Gardening Articles from Local Master Gardeners
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Goodman LeGrand House Fig Tree
There was a storied fig tree planted at the Goodman Legrand house, that was celebrated not only by the house’s residents but by visitors for a century. The tree was one of the first horticultural improvements made to the property when Gallatin Smith purchased the land in 1859 and built the dog trot cabin that…
The Monarch Butterfly and Butterfly Weed
All across this country we are seeing fewer and fewer of the beautiful Eastern Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The same is happening with the Western Monarch. Both the World Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service list them as being close to being an Endangered Species. Here in East Texas we especially notice…
Dawn Stover to Speak on Monarch Butterflies June 12
East Texans who have dreamed of attracting flocks of fluttering butterflies to their backyard or helping save the iconic monarch will have a prime opportunity to learn how this week. As part of their “Nature in the Garden Series,” the Smith County Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are hosting a free public…
It’s time to care for azaleas
Tyler is known far and wide for its beautiful azaleas, and it’s important we treat these East Texas icons with the notoriety that they’ve earned. If you haven’t already fertilized yours this spring, there’s still time. When fertilizing azaleas, remember that less is more. Small amounts applied correctly are far better than heavy-handed applications. Choose…
Less Water is Good for your Lawn
I thought growing a lawn was easy. When we moved to Tyler eight years ago, I dreamed of gorgeous expanses of green grass on our 2 acres. Turns out most of our property was bare dirt in heavy shade and what turf we did have in the sun was a variety I had never heard…
East Texas Fire and Nature Festival
Fire and forests might sound like a dangerous combination, but in East Texas, the two have evolved together. Fire has long played a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems in our Pineywoods and Post Oak Savanna regions, where regular low-intensity burns once shaped open woodlands, fueled wildflower displays, and supported native wildlife. Now, after a…
Can a Shady Garden be Beautiful?
Is it possible to have a beautiful garden in the shade? A beautiful garden is usually visualized as brightly colored flowers gently dancing atop long graceful stems swaying in summer breezes. However, there can be beautiful shade gardens as well. What does it take to make a shade garden as appealing as a garden that…
An invasive broadleaf weed: Chamberbitter
This annual, broadleaf weed is often mis-identified as harmless “mimosa seedlings”, but Chamberbitter (Phyllanthus urinaria), also known as gripeweed, is an invasive warm-season, annual broadleaf weed that can be difficult to control. Reports are that it is becoming more prevalent in our area — I know we have been battling it at our home. Regular…
Alternatives to Turfgrass
As a child, few things rivaled the simple joy of running barefoot through our backyard. My brothers and I spent many afternoons lying in the grass, watching clouds, and turning a garden hose into our very own water park. That soft, green lawn was the heart of so many memories—but looking back, it was only…
Right Plant, Right Place
Planting the right plant in the right place is a gardening tenant. But it is easy to get swayed by a pretty plant and forget its importance. I have a wet corner of my garden where I ignored this important rule. A leaky sprinkler head was exacerbating the problem, but even with that repaired, this…