There’s a certain magic to spring in East Texas—one that feels especially alive as Easter approaches. It’s not just a change in the weather; it’s a full awakening. Lawns green up almost overnight, trees unfurl fresh leaves like they’ve been saving them for a special occasion, and gardeners everywhere begin that familiar ritual of stepping…
Originally discovered in South Africa in some 250 varieties they found their way to America. Give credit to our President Thomas Jefferson who imported them from France in 1786. Geraniums are often the first bright and bold flowers available in Spring preferring the cooler months of March thru May with temperatures between 60 and 80F….
Every spring in East Texas, about the time the daffodils, narcissus, and jonquils finish their show, gardeners start getting the itch to tidy things up. The blooms fade, the leaves begin to flop, and those once‑cheerful clumps suddenly look a little faded. It’s tempting to reach for the pruners. But if you want a strong…
During a visit to a friend’s garden, I noticed some vines on the fence that had the most beautiful yellow flowers. There were also long green pods, resembling zucchini, that measured about 18 inches in length. When I asked about them, my friend explained, “Oh, those are loofahs.” In the fall, the outer part of…
When the days shorten and summer’s riot of color fades, East Texas gardeners are rewarded with one of the most elegant shrubs we can grow: the sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua). These graceful evergreens step into the spotlight just as many plants are winding down, offering blooms from October into December. Their timing alone makes them…
Mums the Word. As a child, when I heard this phrase, it usually meant you had been given some information, couldn’t share with anyone, and was often accompanied with a threat of sorts. In this case, I hope this topic reaches as many people as possible. What I’m referring to is the common garden mum…
I grew up in the Catholic church and with a November 1st birthday always knew about All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day. But it wasn’t until I lived in San Antonio that I knew about the connection between certain flowers and the Day of the Dead. As the first days of November arrive, marigolds glow…
As the sweltering heat of summer fades and the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, porches across America — especially in the South and places like East Texas — undergo a vibrant transformation. Out go the tropical plants and bright summer annuals; in come pumpkins, hay bales, rustic wreaths, and above all: mums….