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We are big fans of wildflowers. Once established, they are easy to maintain, bring color to the world and, most importantly, support butterflies, birds, and bees. And restoring green space with ecological variety is always the right thing to do. As Fall is the best time to plant most Central Texas varieties, what better time to consider revamping a tired part of your lawn with wildflowers and native grasses. Wildflowers love poor quality soil Since wildflowers grow well in poor…

It is hot outside. No need to tell you that. So hot, that stepping outside soon makes you long for air conditioning inside. With shade, however, you can enjoy even steamy summer days in your own backyard. If you do not already have enough shade, here are three easy way to create it. 1. Plant your shade Plants and trees provide idyllic dappled shade. Make a plan to group your plantings to create appealing islands of shade, destinations for play…

A beautiful lawn and garden add value to your home and provide space for fun and relaxation for everyone in the family. It can also be very costly. Here are five tips to help you save money on lawn maintenance and new landscaping projects. Turn your kitchen waste into free plant food Compost made from your own food scraps is not only a great way to recycle and adopt a sustainable habit, it is also virtually free and some of…

April is National Lawn Month and a great time to consider going organic. We love organics, not only because they do no harm to the environment, but because they grow robust, healthy lawns and gardens.   Here are some of the benefits of going chemical free.   Healthy, non-addicted lawns Chemical treatments are addicting. Breaking the cycle of dependency gives your soil an opportunity to rebuild and naturally perform the jobs of chemicals, namely nourish grass, fight off grubs and…

We are taking a break this month from the full newsletter but still wish to share tips for lawn and garden care during the strange weather of this season. With cold fronts followed by warming spells, plants are confused and lawns are still largely dormant. Weeds, however, need only one warm day to sprout. And once they bloom, they start spreading. The best way to control these types of weeds is to mow. So even if your lawn is not…

Unlike most new year’s resolutions, these four garden resolution ideas are not only easy, but fun and rewarding! 1 Welcome more winged friends Bees, butterflies and birds are assets to your garden and important to our planet. In addition to their helpful benefits pollinating plants and dispersing seeds, they add color and beauty everywhere they go. Help to protect our delicate ecosystem by welcoming more to your garden! Start small. Attract a butterfly species by planting its host plant. Monarch…

The holidays are here and we have a few last minute tips to make your holidays green!   Green Gifts For friends and family with a green thumb and a spirit to support the planet, here are a few unique gift ideas. For bee lovers, consider the WWF Adopt a Honeybee gift kit For the gardener in your life, visit Seeds Needs for just the right collection of herb, wildflower or heirloom seeds For the recycler on your list, check…

Days are shorter and nights are crisp making this a great time to gather around a fire in the backyard. Creating a cozy winter garden is easier than you think with options for every size yard and every budget. Safety first Before you start playing with fire, consider safety. Make sure your have a space where flames cannot reach plants or structures. Approximately 10 feet from your house or your neighbor’s yard is a standard recommendation for large fire elements…

Leaf season will soon be upon us! Before you get frustrated or start to burn them, consider these smart solutions to eliminate and reuse those carbon rich leaves. Mow them No need to rake – mowing the leaves on your lawn is by far the easiest solution. The dispersed leaves gently settle into the lawn where they decompose adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Keep in mind that for mowing to work best, the leaves need to be…