Category Archives: Gardening in Central Texas
Shantung Maple
Growing up in the Chicago area, one of my favorite things about the experience and environment was the trees. People travel to the east coast just to see the changing of the leaves, and for good reason. When I came to Texas as a young teen I made it my mission to find trees with …
Bee Friendly Flowers, Austin and Zone 8
There is a wealth of flowering plants that provide food for bees each spring through late summer and fall. Planting a variety of flowering plants is essential for ensuring that they have food throughout the seasons. Here are some of my favorite bee friendly flowers. Dandelions are the very first flower for bees every spring …
White Mistflower
One of my favorite Texas native plants is the for so many reasons Fragrant White Mistflower. Aptly named for its beautiful fragrance and also known as White Mistflower, Shrubby Boneset, or Havana Snakeroot. It’s an interesting plant with furry white flowers and deep green leaves that is semi evergreen and quite interesting in the landscape. …
Culinary Gardens Austin
It’s Easier Than You Think What do all of these beautiful dishes (above) have in common? Everything fresh came from my garden. Culinary gardens can either be in a raised bed or among the perennial plants, but in either case the key to success is the proper plant selection and lots of compost. You can …
Sandy Loam, the Red Death
Have you ever wondered what that orangish, sandy dirt is that your home builders lay out before the closing of your home? That mushy when wet / concrete when dry substance is called Sandy Loam but us Master Gardeners refer to it as “Red Death”. Quality is Everything Sandy Loam is a super cheap dirt …