Too Bloomin’ Hot for Flowers

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Many area gardeners are finding it hard to continue fighting this hot weather.  You would think that many of our local plants would be giving up too, but there are two Texas wildflowers giving quite a show right now despite the heat. The first of these is a perennial flower called Gay‑feather, Liatris squarrosa.  It… more please

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Summer Heat is Great for Water Gardening

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There is a growing interest in the use of water features in the landscape.  Area gardeners are adding ponds, creeks, waterfalls and fountains to add to the pleasing sound and cooling look of water.  “Water gardens,” as they are called, can add another dimension to the landscape; expanding the types of plants you grow adding… more please

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Lantana – Summer Sensation

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Southern gardeners are always looking for the perfect summer plant. One that takes the heat, tolerates all kinds of soils, and adds continuous color to the landscape. This can be a difficult thing to accomplish but our native lantana and all its relatives might just do the trick. Lantana camara is native to South Texas… more please

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Ginger and Spice and Everything Nice

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In recent years we have seen a tremendous increase in interest in gingers as an ornamental.  This large group of plants includes over 2,000 species.  Just over 300 species are currently available in the United States. This group of plants originates primarily in Southeast Asia, Africa and northern Australia.   Because of the diversity of this… more please

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Gardening is Gardening, or Is It?

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Many people are under the impression that gardening is gardening.  This misconception is a real problem for those trying to supply the public with accurate garden information. Garden magazines, newspapers, TV ads, catalogs and garden books and the internet are all hitting us with a barrage of gardening information.  Much of this information is not… more please

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