Want bluebonnets and butterflies in your garden next Spring? Then this is the time to sow your wild seeds! Why go Wild? Fall is the best time to plant in Austin. And, if you want to do something to benefit the environment, help struggling butterfly and bee populations, and cover a barren patch of lawn with color and life, this is also the best time to plant your wildflower seeds. Consider the addition of a wildflower border or garden to…
After a summer of relentless heat and sun, we can revel in the coming cool of autumn. And with a little TLC, our lawn and gardens can also benefit and blossom during the cooler weather. Steps you take now will not only enhance your enjoyment through winter, but also beautify your landscape next spring. Clear Out the Old Start your fall gardening by clearing out non-thriving plant matter. Prune plants and shrubs, pull out weeds and remove debris. Remove aging…
If your water bills have been giving you pause, consider these water smart strategies to save water and money. Water less Less is more when it comes to watering. By watering less often, but deeply, we create deep healthy roots, which better survive times of drought. 1-1/2 inches of water every five days is a good goal. You can also water less by switching to a drip irrigation system for your garden and trees. Low volume drips reduce evaporation…
Container gardens are a great feature, especially when you have a small garden or no garden. Pots of plants adorn balconies, add warmth to patios and decks, and brighten doorways. Containers, however, can also solve many problems, even in large gardens. Here are 6 clever ways to use containers to solve some common garden problems. Problem 1: Nothing grows here Poor soil quality, steep slopes, areas under mature trees or of heavy drainage are challenges for any gardener. The solution: Containers…
Your pets love to run, roll, scratch and generally nose around your lawn. If your lawn is covered in chemical fertilizers and pesticides, however, you could be making them sick. How can you keep your pets safe? Keep these principles in mind to protect all your family members, especially the furry ones. Avoid chemical fertilizers Chemical fertilizers are like fast food for your lawn. Loaded with nitrogen, they quickly improve the appearance of grass. Those high levels of nitrogen, however,…
You can help save the monarch butterfly! Did you know? Texas is a critical migration state for monarch butterflies. Monarch butterfly populations have dropped as much as 80%. You can help save the monarch butterfly. Monarch butterflies like bees and so many species are disappearing. It can seem like there is nothing we can do. But we can! Austin lies on an important stretch of the monarch migration. Herbicides and development have destroyed many of the plants that monarch butterflies…
Why do weeds keep returning? Weeds grow well Weeds are well adapted to surviving under harsh conditions. They grow exceptionally well…even faster than most other plants. Deep roots Despite your best efforts, the deep root structure of many weeds means that after pulling, they never really left your garden. Some weeds have roots that grow as much as twenty feet! With roots like that, the tendency is to always leave a bit of root behind. Seeds are…
9 Principles to give your Home Curb Appeal First impressions are important! Curb appeal is the first thing people notice about your home and it can literally increase the value of your home. What impression does your front yard make? Is it an inviting approach that says, come on in? Or is your home turning onlookers away? Whether you want to make little changes or reconsider your entire front-scape, these 9 ideas may guide or inspire. 1. Start with the…
A lush, weed-free lawn requires a little t.l.c. Spring is off to a warm start, which means maintaining a healthy, weed-free lawn is just a little more challenging. By following these four easy steps, however, you can keep your lawn in its best condition. 1. Mow for growth Like a good haircut, cutting your grass frequently encourages growth. It is one of the best ways to keep grass lush and weed-free. Cutting your grass improperly, however, does great damage. Keep…
…and easy to grow Loving the Valentine’s bloom February is the season of love. A great time to give roses and an even better time to think about the roses you have or wish to have in your garden. Give your Valentine’s bloom some love Valentines Day is the ideal time in Texas to prune your roses. Appropriate trimming keeps roses healthy and ensures many robust blooms in the Spring. Be sure to wear gloves! February is also a great…
