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 …

Some things that you can do now to take advantage of South Texas’ early spring weather. 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 …

Temperatures at night will become cooler as the month progresses encouraging the germination of the winter weeds. To reduce the quantity of weeds such as bedstraw, dandelions, thistle, henbit, beggars’ lice and chickweed in the lawn apply a preemergent such as Amaze, XL, or Dimension early in the month. The fall tomatoes will also respond …

The Monarch butterflies have a complex lifecycle and individuals are in the San Antonio area seeking out nectar sources for food and milkweed plants on which to lay their eggs.  I have seen them obtaining nectar from peach and plum blooms, blue curl, rain lilies, sweet peas, stock and Mexican honeysuckle. My tropical and native …

The key to attracting butterflies to your landscape is to have both nectar producing and egg-laying plants available. Among the best nectar-producing plants are Gregg’s mistflower, milkweed, sunflower, and porterweed. Zinnias are the mainstay of a cutting flower garden in the summer and they also will be a great source of spectacular photos as they …

It is time to plant potatoes in the garden. Onion transplants and radish, carrot, lettuce, beets, English peas can also be planted by seed. Aerate and top dress the lawn with compost. Rent an aerator and have the compost delivered or hire a lawn care firm to do the work. It is too early to …

Plant the cole crops and other greens by transplants now. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Swiss chard, collards, are among those available at area nurseries. If the birds are damaging your ripe tomatoes on the vine, try harvesting the fruit early, as soon as it shows a color change from green.  They will ripen in …