City is a fantastic example of how to make your favorite color, ruby red, clack their heels with their compliment, virden emerald green. It is a love story that's practically wicked!
Source image: https://libraries.usc.edu/article/uscs-chronicle-features-wizard-oz-scores-paintings-and-books-libraries-collections
Speaking of dropping the house down, let's stir up some controversy with a yard full of contrasting colors. Break your beds down into rainbows like a Gertrude Jekyll garden, and leave the scarecrow and your neighbors jumping off their rack. Red goes with green, orange fits with blue, and yellow matches with purple. Some plants already come in complementary color pairings. Blue Morning Glories holds a delightful orangey-yellow center, while Fall Asters is bright purple from its yellow centers. Experiment with your flower bed’s foliage! Combine your silver ground cover with bright warm-toned blooms. Or create rows of green herbs complimented by red flowers. The sky is the limit, and I don’t see a single cloud.
A Cast of Characters
If our colorful cast of characters in Oz opened up a community garden, I imagine these would be their favorite picks.
Scarecrow
Our hay-stuffed fellow who observes the fields gets all the best grasses. Big Muhly, Little Bluestem, and Sideoats Grama.
Source image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_by_W._W._Denslow_from_The_Wonderful_Wizard_of_Oz.jpg
Tin Man
Glaucous foliage for our silver friend. Silver Ponyfoot, Artemisia, and Woolly Stemodia.
Cowardly Lion
For the most frightful of felines, plants that can't help but hide from the sun are the obvious choice. Buttonbush, Yarrow, and Pigeonberry.
Dorothy Gale
For our non-native visitor to Oz, plants that find themselves far from home. Canna, Bicolor Iris, Orange Bulbine.
Source image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_by_W._W._Denslow_from_The_Wonderful_Wizard_of_Oz.jpg
Glinda the Good Witch
The witch that floats through the air on bubbles and pink dreams, only the fluffiest of plants will do. Evening Primrose, Anacacho Orchid Tree, and Fall Obedient plant.
Wicked Witch of the West
Something wicked this way comes, and it's pretty sharp! Fragrant Mimosa, Spanish dagger, and Agave, lophantha 'Splendida.'
Source image: https://blumoonfiction.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/wicked-witch.jpg
Now fly my little pretties! Fly! Off to the garden to add color! Analogous, complimentary, even your favorite 1939 movie characters. There is no limit to your imagination regarding the color themes of your garden. Follow our design ideas or go wild. Just check the forecast before stepping into your garden project. You don’t want to be swept up by a tornado; I heard twisters can be quite the trip.
Source image: https://oz.fandom.com/wiki/Winged_Monkeys
]]>Tell us your dream garden, and we will take care of the rest with detailed designs, scheduled installations, and long-term maintenance: no more runny mascara or dirty knees.
We move on to the design phase once you have completed your consultation meeting and reviewed your inspiration lookbook. Our design team creates a 2-D and 3-D rendering of your landscape, laying out the placement of every flower, shrub, and tree. These designs reflect the overall layout and added features and show the plants at their full maturity. Details like this give you a better understanding of your yard as each plant grows into a new space. The best part? This design is 100% yours and only yours! You retain ownership over it, so if you decide we are not the right fit for installation, you can take the design to another company. No hard feelings, whatever gets you closer to stepping into a space you'll never want to leave.
If our charm and rugged good looks have convinced you to continue to use our services, we move on to the installation phase. You can choose to move immediately or work in stages that best fit your timeline. Once your space is scheduled for installation, our team comes out and does their magic. Our team and only our team will be digging in your yard. So turn on the sprinklers if you see someone rooting around in the zinnias without a bright, cheerful Native Gardeners t-shirt. After each visit, you will receive an update email keeping you in the loop on all the action. And if you are worried about the mess, don’t be! Our team strives to keep your space as clean as possible during the transition.
Finally, the dream is a reality, and your happy place is complete. However, like every car and any happy marriage, your new garden requires some maintenance. We offer maintenance plans that keep your yard looking its best—everything from mowing to weeding and garden finessing. When we get in new arrivals that we think will look good in your yard, if you want them, we can plant them the next time we're out. Our maintenance team uses mainly Eco-friendly electric equipment and traditional garden hand tools. We like to maintain the quiet sanctum of your garden. The wildlife like it this way too.
We at Native Gardeners are “Working with Nature, for the beauty of us all.” But it reaches farther than that. We work with our clients and neighbors to bring beauty, ecology, and joy back to our spaces. Our team wants to help you along the path to a stunning landscape without the stress or mess, so you and Mother Nature can start enjoying the little things again. From design to installation to maintenance, we have got your back.
]]>An outdoor landscaping project can seem daunting at first. It is our goal to give you a space you won't want to leave by taking away the stress of this process.
Consultation: $150
We start every relationship with a consultation meeting since each landscape and garden is unique. Meetings are usually between 45 minutes and an hour long and are conducted by a member of our team with expert knowledge. Simply let us know if your garden has any needs or wants for the space.
The rest is up to us! Beautiful eco-friendly solutions that balance ecology, design, and relaxation are what we do.
Lookbook:
A Consultation Portfolio of your space will be provided to you following our visit. The Consultation Portfolio is not a design, but rather a way to ensure you and our team are on the same page. Throughout the Portfolio, you will find plants and design ideas for your dream design scheme. We give you an idea of what will be planted in the different areas of your space on the pages of the portfolio. The Portfolio is the foundation for your future happy place, so let us know which colors, plants, or placements work with your lifestyle! We are here to curate YOUR vision. Our client's opinions are very valuable to us.
We can help you plan the landscape of your dreams by working with your budget, timeline, and overall vision.
We can answer your questions and put you on your way to your future happy place by phoning (214) 814-0932.
When they offered us the chance to design and install a garden experience for their guests, we screamed louder than a hot, whistling kettle. Finding the right plants to match Potpourri Boulangerie’s inviting yet elevated space was fun. Here is how we transformed Potpourri’s space into an English garden tea destination.
Welcome, come on in:
As they say in business, it takes seven seconds to make a first impression, and your first impression of a company is the front door. Before, Potpourri’s entrance felt structured and rigid, covered in pavers, a couple of boxwoods, and a single fountain. We thought, how do we invite guests in? We hug them! Or rather, we create an entrance embraced by inviting blooms. We started by removing the pavers and redefining the walkway with plants like Mexican Mint Marigolds and Tutti Frutti Agastash who yearn to drape themselves over the curb like a southern bell folding over a fainting couch. Like the famous yellow bike or vintage tea cart, the jewels around the front needed to feel embedded, so we wrapped them in Cat Mint Walker and Brazos Penstemon to set them. And while we are inviting new guests, why not invite the neighbors! Lush, tall plants like Powis Castle Artemisia and Cherokee Sunset Rudbeckia now surround the bubbling fountain creating coverage to encourage our local bees and birds to visit Potpourri’s garden. Although, I do not believe the mocking birds are invited inside for afternoon snacks.
Get some fresh air:
Want some fresh air and a little sun? Take a seat on the front patio, now riddled with cottage ambiance. Planters upon planters now frame the corners of the deck, overflowing with greenery. We surrounded vital features of this space, like the classical statue fountain and bright windows, with ornate pots and pastel window boxes. We removed the previous boxwoods covering the windows and replaced them with sprawling Jetstream Oakleaf Hydrangeas. My personal favorite. These gorgeous plants change color throughout the seasons, with flowers shifting from white to pink and leaves changing from green to a deep burgundy—the perfect pairing with Potpourri’s seasonal menus.
Hidden garden:
If you are looking for a shady place to spill tea with your best friend, the back patio is your destination. Similar to the front deck, we wanted to extend the English cottage and develop the sense of a garden growing out of control. To accomplish this overgrown feeling, we filled hanging planters around the walls and ground with lush greenery like ferns and vines. A point of pride for the owners and ourselves is the birdcage nestled to the side. The owners wanted the birdcage to feel at home in the garden, so we painted it a pastel pink and filled it with seasonal annuals that spill out the open door and mingle into the other pots. The back patio is nothing like your usual restaurant patio. It feels like the peaceful vacation we always needed.
So next time you want to indulge your sense of smell, sniff around Potpourri Boulangerie. The tea house is overflowing with the scent of fragrant tea, pastries, and fresh flowers. I suggest pairing it with a relaxing afternoon amongst the English garden and native plants.
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In the garden, we want each plant to thrive and find its own space to grow without overshadowing the others. It can be challenging to pick and place plants with varying heights and spreads.
Here are three of my favorite ways to incorporate tall plants into the garden:
Tall Kids Stand in the Back
When looking to create a classic formal garden, go from short borders to tall background plantings. This design gives plants a place to be noticed. Whether they look fabulous at the front of a flower bed or leaning casually on a trellis or a wall, perennials like Katie's Dwarf Ruellia create a low clean edge without skipping on the lush leaves or flowers. Or consider a ground cover for the front of your bed. Plants like Horseherb or Silver Ponyfoot help to hide mulch and soil while still looking cute when they spill over an edge. They are now considered the supporting co-stars when you want a semi-lush plant to fill the space without blocking others. Salvia greggii is a great character to have on the scene. Available in a multitude of flower colors (from whites, reds, pinks, and violets), they can flower for months on end. Best of all, they support without taking away the limelight by only reaching about 2.5 feet tall. Now we can’t forget about the plants that live in the backdrop. It's easy to forgo the height in favor of vibrant annuals, but trust me, it's better to go wild with the tallest plants in the back! My favorite plants for a backdrop are Turk's caps, Oakleaf Hydrangeas, Common Tree Sennas, and even Switchgrasses or Bluestems. Whatever is towering and flourishing.
The View
Using ornamental trees, shrubs, or taller flowering plants is the perfect trick for framing different parts of your space for the ideal view. We want our actors to play with the set, not block off the background. Looking at your area, what do you want to highlight? Do you have an existing tree that needs some attention? Or some beautiful features of your house you want to emphasize? This framing technique works in front of or behind the object you are trying to draw focus. Simply draw a “V” around the area you want to frame and plant by the height of the design. Russian sage is tall and overflowing, perfect for the apex of your “V.” However, if you want more of a supporting actor that isn’t so lush, thin, tall blooms like the Giant Coneflower are a must.
Organized Chaos
In this design option, we add height, texture, and chaos. Don’t worry, this is a good kind of chaos. Natural landscapes are a great example of this technique. The goal is to create pockets to place plants of varying sizes, colors, and textures. This design works incredibly well for island-style plantings that are surrounded by pathways. I start by placing the larger plants throughout the bed, pushing some further back and pulling others forward. Now, this is an excellent time to experiment with companion plantings. Try mixing herbal plants like Rosemary 'Upright' with flowering shrubs like the Martha Gonzales Rose. After the big players have been planted, add some energy to your garden with stalky plants that explode upward but have a smaller spread. Plants like, like Blue Gama, Agastache, Tutti Frutti, or our favorite Fall Obedient Plant.
The Closing Curtain
With all these different characters in our cast, it can be overwhelming to place them into the right roles. But with every passion project, there is the freedom to do what you love! Ad libbing is encouraged. This garden is your stage, try out some of these techniques and play with the plants you want. Combine techniques, experiment, and watch the show as it unfolds.
His personal life also marked a significant chapter in history. John's marriage to Margaret Gruffydd, a local white woman, stood as one of the earliest recorded mixed-race marriages in Wales. Together, they had seven children, and their story of love and resilience resonated throughout North Wales, becoming a part of local folklore.
John's legacy continues to be celebrated well beyond his lifetime. The John Ystumllyn Rose, a recent creation by Harkness Roses, symbolizes the lasting impact of his life and work. Harkness Roses, established in 1879, long after John's era, is a renowned British rose breeding company with a rich heritage in horticulture. This esteemed company chose to honor John with a golden yellow Hybrid Tea rose, named after him for its warmth and friendship symbolism. It is believed to be the first rose in the UK named after an ethnic minority individual.
The initiative to commemorate John Ystumllyn through this rose came from Zehra Zaidi of We Too Built Britain, an organization dedicated to highlighting the achievements of underrepresented groups.
David White, representing Harkness Roses, spoke of the pride and significance of introducing this rose, noting its role in promoting inclusivity within the gardening world.
The John Ystumllyn Rose stands as more than just a floral tribute; it's a beacon of gardening's unifying power, celebrating contributions from all backgrounds. This rose intertwines John's remarkable story with the evolving narrative of diversity and inclusivity in the world of gardening, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire for generations to come.
Sources:
The Guardian - New Rose Named After One of Britains First Known Black Gardeners
]]>Originally established in 1913 by First Lady Ellen Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson, the White House Rose Garden underwent several transformations before attaining its current iconic status. Inspired by classic European gardens, it was envisioned as a serene oasis amidst the bustling political hub of Washington, D.C.
Over the decades, various First Ladies left their indelible mark on the Rose Garden, each contributing their unique vision and flair. Jacqueline Kennedy, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping its modern incarnation. In 1962, she spearheaded a major renovation project, collaborating with renowned horticulturist Rachel "Bunny" Mellon to redesign the garden according to her refined taste.
Kennedy's vision emphasized simplicity and symmetry, featuring geometric patterns, low boxwood hedges, and a central lawn bordered by flowerbeds bursting with vibrant roses. The elegant design not only enhanced the garden's aesthetic appeal but also provided an exquisite backdrop for official ceremonies, diplomatic receptions, and presidential addresses.
Since its renovation, the Rose Garden has served as a picturesque setting for numerous historic moments, including the signing of landmark legislation, state visits by foreign dignitaries, and the swearing-in ceremonies of presidents and vice presidents. Its timeless beauty has captivated visitors from around the world and continues to inspire awe and admiration.
In August 2020, the Rose Garden underwent another renovation under the direction of then-First Lady Melania Trump. The project aimed to restore the garden to its original Kennedy-era design while improving its accessibility and sustainability. Though met with some controversy due to the removal of certain plantings and the alteration of its aesthetic, the renovation upheld the garden's status as a cherished symbol of American heritage.
1908, The west colonial garden in the Theodore Roosevelt era.
1921, The rose garden that replaced the former west colonial garden.
1963, The Rose Garden in Spring. Photo credit, The White House Historical Association
2020, (Cover Image) The White House Rose Garden revitalization effort. Photo Credit ReDrew Angerer/Getty Images
2020, Additional view of the recently renovated Rose Garden at the White House in August . Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Today, the White House Rose Garden stands as a symbol of timeless beauty and resilience. It continues to inspire awe and admiration, serving as a living testament to the enduring legacy of the White House and the nation it represents. As visitors stroll through its manicured paths and admire its vibrant blooms, they are reminded of the enduring power of nature and the enduring spirit of America.
]]>If I didn't know better, I’d say that you (secretly) love a rose. Blame it on that intoxicating scent, or those tender petals or worse those beautiful colors. We know, that if it wasn’t called a “rose”, it would still be a rose.
February is the month of roses, for a loved one, a friend, even Bachelor contestants, but it’s also the ideal time of year to give Mother Earth some roses as well. We have a collection of our favorite roses listed on our website, but most other nurseries will have a great selection to choose from as well.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get down to why you clicked on this article in the first place:. How to plant rose bushes in North Texas.
First, let me say that not all roses are created equal, especially when it comes to ones that can withstand Texas’ summer heat, and our contradictory winters of wet-humid-dry. Fortunately, Texas A&M has developed several spectacular cultivars that do incredibly well in our climate.
Introduced in 1992, this gorgeous shrub rose was developed by Dr. Robert Basye, a mathematics professor at Texas A&M University, and named after the daughter of one of his friends. Belinda’s Dream is disease tolerant and has gorgeous flowers. Used as a specimen plant, a hedge, or even in a large pot, this rose has the impact and beauty of a modern hybrid tea, but is much more disease and soil-tolerant.
It was the first rose to be designated Earth-Kind® by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The large, very double pink blossoms come in large clusters from spring until frost. Bred in Texas to withstand hot temperatures, it does well in temperate climates as well. It may have some black spots in cool, damp weather, but its vigor and blooming will not be affected by the disease.
Old Bush or Blush is one of the best-loved and easiest to grow Old Southern Garden Roses. It has graced the yards of grand plantations, manor houses, homesteads, and simple cabins across the Southern US and Europe for centuries.
Touted to be the rose that inspired the Thomas Moore poem 'Last Rose of Summer' (though some experts dispute that based on the timeline), it is easy to see the reasoning, as this rose is a reliable and continuous bloomer that does continue to bloom into the Dog Days long after others have surrendered to the sweltering heat and humidity.
Bred in Lyon, France by Jean-Claude Ducher in the year 1869, Ducher, pronounced “doo-shay“, is one of a very few white China roses. While the Ducher family bred many lovely roses over a lengthy period, this modest rose is the one they chose to bear their family name.
Petals of the medium size blooms are pure white though the light reflected often takes on a creamy color. The bush has been described as looking like snow in a pine forest. The double blooms have a fruity fragrance. The compact and rounded, twiggy bush is a nice landscape shrub either as a specimen plant or in a drift of 3 to 5 plants. The soft fullness of the foliage and showy flowers make this an excellent choice to blend with more structured shrubs in a landscape. It works well in a large pot. Ducher tolerates heat, sun, and various soil conditions.
Spice produces wave after wave of blush pink, double blossoms that have a peppery fragrance that probably gave rise to its name. The blooms are light pink in cooler weather to almost white in the heat of summer. Very healthy and easy to grow, Spice is a drought-tolerant evergreen in the south. Flowers are good for cutting and to use in vases and arrangements.
Arrange shrubs in a cluster of 3-5 plants at the back of a rose planting, or utilize as a backdrop for annuals, perennials, or herbs. Can also be grown in a large pot on your deck or patio. An excellent choice for everyone, especially those who are new to rose growing.
February is the month of roses, for a loved one, a friend, even Bachelor contestants, but it’s also the ideal time of year to give Mother Earth some roses as well. All the roses above are listed on our website, and most nurseries will have a great selection to choose from as well.
Once you’ve chosen your ideal rose, it’s time to prepare our soil. I cannot overstate the importance of soil amending! Starting off with the right soil around your rose will ensure successful luscious plants down the road. Adding in organic compost to the soil and a healthy amount of fish fertilizer is my personal preference and has worked well for me in the past with several plantings. Now keep in mind that roses tend to like their soil more acid than alkaline. (Alkaline being all those white limestone chips and stones you dig up when you plant anything in the DFW). Some roses have shown more tolerance for alkaline conditions than others, and since most of the state is limestone, A&M has done a pretty decent job, cultivating limestone tolerant varieties. That being said, I’d still dig a hole twice the size of your rose plant, and amend the soil with compost (it tends to be more acidic). Top the whole planting off with some pine needles as mulch. Or, if you can’t find a bag of East Texas Pine needles, some pine bark mulch will also do. The pine needles tend to breakdown faster into the soil than the bark.
]]>Don’t be afraid. It is almost impossible to kill a rose by over-pruning. Roses are in the same family as blackberries. If you’ve ever had to remove a thicket of them, you can imagine how durable an established rose bush can be. In fact, a bigger mistake most gardeners make is to under-prune.
Our advice, is to wait until very early spring to prune roses. Its during that dicey time of year in February to March when were never sure if we are going to get a nasty freeze or an early spring. Don’t worry, the roses can handle both. When the roses start to bud or leaf out, it’s time to prune.
For most roses, the goal is to have six to eight strong healthy canes remaining. The final height of the rose bushes, after pruning, is usually 18-24 inches tall. This will produce fewer blooms but larger blooms. If you want more blooms and don’t mind that they are a little smaller, allow your rose to be a little taller.
You’ll want to prune to remove dead or diseased growth at any time. Although, it is best to avoid major pruning from late summer through early winter, when shrubs starting going dormant. However, you can deadhead as the flowers fade to keep shrubs blooming longer. Deadheading will encourage more blooms and maintain an attractive shrub. Other reasons for pruning include: encourage spring growth, and rejuvenate the shrub, or to reduce size especially if your rose is planted too close to a walking path.
Late Fall is also the other time to prune. Take it easy though, as too much pruning can stimulate growth, and that new growth may be damaged by our random winter storms. Make sure to remove any of the dead or diseased branches and foliage. Clean your cutting tools in a disinfecting solution to prevent transferring disease to another plant.
Climbing roses are the exception to this rule. They typically bloom on old wood, so cutting them back in early spring would cut off new blooms. They should be pruned just after the flowers finish, although you can remove dead or unwanted branches at anytime.
Climbing roses are a special group, and are often pruned wrong. While “repeat blooming“ roses should be pruned in very early spring, old-fashioned and heirloom climbing roses usually bloom on old growth, and should be pruned after they bloom. For all climbing roses, remove crossing or rubbing branches and clean up the long branches. Cut side shoots back to 2-3 inches. If you dont know remember your variety of rose, try pruning half of you climbing rose. Make sure you notate the results in a garden diary, for next year.
After pruning, make sure to clean up the surrounding area underneath. All leaves and cut branches should be disposed of as diseases and pests could be lurking. Plus if you run around like a barefoot hippy in your back yard, like I do, a rose thorn in the foot is the worst!
Apply a new layer of mulch around your roses to keep their feet cool this summer. Once you area is picturesque, not its time to feed them. Roses are “big eaters” and need proper nutrition, so feed them with a long-lasting organic fertilizer. The high calcium in our area can prevent the trace amounts of iron from feeding the roses, so we use extra blood meal and Iron-tone during the growing season.
She was the ancient goddess of love, romance, intimacy, doves, sparrows, and of course–roses! In In Greek mythology, Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, the god of fire, blacksmiths and metalworking.
Tannhäuser in the Venusberg, John Collier
In the most famous story, Zeus hastily marries Aphrodite to Hephaestus in order to prevent the other gods from fighting over her. Needless to say, the sooty wild-eyed god of hammering, was overjoyed to marry the goddess of beauty. In his unwavering affection, he forged her beautiful jewlery and clothing accessories to include an undergarment we know as the “bra”. (Wiki)
Venus Verticordia, Dante Gabriel Rossetti
According to medieval translations of her name, Aphrodite is a combination word meaning, "she who lives delicately". (Wiki)
Although we all know her as the goddess of beauty, in a rare sighting on Cyprus, Aphrodite known as Aphroditus was worshiped with the dress of a woman but had a full beard. (Wiki)
Death of Adonis, James Barry
As for Aphrodite's association with the rose, its really her love of Adonis that was to blame. Adonis was one of only two mortals the goddess truly fell in love with. She loved him more gently and more profoundly than anyone before or since. Adonis loved Aphrodite almost as much as she loved him; unsurprisingly, every year he chose to spend his own four months with her. While the two lovers were together, the sun shone brightly and the soil was kind to the people, flowers bloomed and fruits ripened. Aphrodite omitted one crucial detail, that her lover Ares could transform himself into wild beasts. Consequently, some believe that it was Ares who transformed into a boar and killed Adonis. Aphrodite heard Adonis’ groans and rushed to her lover; but, unfortunately, she arrived just a tad too late. While running, she pricked her foot on a white rose and stained the flower with her blood; the rose turned red. It is said that this was the first red rose ever to appear on the earth; it stands for passionate love ever since then. (Source)
Cupid in a Tree, Jean-Jacques-François Le Barbier
In another tale of rose let loose, Cupid, one her children with Aries (one of many side flings). Tipsy Cupid was standing on a table beside Bacchus; and knocked over a bowl of wine with his wing. From this pool of spilled wine on the ground, came a rose bush. (Source)
"For one human being to love another: that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation."
Cover image: Venus and Anchises, William Blake Richmond
Nestled within the heart of Texas lies a unique ecological treasure: the Blackland Prairie. This distinct ecosystem, characterized by its fertile soils and expansive grasslands, has a rich history intertwined with the cultural and ecological tapestry of the region.
The Blackland Prairie stretches across the eastern portion of Texas, encompassing an area that once covered millions of acres. Named for its dark, rich soil, the prairie developed over thousands of years through a combination of geological processes and natural disturbances. Its formation can be traced back to the last Ice Age, when glaciers retreated, leaving behind a landscape ripe for colonization by native vegetation.
For centuries, the Blackland Prairie served as a vital habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species. Tallgrass prairie grasses such as big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indian grass thrived in the fertile soils, while wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush and bluebonnets added vibrant splashes of color to the landscape. Bison, deer, and other wildlife roamed freely, forging a delicate balance within this vast expanse of grassland.
The Blackland Prairie also played a significant role in shaping the cultural heritage of the region. Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Wichita, were among the first inhabitants of the area, relying on its abundant resources for sustenance and shelter. As European settlers began to arrive in the 19th century, the prairie became a focal point for agriculture and ranching, with crops such as cotton and wheat flourishing in the fertile soils. The rich grasslands also attracted cattle ranchers, who capitalized on the ample grazing opportunities provided by the expansive prairie landscape.
However, the relentless march of progress took its toll on the Blackland Prairie. As urbanization and industrialization spread across Texas, vast tracts of prairie land were plowed under for development and agriculture. By the mid-20th century, only a fraction of the original Blackland Prairie remained intact, fragmented into isolated pockets amidst a sea of urban sprawl.
Recognizing the ecological importance of the remaining prairie remnants, conservation efforts began to take root in the latter half of the 20th century. Organizations and agencies worked tirelessly to preserve and restore the dwindling prairie habitats, employing strategies such as controlled burns and native plant reintroductions to revitalize the ecosystem.
Today, the Blackland Prairie stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of conservation. While much of the original landscape has been lost to the passage of time, efforts to protect and restore this vital ecosystem continue to flourish. Through education, outreach, and stewardship, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the beauty and biodiversity of the Blackland Prairie for years to come.
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Contrary to popular belief, you can have flowers in a xeriscaped garden. The Latin prefix, "xeric"just means adapted to dry conditions. It doesn't mean "stone debris field" or "House of 1000 Agaves".
What grows natively in the Dallas / Fort Worth region tends to also be adapted to the seasonal dry spells once established. Although this includes some succulent type plants, most of our native plants, have deep fibrous roots to adapt to the heat and drought conditions that persist through our summers, once they become established.
This mysterious "established" period can be about 3 months, with strategic neglect. The panic period after transplanting is about 2 weeks depending on what the temperatures outside. This means you still have to water, but a lot less than you would if you were trying to maintain a thirsty lawn in 100'F+ DWF summer.
Winecups (Callirhoe involucrata), Prairie Beardtongue (Penstemon cobaea) and Fall Asters (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium).
The Winecups start the color show off in Mid-March with a punchy yet delicate two inch blossom of magent. They continue weaving between plants until the Prairie Beadtongue sends up its fluffy white flower towers to shin height or higher. Airy seed heads from the Penstemon, will form once blooms get pollinated. Although the seed heads take all summer to develop, this still provides a texture through the HOT summer, until the Fall Asters start their show.
Add some Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) into this combination for a winter structure, and future playground for skipper butterflies.
Could you imagine how many fluttering pollinators you could invite into your yard if you replaced that lame do-nothing green space? You'll be surprised how many flowers there are when you use appropriate plants in your spaces--and how low your summer water bill can be.
]]>One of the things we love most about Native Grasses is their winter presence long after the landscape has died back. They add a beautiful structure to the garden, and their golden color is gorgeous in the low winter sun.
For this reason, we recommend waiting until early spring to cut back your grasses in preparation for summer growth. The new development of spring bloomers will cover the grasses nicely until they begin to fill out and add to your landscape. However, if you're anything like us and can't wait to start planting for spring, you can cut grasses back anytime between Fall-Spring.
Begin by cutting your grasses back by 2/3. Use string or rope to gather the grasses and snip just below, and you now have grasses for decoration or use in floral arrangements. You may need to employ a weed eater or larger shears for more giant grasses such as Big Muhly. Grass can be very sharp, so use gloves and plenty of caution when handling.
If you're looking to expand on established grasses, this is also a perfect time for dividing and transplanting. When digging up to trim out dead growth or create new transplants, start by digging up the entire ball of grass.
Remove and discard the "dead" center portion to the compost pile. Only utilize sections of the newer outer growth area for replanting. Using a shovel, slice off parts of the outer rings and replant.
The larger the slice, the larger the first-year plant will be. Simple replant wherever needed, and as spring warms, the plants will shoot up new growth.
You will be surprised how many "new" plants you can start from an old clump.
Lastly a shout out to our favorite natural landscaping twine: Sisal Twine. Its biodegradable, wild animals like to steal loose bits, and its composable. Doug's grandma got him to start using it when they would garden together, and he's been using it ever since. The only downside is that its not load bearing. Aka, this isn't a climbing twine, but its great for bundling everything in the garden and fixing vines to trellises.
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Each yard needed something new, and we worked diligently with the owner to get them the best vision of their yard. From installing our first yard design (during fourth of July weekend) when the temperatures were less than idyllic, to some very ambitious full yard refreshes. Some yards needed a specific redesign and a more structural vision. While other yards need just wanted a map of where the colors go. Let's take a look at some of our most memorable jobs from 2021.
Its hard trying to see a full tree from a seed. Its even harder trying to predict the how a yard will grow into its full vision as each plant unfurls its leaves. So a lot of times we use plants as different sizes in their growth, to help the budget and the brain make sense of the design. However, I sometimes feel a little underwhelmed when we get done with the initial planting. I've always got to remind myself that "gardens take time to grow". Natives plants are no different. Their deep roots, need time to find the deeper cool spaces that other plants can't reach. Deep roots take time to grow. I can't wait to show you the progress these gardens and "yardens" make as we nurture them through 2022.
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