Hardy winter perennials like salvias and Turk’s caps typically thrive without any additional water. And they entice a spectacular show of some of the feistiest, freakiest hummingbirds of the year. When our south Texas summer perennials slow down and drop flowers in autumn, we tend to stow away the hummingbird feeders for the season. But …

Spice up your autumn garden with warm hues, berry-bursting blooms and fragrant foliage. It’s the coziest backdrop for enjoying your preferred pumpkin-spiced beverage outdoors. Fall in South Texas always warms my heart with its beautiful weather and exhilarating snout butterfly explosions — it’s the perfect backdrop for enjoying the outdoors with a pumpkin-spiced drink in …

In Bexar County, water is the hot commodity. With our growing population, how we use this invaluable resource matters. Replacing some or all of your lawn with beautiful WaterSaver landscaping plants is an easy and effective way to reduce your water use, save money and create a more interesting yard! When maintained effectively, a WaterSaver …

Stay wicked busy this month in your fall garden. From harvesting to planting to tidying up, there’s plenty to do to get it in gear for spring. October can be quite magical. The cooler temperatures and crisp air beckon, encouraging us to slow down and linger longer outdoors, perhaps with a pumpkin spice latte in …

At the nursery, plants always look pretty in the pot. But will they grow and thrive once you get them home? Most likely, yes — as long as they’re planted in the right place. Plants need the sun’s energy to grow. If they don’t get enough, some will become stunted, bare and diseased. But some …

Every landscape has its own quirks and charms. So ditch the one-size-fits-all advice and find out how much water your unique yard really needs. Living in Texas, we’re all accustomed to extended periods of extreme heat and prolonged drought. This year is no exception. While always a precious commodity, water is even more vital when …

While there are several watering methods you can use, some are more effective than others. Here’s a closer look at the top techniques, and the pros and cons of each. Many newcomers have arrived to San Antonio lately from all corners of the world, and many are first-time homeowners, too. One of the first things …

A xeriscape is not rocks, decomposed granite, cactus, agaves, or rain barrels, although these could all be components of one. In its simplest form a xeriscape is minimal lawn, native flowering perennials and shrubs, mulch and other soil amendments, and pervious patios or decks. There are seven principles of xeriscape. They include: Planning and design …

Notice a ghostly mist lingering over your landscape? It’s the in-ground sprinklers screaming they are under pressure. You’ve probably seen it before, clouds of a foggy mist spewing out of the in-ground sprinkler system. The problem is your sprinklers are watering the air instead of your actual landscape. It’s called high pressure and there’s a …

The clear benefit of using ground covers instead of grass is less of everything — less water, less fertilizer, less pesticides and less mowing. Tired of mowing, weeding, feeding and watering the lawn over, and over, and over again? It may be time to forget turf and move on to something that’s drought hardy, water …