When you live in a climate like we do shade trees are an important part of the landscape.  Temperatures of 100 degrees plus are difficult to tolerate in the shade and even more unpleasant if there is no shade.  Now is a good time to plant a shade tree in a San Antonio landscape. Among …

Here is information on several annual plants to consider using for color this summer. The newest Texas Superstar is a plant that has been around awhile, but the Superstar team says we haven’t given it as much attention as it deserves. It is “New Look” Celosia. Dr. Brent Pemberton of the team says it is …

If you’re an early riser, there are a few odds and ends you can tackle in your landscape — even during these sizzling summer days. Even during the hottest times of the summer, South Texas gardeners have lots to do in the garden. As long as you start early in the morning, stay hydrated and …

Plant fall tomatoes now. Select varieties that are determinate or semi-determinate, so they grow their foliage quickly and then concentrate on maturing their fruit before the cold weather arrives. To extend the bloom period cut off the spent blooms or new seed pods on poinciana, vitex, crape myrtle, and zinnia if it is practical. Removing …

One summer color plant that we are sure is not eaten by the deer is vinca (also called periwinkle). This annual flower is available at area nurseries in white, red, pink, and lavender. Vinca was once the best-selling annual flower but its popularity declined because its severe susceptibility to the disease, aerial phytophera.  It got …

It is time to fertilize the lawn. With the freezes this winter and the generally cool weather the lawn weeds have prospered but the lawn grass has been slow to begin growth.  It is most efficient and environmentally appropriate to delay fertilization until the regular grass has grown enough to be mowed twice.  That growth …

If you make an effort to attract and observe the birds in your landscape this has been an exciting winter, and the action continues this spring. The American goldfinches are in town in large numbers. Earlier in the winter they joined the flocks of lesser goldfinches in salvaging the remnants of the seeds in the …

The Texas mountain laurel is among the most noticeable plant that is blooming now. It is noticeable for the purple blooms that decorate the evergreen foliage, but it is also noticeable for the fragrance of those blooms. I have always described the fragrance as the same as that of grape bubble gum we used to …

Roses are the overall favorite flower of gardeners and non-gardeners. The blooms are beautiful. Have you ever thought of roses as a Xeriscape plant? You can, because there is a group of old-fashioned and tough modern roses that can survive and even bloom over a long period of time without irrigation. They also prosper without …

It is still a good time to plant the recommended shade trees. They will shade the house and reduce your air conditioning coats. CPS customers can receive a $50 rebate for the shade trees they plant. Visit the CPS website or your favorite nursery for the list of eligible species. Begin the weekly insect and …